Take pride in prioritizing your own fashion sense

By Jenna Munswami

Not many students consider their daily fashion choices. Prioritizing comfort is the usual style — completely valid, no judgement here. But for those who are looking to add an extra bit of flair, there are so many clothing options out there! We need to prioritize personal style and stop following every trend.

Fashion trends are not a new concept and will definitely not be going anywhere anytime soon. I have no problem with trends; they are something that defines an era. I do, however, have a problem when it comes to microtrends and the increasing speed of trend cycles. Fast fashion is horrible for its industry and the environment. Our planet should not be sacrificed for a “cute fit.” Following every trend also prevents us from finding what we actually feel good wearing.

Choosing a piece of clothing just because it is popular can end up being wasteful. You might end up hating the material or how the clothes actually look. Once an item is not trendy anymore, it will likely find its way to a landfill. The United Nations Environment Programme reports that 92 million tons of textile waste is produced globally every year.  It is normal to dislike certain clothes as you change, but clothes should be meant to last. Donating and upcycling clothes are just a few ways to minimize waste.

This does not mean that trends should be hated, though. There are some that are fun to keep up with, as long as you still like it after it is unpopular. Some people find clothing they like due to certain pieces becoming trendy. There are so many styles out there that people might not be aware of. Becoming trendy is not inherently bad because it can introduce you to something you did not even know you liked!

This is where personal style comes into play. Outfits can be more than just clothes; they can represent you as a person. It can show your interests, hobbies, the music you listen to and your individuality. You do not get to show that off if you always wear what everyone else is wearing. 

Personal style is something that is developed over time. As lovely as it would be, your dream wardrobe is not curated in one day. This is normal, as it lends time for experimentation and finding a style that is uniquely yours.

My favorite way to find style is to simply appease your inner child. If a younger version of you would think the current you is cool, then you are doing something right. We all had someone who we looked up to and said, “I want to be like you when I grow up,” and there is no better chance than the present to make that person be you.

Similarly, it is easy to find inspiration from the media you digest. It can be from any point in your life. If you like a character or artist, maybe try to replicate parts of their outfits. This does not mean cosplay, but instead taking elements from them.

If you are someone who likes the Netflix TV show “Bridgerton,” maybe you try finding babydoll tops with ribbon to replicate the empire waistline dresses from the show. For any superhero fans, the heroes are not in costume all of the time. Without a doubt, there has to be instances of your favorites in civilian clothes. Batman fanatics should bring back smudged eyeliner and Winter Soldier fans all need a red Henley shirt. 

Starting small also helps. The style of the “Winx Club” girls is something that could easily be replicated into real life, but maybe an entire wardrobe change is too much, and instead, you opt for some jewelry with butterfly charms. Maybe you are into the anime “One Piece” and want to go for a sturdy pair of jorts, like our favorite future pirate king.

There are also numerous different subcultures of fashion out there. There could be one, or even more, that represents a style you like. Remember that there are also subcultures rooted in music and political ideologies. It is important to respect those and stay educated. 

Of course, fitting into one category is not feasible outside of the internet. No one has to limit themself to one aesthetic. The goal of personal style is to find a style that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

Jenna Munswami is a junior communication studies major