Viviana Volpicella by Garance Doré.
As the fashion season begins to wind down, I’ve decided to do some soul searching. In the business of fashion, inspiration is everywhere you look. Especially with the dawn of Instagram, sharing our OOTDS and regramming all our favourite style icons, makes it increasingly difficult to carve out a clear, unwavering sense of our own personal style. I, for one, struggle with this every day. And don’t even get me started on packing for a trip!
I usually go through phases – right now I’m feeling the whole Margaret Zhang high fashion-meets-obscure references aesthetic. But, I’m not Miss Zhang, and although I really dig her style, it’s not going to do me much service to slavishly copy it. Same goes for all my other previous style crushes: Chiara Ferragni, Vanessa Hong, Miroslava Duma, Victoria Beckham, Olivia Palermo, and so on and so forth.
It boils down to this: How can I continue to inspire all of you, if I have trouble defining who I am when it comes to my personal style? I mean, I know who I’m not. That’s for sure. I’m not a cupcake blogger. I hate wide poodle skirts with statement necklaces and I’ll never wear jeggings again for as long as I live. I also don’t do the emo-drapery look, although I can respect it, it’s definitely not me. But this brings me back to the crux of matter: What is my personal style?
I don’t have the answer for you guys today, even though I really really wish I did. (It would make getting dressed this morning a lot easier). And although it isn’t necessarily a weakness to absorb all my external stimuli like a sponge, when it starts to mess with my identity, though, it really just becomes a thorn in my side. Let’s face it. It’s extremely super annoying to not know what to wear especially when all your indecision can be attributed to an overarching existential style crisis. I seriously feel bad for my boyfriend sometimes when it seems as though what I’m looking for is a philosophical answer rather than the right pair of shoes.
But, style is a philosophy.
So, I’m going on a quest for personal style – for real this time. Will you join me?
Love this post, Justine! I’m certainly undecided in regards to my personal style too.
You’re writing is excellent, I need to learn from you!
Justin
Walking, Talking Style
New post: #AEOLive
I’m so glad I’m not alone in this! I don’t think I will do a 180 an completely change my style, but I’d like to define it more so that when faced with certain decisions, I can be confident in what’s best for me and not what’s on trend. LOL thanks! Writing is my favourite way to express myself. Happy to entertain you and inspire :) Say hi to HK for me.
Great post. And I must say that although those people that have a really defined aesthetic might have their sense of style worked out, it can be boring to observe. I think evolution is key to good style–and a great blog! And I really enjoy yours (style and blog) :)
Thanks Roslyn! So sweet of you to say :) I agree, there is something exciting about evolving and new possibilities. If I had unlimited resources I swear I would wear only RTW collections from all my favourite designers and change my wardrobe three times a year. LOL #wishfulthinking