Thoughts on Personal Style

I've had this blog for almost two years. Insane, no? Over these past couple of years, I've learned a lot everything under the sun but more than anything, I've been discovering my personal style. It's not something that happens overnight. In fact, it's a journey. Style is something that's always changing and evolving. Aesthetic is fluid and trends are always coming and going. It's difficult to find a signature look amongst the constant ebb and flow but it is possible.

Find a piece that you love and wear it probably too much. I own quite a few felt hats. Brown, olive, rust, red, maroon, and this black one that I end up wearing constantly. This is a look that I adopted from the likes of Françoise Hardy and Anna Karina. I tend to look to fashion icons from the past. They're timeless. In addition to a few signature pieces, find a few silhouettes that look good on you no matter what. My sweet spot is long, flowing tops, (I swoon for kimonos) tight pants, and high heels or wedges. For dresses, this translates to smocked or skater-style. Once you find your favorite shapes and constructions, the possibilities will be endless. And all of that nonsense about "dressing for your body type?" I say no. Wear what you want and wear it with confidence. 

Don't underestimate the power of a solid makeup routine. Spend some time to figure out how you like your face. Features can be augmented or downplayed. My bangs used to be "my thing." I had them for... forever... and they were iconic among my group of friends. When I grew them out, my face looked empty so I decided to let my eyebrows grow in a little thicker. Now, my eyebrows are "my thing." I also make use of liquid eyeliner and often exaggerate the little cat eye wings. If you don't know where to start, those are two very good places. Use your free time to play with makeup and with your hair and decide what works for you. Streamline it so that it'll be painless to get ready in the morning.

Don't be afraid to "break character" once in a while. Wear what you wouldn't normally wear, I promise nothing bad will happen. I wear a lot of black and other neutrals. Every once in a while though, I'll wear bright colors. If I wear jeans, they're usually very tight, dark jeans. I do love my distressed boyfriend jeans every so often as well though. If you like something, don't be afraid to buy it even if it doesn't fit into your usual aesthetic. Variety is the spice of life and changing things up is a challenge that usually leads to more inspiration.

Remember that in the end, your style is your style and you need to own it. There are times when I'll be walking down the street and I'll get weird looks because of what I'm wearing. It happens. It's very cliché but confidence is the most important aspect of personal style. If feel uncomfortable, you'll look uncomfortable. Never leave the house in something that you're constantly fidgeting in or trying to fix. Wear clothes that fit you. If you feel good, you'll look great. And that's the point, right? Looking great? Thought so.

xo,

e.m.