By Ava C. Green, Editor-in-Chief
How do I find my own style?
Although that girl writing about fall trends is, like, super cool and pretty and smart, knowing what not to wear is only half the battle. I’m pretty sure my freshman year fashion-feature-writing self already wrote way too many words trying to answer this question, but now I’ve matured and actively have an advice column named after myself. I feel like I’m finally qualified to tell you what you need to know before you venture out into an abundance of new apparel. My thesis here is that when you’re developing your own personal style, you shouldn’t listen to that fashion writer (even if she’s really cute and you really want to) – you shouldn’t even really listen to this!
I think the most important thing to do when you’re shopping with the prospect of pioneering your personal style – or even just revamping it – is that you go in alone. We’ve all seen those hard-to-watch episodes of Say Yes to the Dress where the bride’s fiancé goes to the try-on for whatever reason…and he has soooo much nerve for whatever reason. He has every wrong opinion and no eye for fashion. If you haven’t watched, I highly recommend. It’s some of the most intense rage bait you’ll ever see. It’s a nightmare scenario to have someone who just doesn’t get the ‘vision’ tag along for a shopping trip.
But wedding dress shopping is very different from the more casual shopping you may be doing. A second opinion might be essential for an outfit that’s going to be immortalized on a thank-you card, but for your day-to-day clothing decisions, and for developing a style unique to you, the only opinion I think you should value is your own. My advice is to follow your gut through some trial and error – in the fitting rooms, and eventually out in the real world.
It’s all about finding the stuff you’ll really wear, that you’re really comfortable in; but most importantly, what makes you want to walk with just a little extra ‘tude. You can start by specifically looking for a few statement pieces that really feel like you that you can casually incorporate into your closet.
Get lots of sleep, equip yourself with some caffeine, start for the mall bright and early, and don’t leave unless you’ve spent a hefty amount of time trying things on. And don’t leave without buying at least one thing that you’re kind of nervous to wear for the first time. Challenge yourself to not only make it work with your current wardrobe, but make it your new favorite piece of clothing.
It’s all confidence, baby. I’ve worn some questionable (at best) outfits in my time, but I’d like to think I wear them with enough conviction that people just trust that my gaudily blinged-out finger is on the pulse of fashion. Really, it’s because I’m wearing said gaudy jewelry because it makes me happy, which makes me feel cool, which in turn, makes me feel confident. My conviction is completely earnest, and yours will be too if you choose your garments while ignoring that external guidance and going with gut.
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