by T.S. Williams by insidemyweedbag.blog

With personal style being such a big thing on this platform, I thought it would be good to start discussing what I feel is the most authentic way to do so when you’re just a day-to-day person trying to be stylish. As an artist, I think of my personal style as building an image, and I believe even if you’re not an artist, it’s a good mindset to adopt in your daily life. Your personal style is a screencap of how you present yourself to the world and your community, reflecting not only your taste but also your values and personality. It can be a powerful form of self-expression, allowing you to showcase your creativity and individuality while also connecting with others who share similar aesthetics and viewpoints. Finding your unique style might require experimentation with different colors, patterns, and accessories, leading to a deeper understanding of what you truly resonate with—what makes you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin. The journey of defining your personal style is just as important as the final look, as it encourages confidence and authenticity in how you engage with the world around you. It might involve stepping out of your comfort zone and trying pieces you wouldn’t normally choose, or even mixing and matching items from your wardrobe in unexpected ways, turning the process into an enjoyable adventure. So, with that in mind, I wanted to share 4 things I feel aid in your personal style journey, helping you not only to enhance your wardrobe but also to uncover more about yourself along the way.

1. First things first, Pinterest-inspired fits are OUT and that’s no shade to my good sister Pinterest; she and I are tight.
   • It can be a great resource for finding images, and its algorithm is helpful, often suggesting trendy ideas that reflect current fashion aesthetics. However, you do need to extend your style and curation beyond her, exploring new avenues that truly represent your personal aesthetic. You need more organic inspiration, not outfits to copy and paste, which can often lead to a lack of originality and authenticity in your wardrobe choices. It’s about developing a unique style that incorporates your personality and lifestyle.
     • Honestly, all the tips in this list are expanding ways to accomplish this, as I feel it is the most important part of developing your personal sense of style. Your fashion sense and overall taste can significantly impact how you present yourself to the world.
2. Start reading and collecting fashion as well as beauty literature, especially older.
   • This is a great physical way to extend your curation, especially since it will expose you to images you may not be able to find on Pinterest and Tumblr (a.k.a. my good Judy). By delving into various magazines, books, and articles, you can gain deeper insights into trends, styles, and the historical context of fashion. Even just things like looking into old runway footage (YouTube has lots if you don’t want to look hard) or archive magazine articles can be great. Additionally, this practice will not only enhance your aesthetic sensibility but also inspire your own creative expressions as you reflect on the diverse interpretations of beauty across different cultures and eras. This journey through literature can lead to discovering iconic designers and pivotal moments in fashion history that resonate with your personal style. Embracing such resources enriches your understanding and appreciation of the art form. I’ll list a few of my current favorites below for inspo.
     • How to Dress for Success by Edith Head
     • Destiny’s Style by Tina Knowles
     • About Face by Kevyn Aucion
     • Essence Beauty Basics And Beyond by Patricia M. Hinds
     • The Encyclopedia of Bad Taste by Jane Stern
3. Start following more influencers that share your body type.
   • I am less of an advocate for body positivity and more of an advocate for body neutrality; whether your body is hot or not, you have one, and part of personal style is dressing it. Thus, in being objective about this fact, I think taking in more content from people who share your shape will also give you more inspiration and confidence in how to dress your body. It wasn’t until I started following more women who looked like me and whose clothes fit their bodies like they did mine that I realized how often I was making an active attempt to hide my body, thus limiting my personal style greatly. By embracing the idea of body neutrality, I feel liberated to explore various styles without the pressure of societal standards, which often dictate what is deemed acceptable or fashionable. The more I exposed myself to diverse perspectives on body shape and size, the more I understood that my personal style could be an expression of who I am rather than a shield protecting me from judgment or insecurity. This shift in mindset has empowered me to experiment with different outfits, colors, and textures that reflect my individuality, leading to a more fulfilling and joyful experience in how I choose to present myself to the world.
4. Find brands and pieces that share your motive/aesthetic; this will lead to better shopping.
   • Every brand has its own aesthetic and lifestyle associated with it. Start by searching for pieces with a functional purpose, even if they are high-end. The reason is that it allows you to start visually identifying what pieces you want in your closet, familiarizing yourself with the types of fabrics used, the silhouettes along with the brand, leading you closer and closer to your style goals. I like watching vintage runways, taking notes on what you like about the pieces and what you want to incorporate into your own personal style. I then take these notes and break them down into a shopping list that I will take to the thrift store, hoping to find quality vintage pieces that mirror this motive. This process not only refines your taste but also enhances your ability to curate a wardrobe that truly reflects your individuality. By investing time in this practice, you can make informed choices and develop a keen eye for detail, enabling you to discover unique items that resonate with your personal narrative.
     • Source: The plum Simply Vera Wang top I got from the thrift for $2.99, along with the Michael Kors club dress for $7. Trust me, bro.

And there are your 4 tips (for now, of course) to aid you in your personal style journey. Each tip is designed to help you explore different facets of your individuality and express it through your clothing choices. I hope you take something away from this, even if it’s just new ways to get inspired. Remember, personal style is not just about following trends; it’s about discovering what makes you feel confident and authentic. Embrace the process, experiment with various looks, and don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone to truly express who you are.