Wear What You Love

If you follow fashion like many of us, you know that trends come and go and much of what is popular is propelled by style influencers and well known editors. Over time we become conditioned to choose and wear outfits we think others will like or what is of the moment. As human beings we are conditioned to feel the need to fit in society in certain ways. There is a desire in many of us to maintain a status quo. We don’t want to rock the boat and we want to be seen as acting and even looking like others around us.

Many of us don’t even realize we are conditioned to fit in like those we admire.  On the other hand, some of us work hard to look like others. Perhaps we pick certain outfits in hopes that we will look like someone we admire. When we go shopping, we may not even realize we purchase products we have seen someone else wear or that was featured in a magazine.  It’s as if we gravitate towards products we have seen or believe to be in fashion. When I go shopping with friends, they always bring along pictures of products they have seen online or in magazines. To them, these products represent good taste because it’s what others are talking about and highlighting.  It’s very rare that I meet someone who is confident in their own skin to strike out and buy what they love instead of waiting to see what everyone else adores.

If you love fashion, but are afraid to break out of your own style mold, there are a few tips to help you. First, put the fashion magazines down and stop reading your favorite style blogs. This is about developing your own style not copying what you see or what someone dictates to you. Second, sit down and make a list of your favorite clothes or clothes you would love to own. Think in terms of style, not brand name. Do you favor blazers? If so, write that down!  What sort of new shoes would you like purchase?  Are you a flats or heels girl?  Make a list of styles you like, not what you’ve seen in magazines or on style blogs, but silhouettes that make your heart flutter without be told that they are in style or cool. Developing your own style is all about you. Shut out the rest of the outside world and you would be surprised how easy it is to make your own fashion choices. Don’t become a fashion victim that lets others tell or dictate what to wear and carry. This applies to accessories and handbags as well. Before purchasing a new handbag, make a list of what shapes and styles you prefer. It’s fun shopping for designer handbags, but don’t get too caught up in what everyone else is carrying. Learn to wear what you love and carry what you love. Let yourself dictate your style, not someone else.