I have never been one to follow trends dictated to me by ‘stuffy fashion types’ and have always been a firm believer in ‘dressing for yourself’ rather than others. And those sentiments still ring true today; in this day and age we have become homogeneous in our ‘fashion creativity’, merging into one, rather than being unique in the way that we present our personal style. Everywhere you go you see ‘Instagram beauties’ with the same makeup, wearing the same tight fitting clothing and the collectiveness of such a ‘fashion type’ is really quite eerie. When did we stop distinguishing ourselves from the crowd, when did we think it would be ok to copy the style of others and pass it off as our own? That’s why fashion is constantly recycled from eras past because we appear to have lost the ability to find our ‘fashion feet’ and think outside of the box. In the 2000’s we wore updated 90’s minis and teamed it with classic ‘noughties’ tack, while the 90’s was still head first into the 80’s. None of this poses an issue of course, after all borrowing ‘style’ from centuries past is nothing new but what is problematic is the fact that we have to ‘wear’ what society deems as on ‘trend’. In reality trends come and go, but reading columns that state ‘oh that dress was so last season’ or don’t buy those shoes because they look like they belong to the sixties is a load of crap. I discovered fashion when I was 14 years old; a typical uniform would be either a stripey jumper, skinny jeans and uggs or a cami, mini skirt and leggings combo because those were the outfit variations that I was most comfortable in at the time. It certainly wasn’t because Vogue was telling me it was cool to wear ‘uggs’ and as my fashion tastes changed I developed new ways of implementing my own personal style.
As I was still at school, I worked a low paid part time job in a hotel waitressing to make that coin so I could buy new clothes to show off at ‘mufti days’ or at sixth form during class. I had very little money but that didn’t mean that I couldn’t still be stylish; I got creative and often turned dresses into skirts by layering a basic t-shirt on top or in some cases turned a skirt into a top, because I loved nothing better than experimenting with fashion.Now, our fashion tastes have become so ‘fast paced’ that we seem to have lost that creativity or buzz to ‘play around’ with the way we style our clothing. Even I find that my fashion creativity can sometimes be stunted and this is because we have this ‘shopping’ or materialistic themed world at our fingertips that has conditioned us into forgetting how to find and maintain our own personal style. After all critics say that fashion is meant to be representative of our ‘identity’ but how can it be a representation of self if we all look the same? Something doesn’t add up here. As much as I love Instagram, social media has definitely altered our perception and even construction of fashion. We see trends and automatically think we will get more ‘likes’ and comments, maybe even a shoutout if we buy that exact same outfit and tag the brands featured. As bloggers this has become ingrained in the construction of our social identities and its safe to say that we are in danger of all looking and acting the same.
But how do we break out of this cage of our own making? It can start small, think about what makes you different. Whether that be an aesthetic or personal difference, learning to accept and embrace our unique traits can shine through our ‘fashion identities’. In my case I ‘don’t follow fashion trends’, like to ‘overdress for any occasion’ and usually use colour as a focal point of every outfit. I am never going to be the most original ‘fashionista’ but I wear what I feel most comfortable in, not what someone has told me I should and shouldn’t wear. After all the whole point of being an individual is to be individualistic right? My personal style tends to be elegant and colour co-ordinated but for others their style might be a little more casual. The key to finding your personal style is to have a look into your wardrobe and see what your eyes gravitate towards the most. In my case I always look at my dresses first, which explains why being ‘overdressed’ remains a focal point of my ‘fashion narrative’. In a convoluted way, I guess what I am trying to say is that the reason that ‘finding our own personal style’ is so important is because it shows how we view ourselves, offers a glimpse of our lifestyle and even indicates our ‘personality traits’. Without a distinctive sense of style, you will be seen as someone else in the eyes of strangers because you are presenting yourself as a character that is not really you! Be different, reject the norm and slay that mother****ing runway child.
Why Do You Think It Is Important To Find Your Own Personal Style?
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You are very correct, fashion represents our identity and it us only who can carry ourselves with that fashion.
And definitely social media plays a major role in setting trend and also altering trends…
I think it’s important to have your own style because if gives you the opportunity to shine and be unique.
I think theres so much confidence in who you are as a person when you find your own style. its like saying, I dont care about the crowd, I care about me xxx
You have inspired me to wear tiaras whenever the mood takes me! I may even attempt one on the school run!
Yes people should be allowed and want to wear just what they want, it is your own style and that is just fine.
So true about social media and the power it seems to have. I feel like I’m so far out of the fashion loop. When I want to know what’s cool .. I pay attention to what the girls on campus are wearing. This year .. pretty dresses with converse tennies. Scarves in their hair.
