Look, I don't know who said it first. Maybe I just completely made it up. In any case, don't you think it's accurate?
What you wear isn't that important. How you wear it, makes all the difference.
You know when you see someone who's just got the swag? They're walking taller, looking like they have a secret that you don't know about... they're rocking their clothes, comfortable in their own skin and confident to take on the day. Stylish people are the ones who give zero Fs about what others are saying or thinking and have decided who they are with the things they're choosing.
I think true style is just... being deliberate.
It's not about a trend look, it's choosing how to express YOU, whatever way that is, big or small. When you're choosing to show YOU in the way you dress and present yourself, you start being more confident to choose towards your values on the bigger decisions. And when it comes to the authentic version of you, there are NO RULES.
What do YOU like?
What colours speak to you?
What shapes attract you? Do you know why?
What era speaks to your soul?
What have you always wanted to try and never been bold enough to?
This is an ongoing journey, and by no means do I ever want to put pressure on women to change what they're doing. Life is flippin hard, and sometimes, I've literally had no time for this shit. So whenever the whimsy takes you, here are my 3 tips for the journey to finding your own style, more deliberately.
Wear a singlet underneath everything!
#1. BE COMFORTABLE
If you are going to start strutting, make sure you're comfy! No point in hoicking things around unecessarily, or trying to squeeze into something that's just not happening anymore. One of my key tips for comfort, it's super simple, but I always wear a shoestring black singlet under everything. Then I know my muffin tops aren't gonna accidentally make an appearance, I don't have to worry about buttons popping open, I just layer something close to the skin to make sure I'm comfy.
#2. CHOOSE A PALETTE
This is an easy start, and is a great way to deal with the overflowing wardrobe. I tried once to create a capsule wardrobe. So I came up with my colour scheme, about a year ago. Choose colours that suit you and speak to you, and use it as a basis for your wardrobe. I don't always stick to this, as you will see from some of my outfit pics, but it helps me make decisions about my clothing. I feel empowered that I have made my own choices about what to wear, and I don't let trend or nonchalant sales assistants tell me what I should do. Sometimes I love something on trend, but I usually wait for it to be on sale and then wear it the next season, because I'm a rule breaker like that. I wear what I feel suits my personality, colouring and story, and make it my own style!
#3. GO BOLD
We all know that feeling when you spot something you like, and think "I couldn't pull that off" Yeah, it's a little out of the comfort zone, but just give it a whirl! Is it leopard print? Is it ripped jeans? Is it red lippy? Ask yourself why you AREN'T. Don't let any of those rubbish beauty and societal ideals get in the way of creative flow and expression!
For example, I was always hesitant to mix patterns. But I've realised a way to do it that reps my own personality. Now I love a structured black n white pattern, with the contrast of a floral print. The organic shapes of flowers, against the ordered symmetry of stripes, or in this case houndstooth, just does something for me! I am a bit organic and free flow by nature, but have been consciously working on being more ordered and structured over the last couple of years. It's a bold personal statement about who I am right now, the journey I am on, and I love it!
I hope you've enjoyed a quick, fun look at what makes your own personal style. Follow me for daily waffle, travel pics, and outfits! Instagram: @styleandspace