This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Bucknell chapter.
Possibly one of the most frequently asked questions in the fashion world is “what’s your personal style?” And, more often than not, women struggle for an answer. Trying to fit your style sense into a popular fashion category (“Preppy,” “Grunge,” “Artsy”) sometimes can feel like trying to fit size 8 feet into a pair of size 6 Jimmy Choo discounted pumps…no matter how much you wanna do it, it just doesn’t work. For those of you struggling with what to call yourself in terms of the fashion world, fear not! There’s a solution: embrace multiple style options! YES, I said it!! It’s okay to dress like a hipster one day and look like you stepped out of a Ralph Lauren ad the other. I do it all the time, and no one’s ever reprimanded me for not dressing “preppy” 100% of the time. Also, I put these fashion categories in quotations because what really are style stereotypes, anyway? Truth is, it’s frankly pretty boring to dress item-for-item by following Teen Vogue’s “girly” or “sporty” photo shoots; versatility is what’s actually in. Here are a few of my tips on how to diversify your style so you don’t end up buying just polo shirts or biker boots for the rest of your life:
Invest in a few key pieces that can apply to multiple style “categories.” A good leather jacket can be worn over a boho maxi dress, paired with a lace skirt and booties, or can simply compliment a distressed pair of jeans and cotton tee. Spending money on these versatile pieces can save you some cash while adding options to your style sense– a double-whammy!
Let your mood control your fashion choices. As I said earlier, no one is going to scold you for trying out different styles. I am a firm believer that your mood is what most affects your style, so listen to your inner self for some fashion advice. Feeling peaceful? Embrace a more relaxed, boho-inspired look, then change it up the next day when you’re feeling something different. You’ll feel more complete and comfortable, and your attitude that day will thank you.
Take tips from celebrities. Many celebrities have been quoted saying that their personal style really can’t be defined. Look at photographs of everyone from actress Victoria Justice and model Kate Moss to see how their looks change day by day, but more importantly how they rock them.
Stick to styles that work with your body type. Love the artsy look of high-waisted jeans, but feel like a stuffed sausage link after you try them on? Although you ideally want to dress a certain way, if it isn’t flattering on your body type, forgo that look. You can always mix and match accessories and certain clothing items from different style categories, but realizing what looks good on you and what doesn’t is the absolute first-and vital step in creating your own personal style mix.
Step outside of your comfort zone. If you’re used to wearing J.Crew cardigans, skinny jeans, and flats pretty much every day but have been obsessing over a hippy-looking Free People dress, buy it! Don’t worry about what others will think if you go out in something that is atypical from your usual style. Usual is different than personal, so remember that. Be fearless in the face of fashion!
Like many celebrities, I am also a firm believer that your personal style can’t be defined whatsoever. You’re allowed to dress one way one day and channel a completely different look the next; to me, a person who can pull off different looks is more interesting than one who worships Lacoste, Urban Outfitters, or Abercrombie. Embrace being fearlessly fabulous; it’s your new motto!
XX,
Jen Lassen
Image Source:
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