Introduction
For me, fashion has always been more than clothing. It is a reflection of who I am. It is many pieces, layers, styles, and textures wrapped into one. The way I look and dress communicates my state of mind, my personality, and sometimes, even the life stages I go through. When I find something that makes me feel confident, I can take on anything that life throws at me. When I get dressed, it is more than seeking inspiration from a trend. It is the act of style myself, finding inspiration in a piece of clothing or shoes or a combination of pieces that gives me confidence and ultimately inspires me to be authentically me. I have gone through style evolution through experimentation, failed attempts, failed experiences, and ultimately, a better understanding of my own style.
This blog is going to be a diary of my fashion day to day; the journey of how I style the clothes I wear, how I build outfits to make me feel personal, and how I make my closet, my voice without saying anything at all.
Step 1: Unearthing My Fashion Identity
I would venture to say that like most people, I did not just wake up, and I had no idea what my style was. It has been a journey of experiments, mistakes, and minor victories.
In my teenage years, I experienced identity in phases based on copying trends, wearing outfits I thought looked amazing on celebrities, but was incredibly uncomfortable, and impulse bought things that I wore once, MAYBE twice with zero intention of combination or repetition, which leads to a closet full of nonsense. It slowly dawned on me that it was not me, it was that style was personal, and styling is about telling your story.
I started questioning my self.
Step 2: Foundation Wardrobe Basics
Every fashionista starts with a strong foundational set, and for me that foundation meant having a set of wardrobe basics I could always turn to.
Denim- A perfect pair of jeans that fit well, they can be casual in sneakers during the day, or dressy for a night out in a beautiful pair of heels.
White Shirt- Crisp, classic, timeless, it can be worn with skirts, trousers, or even layered over a casual dress.
Neutral T-Shirts- A beige tee, a black tee, and a grey tee, they work as the foundation for layering.
Little Black Dress- My go to piece for everything from dinners and parties, to after-work drinks, and even work events with a right blazer.
Blazers and Jackets- Because 9 times out of 10 your outerwear is what people see and make an impression with.
A Comfortable Pair of Sneakers & A Classic Pair of Heels- Because shoes should be an investment, so they might as well be practical and comfortable, or elegant with a proper heels.
Foundation does not mean boring, it only needs to be functional. Once I had my foundational pieces, styling myself became easier because I could continuously mix and match.
Step 3: Experimentation- The Fun Part of Fashion
There are certainly going to be a lot of times styling myself means using the original or base layered pieces I love, but I don’t want to fall back on “tried and true”. Fashion gets exciting when I don’t play it safe!
Mixing Prints- I am known to have mixed all kinds of prints together. Stripes versus florals, checks against polka dots. When I first started mixing prints, it felt risky, but I quickly learned mixing prints does not require matching. As long as the print is the right balance to layer with a neutral piece, you are good!
Playing with Colors
Step 4: Accessories = The Soul of My Style
Where I really convey who I am is through accessories.
Jewelry: Minimal some days, just some tiny hoops or a dainty chain, then other days it’s chunky rings and layers of necklaces.
Bags: A structured work handbag, a casual cross body, and a clutch for evening.
Scarves and Belts: The smaller details that changes a basic outfit into something more memorable.
Sunglasses- My go to confidence piece.
I have learned that accessories are not just add ons, rather they are the storytellers of outfits. I can wear the simplest outfit, but throw on the right earrings or bag, and everything is elevated.
Step 5: Dressing for Moods & Occasions
One of the fun parts of styling myself is being able to change my look based on my mood or occasion.
Work Mode: I wear structured blazers, fitted trousers, and pointed heels, which makes me feel professional and sharp.
Casual Days: I wear oversized shirts, comfy denim, sneakers, and a messy bun. Effortless, but still stylish.
Parties: I wear sequins, bold lips, or statement heels. Styling myself means making a statement, yet still being comfortable.
Festive Vibes: I wear ethnic wear, sarees, lehengas, kurta sets, but style it with my custom twist as well, such as pairing traditional jewelry with modern jewelry.
Travel Looks: I prioritize comfort. I wear sneakers, joggers
Step 6: Beauty, Hair & Makeup – Completing the Look
Clothing is only half the story – styling myself also means taking my hair, makeup, and skincare into consideration.
Makeup – For daily looks, I keep it simple with nude tones, fresh blush and mascara. For nighttime events, I try out either a bold lip or smokey eyes.
Hair – A sleek ponytail for power days, waves for a casual day, and messy buns for perfect effortless chic.
Skincare – healthy skin makes any outfit looks good. Styling myself really starts when I feel good in my skin.
What I’m really talking about isn’t necessarily perfection of these details, but how they make me feel.
Step 7: Confidence – The Real Outfit
The reality is that no matter how great the outfit is, not having confidence and carrying yourself with confidence makes any stylish outfit incomplete.
I have worn gorgeous dresses on days where I didn’t feel good about myself and the look fell flat. But, I have also worn basic jeans and a T shirt with confidence and people noticed all of a sudden – it was the energy I was carrying, not my outfit. Styling myself is not only about the clothes I wear, it’s about the energy I exude.
Confidence is the accessory that never goes out of style.
Conclusion : My Style Philosophy
Styling myself has been a journey of trial, error, learning and growing along the way. Today I view fashion differently than my teenage self did. I see fashion as more than trends – fashion is a lifestyle. It’s about feeling good (inside and out ) and taking the time for me to curate my own unique style. Thank you for joining me on my journey to style myself, I hope you continue to discover or define your own chic unique style wherever it may take you!