Since the first day I was able to choose my own clothes, I began strutting out of the house in mismatched Converse, tutus, overly skinny jeans, DIY T-shirts, and basically anything that crossed my mind. I remember recording episodes of Hannah Montana Forever on my DVR and watching Miley for fashion inspiration before getting ready for school. Making Halloween costumes and dressing my Webkinz truly gave me a rush. I was a fashionista from birth, one could say. However, with puberty came an awareness of what I was wearing, how my body fit in clothes, what celebrities and models looked like, and how I was fitting in with those around me. I’m sure every girl can look back to that time where confidence drops, boobs grow, boys suck, and middle school begins. I lost touch with my love of trying new looks, experimenting with clothing, and shopping for fun and unique pieces. Middle school was filled with duck face selfies, push up bras, and fitting in.
I’m the youngest of five children and was lucky enough to grow up in the shadow of two inspiring, intelligent, and confident older sisters. Aware that I had lost pizazz in my passion for fashion, I remember the day when my sister Margo passed on words of wisdom that Nicole—the eldest—had given her when she was younger. One day we were shopping, and after contemplating if the jeans I tried on were in season / the right fit / too tight / too loose / too light / too ripped, she hit me with words that I have never forgotten:
“It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it.”
Though I may sound dramatic and cheesy, this truly changed my life and brought me back to my happy place. As high school came along I began wearing what I wanted and rocking it. I wasn’t worried about specific looks, fitting in, or wearing the right thing. Because, dammit, it wasn’t about what I was wearing anymore, it was about how. I almost became competitive with myself to push the boundaries of what I was wearing to see how confident and convinced of my fashion choices I could be. People started asking “how are you pulling that off right now?” and I would immediately reply with gratitude and tell them they could too! I shared my sister’s golden advice, and I continue to everyday.
Creating your own sense of style and trying new things may be scary. Stressing out about your outfit is a common and normal issue, but can totally be beat. All you have to remember is “It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it”. Let it change your life as it changed mine. CONFIDENCE FOR THE WIN.