Always be fly…
“Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.” -Frankie English
Isn’t is crazy to look at the decades of fashion and how fashion in those genres tend to trend in the present day? Fashion is always evolving and expressive. Fashion is art in its own poetic way. Personally, I thoroughly enjoy the creative expression behind fashion, and also respect the creator and influencers for their trend setting. Now I know style and fashion can be overwhelming and also appear so cliché, but it is also just fun.
Do y’all remember those stretchy multicolor shirts for women that basically were shrunk to the size of your palm, but you could expand them with your hands. Why was that a trend- was it because the creativity behind it? Or what about gaucho pants and Tall Ts? *sings, “In My White T”* One thing I truly find enjoyable is a good people watching scene. I get inspired by all walks of life and the clothes they decided to wear that day. The different styles for the creators in life, the fashion in difference cities and cultures, and the way we can style ourselves that authentically represents brand you is beautiful. The way we dress, intentionally or not, can illustrate a picture of someone’s vibe or mood. Maybe they woke up excited for a job interview and wanted to put their best foot forward, maybe they are having a day where they feel blah and grab whatever is comfortable to provide comfort, or perhaps just wanting to show off their new pieces dripped in designer.
What is the difference between fashion and style?
There is an overlap between style and fashion, but a good rule of thumb is that style relates to the individual, while fashion is more collective. Let’s break down the differences:
Individual vs. collective: Personal style is something that belongs to an individual—a means of self-expression. That individual can be a fashion designer (like Coco Chanel or Yves Saint Laurent) or anyone outside of the fashion industry. How they dress and express themselves is their style. Fashion, on the other hand, has to do with global trends and the business of fashion. (MasterClass)
Where do you find your muse, your inspiration? Is it through your favorite celebrity, a creative, window shopping, or you? My mom is sensational when it comes to shopping and styling. She is such the bargain shopper, but also is loyal to certain brands. If I am ever inspired by Carrier Bradshaw while watching an episode of Sex and the City, I know who I can call. She is the look for less Queen! You don’t have to have all the coins in the world to be trendy; what matters is representing brand you. What may look good on someone may not always look good on you.
What I do find comfort in is the fun I have and how my mood changes depending on how I want to look that day. When you look good, you feel good. Now, I am no fashion expert- but I do like to experiment and get creative with my style. I’ll share below some of my personal do’s and don’t’s of fashion. And remember, always be fly (whatever that looks like for you)!
Do:
Be bold, extra, and rock it with confidence
Take a risk- you may even create a trend
Dress to the season, even if it is 80 degrees in January (I state this twice)
Wear clothes that flatter your body type- respect the people that see you
Strut your brand
Wear your athleisure as a trend
Support local, black owned, colored businesses
Wear sweatpants and heels if you are feeling frisky
Always have an accent piece (shoes, jewelry, socks, accessories, sunglasses, hats)
Patterns and mixing patters are fun
All black is a vibe. Monochromatic statements are a vibe.
Wear clothes that are fitted to your body type
Wear baggy or oversized clothes
Tap into streetwear
Have fun
Leave room for the imagination
Remain classy/ classic
Care- just a little bit
Rebrand yourself
Express your personality
Stay on trend, but also create your own
Wear bright colors and mix and match colors that respect one another (color wheel for guidance)
Layers
Let go of your favorite pieces that are torn, have armpit stains, or collecting dust. If you just can’t let it go- use the fabric for a blanket, bag- get creative
Donate or hand down items you no longer wear
Take care of your kicks
Show off your tattoos with your clothes
Give recommendations, compliments, and share where you got your pieces from
Don’t:
Be rude, tacky, or classless in your expression
Ladies- don’t skip the men’s section
Walk into a room without confidence of what you decided to wear
Wear clothes that don’t respect the season, even if it is 80 degrees in January
Listen to the “no white after labor day” statement- wear white whenever it makes you happy
Neglect the iron (I DISPISE ironing, but don’t be out here looking dusty and crusty)
Flash all them extra bold designer labels and tags from head to toe (it really isn’t necessary)
Ask the opinion from someone who doesn’t know how to dress when you are considering a bold statement
Wear that midriff shirt if your midriff is drifting too far
Wear clothing that isn’t appropriate for your age
Don’t neglect the thrift and vintage stores- they are golden
Keep that schmedium Gucci T-shirt. You’ve outgrown it- let it go
