Finding a Sense of Self in Fashion

Discovering your personal style can be a challenging journey, especially with ever-changing beauty standards and trends. I've been on this path since middle school, and while it hasn't always been easy, I've learned a lot along the way. Once I embraced my unique interests, navigating fashion became much more enjoyable. Here’s my story on how I’ve cultivated my distinctive style. 

In the past, social media often pulled me into a whirlwind of trends, tempting me to chase every emerging new style. While it was fun to experiment, many of these trends didn’t align with my interests or what flattered my body. I found myself bouncing from skinny jeans to oversized T-shirts, then to rainbow butterfly clips, and eventually all-black outfits. 

The various aesthetics I explored often felt contradictory, questioning my authenticity and sense of self. However, trends and aesthetics aren’t the enemy! Throughout the years, I’ve learned to draw inspiration from the trends I love, adapting them to flatter my body and reflect who I am. Plato’s Closet is perfect for finding both statement pieces and timeless classics. There, I can easily curate fun, unique outfits that match my personal style—like a simple tank top and jorts paired with a hat and yellow sunglasses.

By not solely following trends, you can focus on shopping for timeless pieces that offer lasting versatility. At the same time, drawing inspiration from trends helps you discover new ways to style the items you already own or enhance outfits with clever accessorizing. A few years ago, pearly hair accessories and cheetah print were all the rage, so I was thrilled to find a cheetah print skirt and a pearl headband that matched with outfits I previously loved!

I also love to draw inspiration from the colors in nature. When I’m outdoors, I often find myself gravitating toward the vibrant color schemes around me, which influence my choices, like flowing skirts and elegant tops. The key to finding your sense of self is through trial and error, as well as keeping an open kind. Seek inspiration from social media and the people and things around you, then curate those ideas in a way that reflects your unique self!

Blog by: Liah Escobedo | @liahescobedo