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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FIU chapter.

Fashion should be seen as a wearing statement of someone’s uniqueness. There are various types of fashion that underline how someone is and there are many people that define themselves with the way they dress because it is a form of self-expression. This thought process can be seen as creative, but also tricky because…

TIP 1: NEVER LET SOCIETY DETERMINE YOUR SENSE OF FASHION:

Being able to wear clothing pieces that allow you to gain a form of self-expression is exceptional. Allowing that to be determined by society is detrimental because it is never a time you think you are dressing up for yourself, but for others. In my previous article R.O.A.R., I mention aspects in my life that made others feel more predominant in my lifestyle. (I allowed it to happen because I did not know my worth)

TIP 2: DO NOT LET CLOTHING HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON YOUR WORTH:

Clothing does not determine your worth. You are no less of a person if you have minimal clothing pieces or you do not fit in society’s standards of what is trending at this moment. Honestly, the items that are trending are they even worth buying? Do they define you? Are you confident enough to live up to what society sees?

My Story With Clothing.

Growing up, I went to a private school that had strict guidelines on what we wear and keep in mind we only wore uniforms (how strict can you be at this point?). I eventually went to a public school that allowed us to wear anything we want. The only downfall was that I did not put clothing pieces to go to school or anywhere else. I was used to wearing my uniform 5 days a week and coming home wearing my pajamas. I only had two shoes one to match my uniform and the other to wear for Physical Education.

By the time I had to go to my public school, I had to BUILD a wardrobe at the age of thirteen. I went school shopping not really knowing what I wanted or want was for me (I was picking and choosing thinking hopefully everything will come together). My ‘Back to School Clothes Shopping’ was not enough to fulfill the whole entire school year. I would get bullied for the most part on what I wore and how I wore it, rather it was big or small on me. I hated this feeling. If I did not have the clothes that were in at that time, I would be seen as poor and as a “nobody.” At this time, clothing defined our worth. I became more cautious about what I wore and second guess leaving the house.

TIP 3: WHAT IS FOR YOU WILL ALWAYS BE FOR YOU

We always hear this saying but I want to use this phrase in the sense of fashion. From my clothing story, I eventually lived up to society’s standards but was it really me?

No, instead I started to figure out what is for me in my sense of fashion and clothing pieces. The best thing I could possibly due is creating a Pinterest account with wish lists, ideas, and inspiration. I wanted to expand my dream wardrobe and turn it into a reality. I created a wish list and revised it every now and then to see if I want to invest less or more in want I want. I learned that if I want something at the moment out of impulse I will give myself two to three days to see if I still truly want to invest my money into pieces that are good quality, versatile, and long-lasting. (helpful savings tip)

When it comes to shopping I would say to invest in pieces that have those three qualities

Versatility

Long-lasting

Good Quality

With these three qualities, your wardrobe can be limited to pieces you need rather than what you wear one time during the year. You would not be invested in fast fashion, but cautious about what you put your money towards.

TIP 4: There is always another option: LEARN TO DO IT YOURSELF.

Creating your own pieces is extremely helpful. You can create your pieces with YOUR OWN VISION. A place I would recommend would be visiting fabric stores and learning how to sew by hand or by a sewing machine.

Diana Dupelord is a Senior Editor at Florida International University Her Campus Chapter. She oversees a group of writers that exemplify different genres of writing. She is responsible for ensuring article credibility, while managing and editing writers' content before publication. Diana continues to expand her editorial experience by becoming a Student Editor for FIU's Undergraduate Research Journal for the 2024 Cohort. She dedicates her time to working with Student Writers during the drafting and publication process to ensure efficient published academic research. Additionally, she has served as an intern for Her Campus Media X Ulta Beauty by creating written content on natural hair for the empowerment of Black Beauty. The art of writing has allowed Diana to optimize her passion for it. She is dedicated to sharing her life experiences through her love for writing. Her transparency has allowed her to influence and inspire people by portraying the empowerment of her written pieces. She emphasizes her reasonings to teach the world as "Breaking Barriers is My Purpose."