Why Developing a Personal Style is Better Than any Trend
By Nora Lima Dahl
Coming out of quarantine, most of us have spent countless hours scrolling TikTok and Instagram in our pajamas or other loungewear. With the return of some normalcy and the summer months we are enjoying, it is easy to get excited about acquiring new, cute summer apparel. Or if you are like me, you have realized after over a year in quarantine that you really do not need that many clothing items. Do not get me wrong, I love meandering shopping streets and browsing an array of online shops as much as the next girl, but being kept out of stores has given me an appreciation for the clothes I already own and how I can mix and match them in new ways. Especially over the past few months I have looked into ways I can add a few new clothing items, or even just accessories, to make the outfits feel new and exciting to wear again. And while I love that we are bringing back trends from the 90s, flouncy tennis skirts, cute cardigans, and oversized hoodies, I have been more interested and excited by items that are unique and that I feel like I would love and cherish for many years to come.
An example of this is a pair of jeans I got at an estate sale in Nashville earlier this spring. While they appear pretty average at first glance, with a washed-out denim color and holes in the knees, they fit in a unique, these-pants-were-made-for-me type of way. The jeans have also proven to be extremely versatile. I have worn them with heels and a cute crop top, a baggy shirt and sneakers, and with a nice blouse and wedges, making them an absolute staple for date nights, Sunday study sessions, and (small, with all parts involved vaccinated) family gatherings. While I do not think my Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants moment is necessarily cherished by anyone except myself, I love that I have what feels like (and do not laugh) a personal relationship with a pair of jeans that makes me feel like the best version of myself.
In my journey developing my style, I have realized how differently many of us look at jewelry as opposed to clothing. And I mean jewelry that we wear daily, the kind of stuff you probably inherited from a great Aunt or bought from Instagram but wear daily. At least for me, jewelry feels more personal than clothing. Each necklace, ring, or bracelet I wear reminds me of someone or something. This is in stark contrast with how I (used to) think about clothes. Sure, I had that one t-shirt that reminded me of a friend I made at summer tennis camp in 2010, or the dress I wore for high school graduation, but most of my clothes were things I had bought because it was considered ‘cool’ or aligned with the trends flourishing at some point in time. And while I do not think every single item in my closet needs to have some kind of story or sentimental value, I want them all to compliment the real me. I want the clothes I wear to reflect my personality and the way I think of myself. For some people, it probably is not that deep, and it does not have to be. Maybe they have a different expressive outlet, or just do not really feel the need to dress with the idea of individuality in mind. This is okay too. I think everyone should wear exactly what they want to because most likely, that is your personal style.
Looking for some more advice as to how to develop your own style? Read Ellie Bavier’s article on the subject here.