Well said! I am a victim of sometimes relying on what I see around me to determine what I wear. It’s really easy to fall into that trap. However, I try to stick to my sense of style….just spurred on by current trends. This post has me thinking though..and I’ll try to think outside the box a little more!
I love the boots. I could never do such a thing. Then again even in Docs, I don’t think my feet handled them all too well. You, on the other hand, look absolutely exquisite. You are stunning Ana, and beautiful on the inside to boot. Keep doing what you are doing!
Fashion is so personal that even though I may like and admire different styles I won’t wear them because they don’t feel “me”. I think it’s good to borrow from different eras, but definitely not good to see the uniformity in our social media feeds only because that’s what is dictated that we should be wearing. x
When I was younger, I was so worried about how other people would see me. Now I am older and much wiser – and I don’t care. I did find my own style and if other people don’t like it, they don’t have to look at me lol.
As I’ve grown through my 20s and I’m now nearly 30 I’ve realised my style is about COMFORT. I never follow fashion or what’s in the stores.. I love just being me, slightly hippy, colourful self 🙂 I absolutely LOVE your shoes in these photos though!
This is so true. It is important to have your own unique identity. I like classic pieces, which I mix in a few more current trend pieces with. The classic skinny jean, classic striped cashmere jumper and classic trench. Failproof!
I totally agree that you should dress for yourself and wear things you are happy in. When I was younger I would often wear the latest trends even though I did not like them or suit them just to try and fit in x
I think it’s also important to remember that finding your own style is a forever journey – the fun part is to keep discovering and loving it.
Katja xxx
http://www.katnapped.com
My style is a bit….lacking lol. Does “just woke up and barely brushed my hair” count as my own style? haha
I hate it when everyone looks the same. I get it’s a kind of security or belonging when you are younger, but I hope everyone gets to grow into their own style.
I agree it’s important to have your own style, especially now that most people all dress a certain way
Having your own style is important, it allows you to express your personality and feelings. Dressing in your own style will make you more comfortable and confident rather than trying to wear things just because other people believe that should be the “in” style.
In today’s world it’s important to stay with the trend. But i like the fact that everyone has their own style and finding you own can be a trend setter. This is an innovative post or at least directing towards innovation in setting trends.
I love this! It reminds me of a favourite quote “be who you want to be, not who the world wants you to be”. I’m a firm believer in doing whatever makes you happy. If people can’t accept that then that’s their problem. Not yours!
Chelsea | http://www.chelsea-Elizabeth.co.uk
I agree! My style is basically jeans and t-shirts. I don’t care to dress up often–it’s just not for me. I’m comfortable with my style and admire other people’s.
I have never been a follower of trends, I have always worn what I feel comfortable in, I know my style now and am happy with what suits me and what doesn’t. I think it is important to know your own style
I agree, I don´t follow trends usually, unless it is something I am super into. I pursue certain aesthetics and inspire myself in past decades.
I like to change my fashion depending on my mood. Sometimes I dress grungy, other times very girly. Very rarely do I follow what is in fashion, mainly because it gets expensive keeping up with all of the time!
I think it’s important to find your own style as a way of expressing yourself and making a statement. I’ve lost my sense of style since becoming a mother, I need to find it again!
You look absolutely stunning in these pics, I love the hairstyle! <3 Totally agree with everything you're saying, with fashion trends changing so quickly without that personal style it's easy to get lost. You want to rock it and own it and be the boss, not a bloody victim, right? When you look at some people they simply look like coming to some fancy dress party, you can see them suffer in a particular piece, being self-conscious and very uncomfortable. I mean, why would you do that? I remember going out with someone important once, turned the whole wardrobe upside down, tried a dozen of dresses and heels and ended up going out in the jeans I was wearing the day before and an old, oversized jumper. And I felt the best I could because I felt myself! Xx
I love wearing what I like and not worrying about what others think. I think for my age I am stylish, maybe just my style but that is fine!
I definitely get what you mean. With make-up, if you look instagram, everyone looks the same. What happened to playing around with color, and expressing yourself because you wanted to, not that someone told you to.
So much truth in this post, I couldn’t agree anymore! Fashion is a form of expression, yet many people copy each other’s style making everyone look the same. I think it is important as you said not to follow all the trends.
I don’t like following the trends and I dress on my own. I just buy clothes that fit me well and I think fits my style. I can’t personally describe it. But I get you, in a world where people are more open to fashion, it would be better to have your own style.
It’s nice to be able to stand out and not look like the rest of the crowd. We all develop our own style somehow, we just don’t notice it at first.
Fashion represents our identity it is very true and we should never copy anyone just for the sake of fashion. be your own, wear in which you are comfortable.
