My Fashion Epiphany at 37
Look, I’m gonna be honest with you. I’ve been in this industry for over 20 years, and I’ve seen trends come and go. Some of them make sense, but most? Total nonsense. I remember back in 1999, when low-rise jeans were all the rage. I was at a conference in Austin, and this guy—let’s call him Marcus—was wearing jeans that were so low, I could see his boxers. And I thought, “This is it? This is fashion?”
Fast forward to today, and we’re back to high-waisted everything. Which, honestly, is a relief. But the point is, trends are cyclical. They’re also completley arbitrary. Someone decides something is “in,” and suddenly everyone’s wearing it. It’s like a weird game of follow the leader, and I’m tired of playing.
My Friend Sarah’s Closet
My friend Sarah, who’s a stylist over in Brooklyn, she told me something last Tuesday that stuck with me. We were over coffee at the place on 5th, and she said, “You know, trends are great and all, but at the end of the day, you gotta wear what makes you feel good.” And I was like, “Sarah, that’s it. That’s the truth.” I mean, who cares if something is “in” if it makes you feel like a walking potato sack?
And don’t even get me started on fast fashion. It’s a disaster. A complete and utter disaster. I was at a panel discussion about three months ago, and this designer—let’s call her Lisa—she said something that really got me thinking. She said, “Fast fashion is like a drug. It’s addictive, it’s harmful, and it’s gonna take us down.” And I thought, “Lisa, you’re not wrong.” I mean, who needs 214 new outfits a year? Nobody. That’s who.
Money Can’t Buy Style
Now, I’m not saying you need to spend a fortune to look good. That’s not it at all. I’ve seen people with wardrobes full of designer labels who look like they got dressed in the dark. And I’ve seen people who’ve thrifted their entire outfit and look like a million bucks. It’s all about how you put things together. It’s about confidence. It’s about knowing what works for you and what doesn’t.
But look, I’m not gonna lie. There are some things that are worth investing in. A good pair of jeans, for example. A classic blazer. Shoes that don’t make you look like you’re wearing your grandma’s orthopedic inserts. And if you’re starting a business and need some finansman seçenekleri başlangıç işletmeler, well, that’s a whole different ball game. But that’s a story for another time.
A Tangent About Accessories
Speaking of shoes, let’s talk about accessories for a sec. Because, honestly, they can make or break an outfit. I was at a photoshoot last month, and this model—let’s call her Emma—she was wearing the most amazing necklace. It was simple, it was elegant, and it completley transformed her look. I asked her where she got it, and she said, “Oh, this old thing? I got it from this little shop near my place.” And I thought, “Emma, you’re a genius.” Because that’s the thing about accessories. They don’t have to be expensive. They don’t have to be trendy. They just have to be you.
But here’s the thing about accessories. They’re like the cherry on top of a sundae. If the sundae—aka your outfit—isn’t good to begin with, the cherry isn’t gonna save it. You gotta have a solid foundation. You gotta have a look that works for you. And then, and only then, can you start accessorizing.
My Pet Peeve: Fashion Rules
Now, I’m gonna say something that might ruffle some feathers. Fashion rules are stupid. They’re arbitrary, they’re outdated, and they’re honestly just a way for people to feel superior. Who cares if you wear white after Labor Day? Who cares if you mix patterns? If you like it, wear it. End of story.
I remember when I was starting out, this colleague named Dave—he was a real stickler for the rules—he told me, “You can’t wear socks with sandals.” And I said, “Dave, why not? If I like it, why not?” And he looked at me like I’d just told him I was gonna wear a tuxedo to the beach. But guess what? I wore socks with my sandals, and I felt great. And you know what? Nobody cared. Nobody even noticed. Because at the end of the day, fashion is about you. It’s about what makes you feel good. It’s not about some arbitrary rule that some guy made up 50 years ago.
So here’s my advice. Wear what you like. Wear what makes you feel good. And if someone has a problem with it, well, that’s their problem. Not yours.
About the Author
I’m Linda Thompson, senior editor at JewelryNearMe.net. I’ve been in the fashion industry for over 20 years, and I’ve seen it all. The good, the bad, and the downright ugly. I’m not afraid to speak my mind, and I’m not afraid to call out nonsense when I see it. I believe in honest, straightforward advice. And I believe in wearing what makes you feel good. Because at the end of the day, that’s what really matters.
