The thing about trends is that they’re just ‘trends.’ They come and go, some cycling through the decades while others persist longer. I believe that with the advent of social media and the instant access to new clothes at our fingertips, we’ve lost the art of self-expression and personal style. I know I did for a while. I’d see something cute on an influencer and think, “Oh my god, I need to try that!” I’d try it, and it didn’t work for me because it wasn’t me. It took some time for me to discover my personal style, what I’m drawn to, and find pieces that I want to invest in. What looks good on someone else won’t always work for me. It’s about finding the pieces that make me feel confident and excited to get ready.
What do you feel drawn to?
Think about the fabrics, colors, prints, and silhouettes you naturally gravitate toward. What do you love wearing, and what never seems to feel quite right? Understanding your preferences is the first step toward building a wardrobe that feels like you.
For me, that means wide-leg jeans, long jackets, earthy tones, plaid, leopard print, and flowy tops. My style leans boho-chic, with a little inspiration from designers like Isabel Marant. I love adding jewelry, scarves, and interesting textures to an outfit, or incorporating a pop of color or print to make a simple look feel more personal. Basics are important, but it's the details that make an outfit your own.
Start by paying attention to what you reach for most often. Maybe it's a great pair of jeans, soft knits, tailored trousers, or vintage-inspired dresses. Think about the colors you feel best in, the silhouettes you love, and the pieces that make you feel most like yourself. You might find that your style is relaxed and understated, romantic and feminine, or a mix of a few different aesthetics.
The goal isn't to fit yourself into a particular style category or follow every new trend. It's to recognize what you genuinely love and build on it. Once you understand your preferences, shopping becomes more intentional, getting dressed feels easier, and your wardrobe starts to feel less like a collection of clothes and more like a reflection of your personality.Start with your ideal essentials
I’ve thought about this a lot…if I had to start over with my wardrobe, what would I start with? If I were to move to Paris and could only bring a few suitcases, what would I pack? These are my must-have essentials. Building a timeless wardrobe begins with personal essentials that reflect your style and remain relevant season after season. My ideal pieces include my 70s Sezane jeans, delicate lace blouses, a structured denim trench coat, a suede skirt, a well-worn leather satchel, and cozy knits.
What these items share is less about trends and more about quality. They are carefully chosen fabrics and well-loved items that only enhance with time. These pieces effortlessly mix and match, elevate casual outfits, and form a reliable foundation that you can build upon. Every new addition complements what you already love rather than competes with it.
Finding your ideal fashion essentials begins with clarity. Identify the colors, silhouettes, and fabrics that resonate with you and align with your lifestyle. Start by auditing your wardrobe. Keep items that fit well, flatter your figure, and get regular wear. Donate or sell the rest, and prioritize quality over quantity, investing in fabrics that are durable and timeless
Be YOU
We live in a world where we have immediate access to others and the way they dress and I’m talking about influencers. We can easily be persuaded to buy something online, invest in something just because it’s a ‘trend,’ and lose ourself in the process. We also live during one of the most expressive and creative times (even if it doesn’t always feel like that). We live in a time where we can be free to wear what we want and where styles intertwine all around us.
Choose pieces that resonate with your true self, not because a label claims they’re in, but because they reflect the person you aspire to be each morning you open your closet. Building a wardrobe that feels like you is a gradual process. Keep what brings you comfort and confidence, and edit out what doesn’t. Welcome new items that speak to your taste, not the fleeting trends of the season. Trust your instincts, wear what delights you, and don’t hesitate to change your mind. Over time, the clothes that remain will tell a clear story, it will be one that’s honest, practical, and unmistakably yours.
That quiet confidence is the most powerful trend you can follow.