Who Are You Really Styling For?

Take a moment to think about how often you seek out advice or inspiration before purchasing new clothes. I was intrigued to hear that about 80% of people admit to doing this. It seems that most people shop for their clothes based on what others think, and honestly, that is just human nature. Subconsciously or consciously, every person feels the need to fit in and feel validated at times, but making this a genuine habit is something that should be avoided. Think about it: why would you wear something simply because your friend said they liked it or your favorite influencer recommended it? This has become the norm in fashion with the rise of social media and micro-trends, and as a result, many are inauthentically styling themselves. A lot of us have not even stopped to ask ourselves if we actually like something or if we are just wearing it because everyone else has it. It is a pretty hard cycle to break, and I would know because I was once in it. While everyone is different, especially when it comes to fashion, I believe thrifting is a great solution to breaking the cycle. They are not filled with the current micro-trends that everyone else is participating in, and you never know what you'll find. I really believe anyone can find something that feels like them in thrift shops. I challenge you all to begin discovering your authentic style by seeking your own approval rather than the approval of others.