I love watching the trends of fashion but I will always have my own style. I won’t blindly follow the trends, I will pick and choose from them what fits into my style. Having your own style and being comfortable with it is just a part of learning who you are.
This is so important in this world, this value system we live in. For ladies as well for men. Money is not an excuse.
I think it’s so important to find a style you’re confident and comfortable wearing. You always look so stylish, my look is always far more relaxed x
Amen to this sister!! When I was younger I wanted to be like the popular kids in school and copy the way they dressed, so I could fit in. But as my personality developed over time, and my interests in the arts, fashion, pop culture grew and my frequent travelling to Portugal, I slowly developed my own style. And I refuse to follow and dress what is popular, I dress for myself. Some may like it and some may not, but like you said why be the same as everyone else. Need individuality. I loved your style, and the voice you express xx
http://www.susanalopessnarey.com/what-im-wearing-today-winter-is-coming/
My mummy is a firm believer in dressing for herself and her body shape. She follows trends but don’t always wears them taking comfort in watch everyone else rock them x
Finding your personal style is so important. It defines who you are and what you buy.
This is such a powerful and inspiring post!! especially for those that concern themselves too much with societies expectations and trends. I’ll admit I have posted a post or two in relevance to the current trending thing at the time but I’ve always added my personal individuality to it and i think that’s whats been a success. I loved reading this post, you’re awesome
Fashion absolutely defines ourselves and style. I think we can say a lot through our clothes and make up.
I love that light blue piece you’re wearing, so elegant and classy.
I Love the look and how you styled it! I agree personal style is important.
Marga
thedesertcatwalk.blogspot.com
Over the years I’ve really learnt to not follow trends all the time, and just wear what I want to and what I feel comfortable in x
i think to many people worry about what others think to much and i bet alot more people would b happier in themselves if they stopped following others and comparing themselves to them x
I totally agree having your own sense of style is so important especially for your confidence. You are totally rocking your style in these pics!
I have always followed my own style – I never seem to quite get the current fashion trends! I tend to wear what I think looks good but it also comfortable,
I totally agree you need to find your own identity and individual flare. However, as always you look amazing!!! 🙂 x
I couldn`t agree more with what you are saying. I also think that it is important to find your own style, but it is a really long journey, I remember I had many ups and downs on that road of finding myself
I’ve always considered it important to be yourself, especially in terms of style. That might be why I’ve never been a big fashion guy… Most men’s fashion just doesn’t sit well with me.
I love this post! I agree with you but I think it is sometimes hard to not get swept up in what is ‘trendy’. We see people on TV and social media wearing things that are fashionable and I find myself automatically liking them because I see it so much.
I definitely really love your style – your outfits always look unique and beautifully put together.
I am not that picky when it comes to clothes but there are days when I really want to dress in something that is not the usual me. Fashion styles are always the reflection of our personality.
I absolutely love this look in the pictures. I agree that it is important to be yourself, and if that is expressed through your style and what you wear, then so be it. Great post!
I couldn’t agree more. ‘t’s so important to find the right balance between what’s trendy and what will ultimately be a good representation of who you are and what you like as an individual.
I’m a usually a trend follower, but my clothes are very basic. Heck, I wear workout clothes on the regular!
Person feels more confident if he is dressed up right for the occasion and brand value matters a lot.
I really needed this post. I need to remember to be myself when it comes to fashion.
I love this Ana! Definitely reject the ‘norm’.
If it makes you happy and comfortable with yourself, then that’s all that matters.
Looking fab as usual 🙂 x
I tend to dress for comfort and to ‘fit in’ and i often wonder what it would be like to just go for it and indulge my creativity in that way!!! Great post again honey x
I totally agree. I shop loads of time in second hand shops to prove you can be stylish without wearing designer clothes. Finding your style helps discovering your personality too.
We are conditioned by marketing from a young age to look a certain way and if we don’t fit to feel bad about it. We do need to break free from these constraints and recognise and dress to our own taste.
Until a couple of years ago I had no style at all. Jeans and t-shirts all the time.
Then I hit 40 and decided to live how I wanted to, wearing what I loved which happened to be big vintage dresses and skirts.
I have never been happier!
I so admire people who have their own unique style – and yu are one of them. I do have my own style but it’s not unique at all, and I’m so easyly influenced by ads and magazines. That’s probably because it’s easy – I don’t need to create anything new, just picking up what the others have already discovered. I know – I’m boring!
Magazines and social media have definitely had a massive impact on how people are supposed to follow fashion and “stand out from the crowd” whilst also preaching you to be a sheep and buy the current trend that is out, it doesn’t even make sense! I used to try and follow fashion when I was younger but I just found that I was so much happier going about it my own way, I feel so much more confident when I’m wearing my personal style rather than the latest trends. Also I am LOVING this outfit on you! Slay girl
I am 100% for standing out from the crowd. As long as you feel comfortable, go for it. Other people’s opinions don’t matter. The only opinion that matters is your own.
http://www.boundbyhappiness.com
I love that as I’ve got older I just wear what I want to and am not really bothered what others think. This certainly means I’m not the most stylish mummy out there!
You always have such beautiful outfits. I agree finding your own style is important.
I love how you have styled this look, especially how it is softened with your tiara. You are so right, bloggers can become a cliche and forget truly who they are and must be seen in the latest ‘must have’ item. Stay to true to yourself and your fashion sense will stick out.
Whilst trends are good I am very much a fan of dressing to suit me. Too often people get caught up in wearing the latest trend even if it doesnt suit them!
I think fashion is what is presented to us. With a few evasions you can dress as you feel most comfortable. You can not do everything. But many things can be combined. My twelve-year-old daughter is now also beginning to adapt to the latest fashions. Let’s see how it will evolve.
It is definitely important to find a style you are comfortable and one that makes you feel like yourself.
I am definitely like you, I’ve never been one to follow fashion trends. I agree it is important for us to remain individuals and that means coming up with our own style. I’m a mom so following fashion trends isn’t important to me. I do want to have my own style so I can teach my kids to have their own style and not follow whatever may be in. It is important to not worry what others think and I love that you do that!
Being true to your own identity is the key to form your own personal style. The trend may come and go in Fashion but you know where to gravitate to, your own style. Another great piece of work, Ana!
Everyone is different and it is interesting to express who we are through what we wear! I love your eyeshadow and lipstick 🙂
I have never followed fashion. I hate anyone telling me what to wear and am far happier choosing my own style.
When I was younger I was crazy about fashion trends etc. I had to have all the trendy things my friends had to feel fitted and cool. Now I am at the point when I don’t care. I don’t care about fashion trends anymore. I wear what I like and how I like.
So very true. I find if I’m wearing something that is not me, I’m totally uncomfortable and self-conscious. I’m not kidding anyone. Those boots are so cool! I couldn’t wear them, but they sure are nice to look at.
Fashion is such a personal matter. What I love, the person standing next to me may hate. That’s ok though, as long as I’m happy in what I’m wearing, that’s all that matters. I love wearing colour which makes me a bit of an oddity around the other mums picking their kids up from school who live in black. It’s all just about personal preferences 🙂
Style should be all about what makes us feel comfortable and beautiful!
This is a great look. I am in love with those sandals. I have a unique style of my own and I love it.
I think it is important to have your own style as well. I like dying my hair and would have it all different colors (hair dye malfunction) but it looked great. I have a more laid back casual style now as it is easier with being a mom.
Those shoes are fab! I think self confidence is the key to finding your own style. Instagram might bevery influential when it comes to fashion nowadays and sometimes what we need is that one person with unique style!
I definitely think you should wear your own thing and wear what makes you happy
I am 36 and still don’t have a style like you say and i am quite happy not to have one…so why it is so important ?
Loved this post!!!! It’s so important to follow your own style and not conform to that of others.
x
Fabulous post, there are far too many slave fashions out there who just don’t know themselves. I think one has to be comfortable in what one wears as well.
PS: Your hair is amazing, I didn’t realise it was that long!
I’m typically a very casual person but it doesn’t bother me what others think as that’s just my style and that’s fine!
You have put together an interesting outfit. I don’t believe in buying clothes just because they are trendy. It is important that they flatter my body type 🙂
Its definitely important to have your own style, mine tends to be whatever isn’t covered in vomit or snot!
Well said. We need to understand ourself and have our own style. Rather than going with the flow of the majority. 🙂
I love your approach to fashion. Totally right that you need to find your own style, then you are more confident and happy – not trying to be something you are not x
Our choice of clothes definitely give us an identity. Since being a mum I tend not to have the time like I used to do to be fussy with my clothes to be honest!
Totally agree. Fashion represents once identity. Wear what you feel like and what makes you happy. My style varies based on my mood and I love as I always crave for varierty
It is so important to find your own style. My teen daughter is, and she is blossoming. It is lovely to see. Kaz x
You have great style btw. I think it’s important for people to find their own style because lets face it not everything on everyone suits everyone or body type. I have found that when I followed trends, the clothes weren’t necessarily that flattering on me. I have learned to just go with what I like and if it’s not that flattering on my body type then I make it work by altering here and there or adding accessories.
Ana! This post was well written and oh so worth it. Finding your style is like having a voice. You are what you wear.
nice photos, and great stuff you had to say there. Always stay true to who you are and your own style
I agree so much wit what you said 🙂 Following trends is cool but be yourself and dare to dress differently x
For me London gives that confidence to seek out your own style without judgement more so than other cities. I love that you can be who you want and totally change it up the next day if you want to.
Fashion is an outlet to express our inner self! I love when others have such a unique and specific point of view when it comes to style. I’m not as daring but I definitely do fall into the category of someone who loves to try out trends.
Unfortunately I tend to go for comfort than style these days
I wrote a similar post once about the difference between fashion and personal style, I totally agree. I can take time to find your own style, but once you have found what suits you, you feel on top of the world – well I do anyway xoxo
I think it’s important to find your own style because that’s what sets us apart from everyone else.
I’ve been through so many different phases with style throughout the years. I’ve found out that I definitely enjoy classic clothing staples. Classic little black dress, a pair of nude flats, that leather purse that always looks good no matter what. I love mixing them up and making it funky with a fun statement piece or an eye-catching scarf. It’s a great way to save money while still keeping my wardrobe fresh. I allow for the occasional trendy item here and there. Looking back at old photos of my family, I love those dresses, heels, and purses that are timeless. I try to emulate that with just a hint of modern style.
Yes. Finding our own style can help boost our self-confidence. You’re correct with that. P.S. I love the hair!
Very well said, to be unique among thousands you should follow your own style.
I agree that style has to be unique, you have to be comfortable in your own skin and in your clothes.
I think it’s so important to wear what you want. Too many people wear what they think they should rather than what feels right.
I totally agree with every word you said.
Personal style is a part of what we are. I love looking back to see how my personal keeps changing. I would never wear lots of things I wore 10 years ago 🙂
Ana, you’re such a goddess, I am telling you girl. I so love your fashion and style every time I see your blog posts with your photos. That’s true that we need to find our own style and try not to blend in to whatever is trending nowadays. Acting the same and carrying the same trend are not trendy for me. Keep it up girl, you’re rocking it!
I think you’ve got a pretty amazing style and I’d love to meet you in person one day :))
the best thing one can ever do for his or herself on fashion is to be unique and daring, trends are cool though as we can always out wear the others but when we create our own style it stands us out.
At 40, I am finally comfortable with this and my own style. I don’t care what others wear as long as they feel good and now I wear what I want, because I like it, and it works for me. Being comfortable in my own skin, and confident in your style is challenging.
I agree it is so important to find your own style. Once you finally find it is when you finally feel comfortable with what you wear too. I adore your style Ana, the bright foral prints are what always attract me to your posts. x
I think style is down to personal preference. Those ‘stuffy fashion types’ may just like wearing things that are on trend because it matches their tastes, opposed to feeling pressured to be the same as everyone else. Some people like to blend in and don’t feel the need to stand out, whereas others like to be very out there and individual. Fashion and style is very much an ‘each to their own’ kind of thing.
Fashion is a form of art, an expression of your identity. We might be a copycat, but should exudes your true self.
I’m quite girly so love wearing floral prints. Over the years I have found fit and flare dresses suit me. Working out your style is something that’s not easy but I think the older you get the more confident you can become in what your style is and in what suits you
I think style is such a personal thing. You can be a follower of fashion but still have your own style.
I so agree with finding your own style mainly because what looks good on someone else might not look good on you. They say copying someone’s style is a form of flattery but I often find it irritating myself. I’m all for being the trendsetter rather than the followe. BTW. love the strappy sandals.
You are rocking’ the look in those boots! Have to agree – I’ve always dressed for myself – and I also dress for comfort so that I feel confident. You’ll pretty much find me in jeans, t-shirt and trainers as I’ve always been a bit of a tom boy, but every now and then it’s nice to go a bit glam!
Your hair is so long at the moment! Gorgeous!
I totally agree with you, I also hate following trends. I want to invest more in clothes that are timeless and I can wear them longer than just one season.
Finding your own style resonates with me and is so important. It’s a boost of confidence that helps us tackle the aspect of our lives that we would shy away from. Great article!
I am a firm believer in personal identity too even in fashion. I think fashion fits everyone and each individual style is unique and makes that even more special
This post is so spot on! Applaud you for writing this. True fashion is being your own style.
This is a truly inspiring post! I’ve never been one to follow fashion trend. In fact I’m not even sure I know what fashion trends are. I usually feel that the way I dress is boring or unoriginal compared to others so thank you for this informative piece! I’ll take it to heart. 🙂
This post is on point! It’s true fashion is being your own style.