My childhood was magical. I mean literally, I found “magic” in all things I did. Not pulling the rabbit out of the hat stuff, that still scares me to this day. I am talking about the magic of imagination and fantastical play. 

When I was a kid, all I had to do was let my imagination run free and I was walking barefoot through an enchanted forest in my backyard. I dreamed with my eyes open. I lived seconds away from fantasy and magical moments. Acorns were fairy tea-cups and the forts we built in the woods sheltered all of the woodland creatures I was convinced could speak.  

I don’t think that sort of belief just vanishes as we age.

I think it reinvents itself in our travels to new places or in the dusty particles of morning sunlight peeking through the blinds. And I don't think make-believe just wanders off to die. I think it weaves itself right into the fabric of our personal style and gives us a magical power to be any of the things we have ever dreamed of. Our childlike make-believe grows up with us and morphs into more tangible things like the clothing we wear.

Fashion is sometimes given a superficial rep. But I think the clothes we wear offer us much more than skin deep appearance. The power of personal style is often overlooked. Yet, it is an inseparable piece of our identity. Especially now, in the “lost years” of post-grad transitions, the value and privilege of expression through personal style has come to the forefront of my mind. 

The power of personal style

Expression.

Style gives us a way to share our internal self with the external world. For me, style has always functioned similarly to writing. I have always been someone who can write stories and jot down thoughts much more easily than I can speak them out loud. For those who feel similarly in a sometimes overwhelmingly extroverted and boisterous society, self-expression through style offers a safe haven of feeling understood without fumbling for words. 

Individuality.

The beauty of individual style is that it is unique to one person. It is reflective of culture, personality, values, and beliefs. It offers the chance to admire the differences in others and take pride in cultivating something that is entirely your own. 

Confidence.

Let’s face it, good outfits have the power to make us feel GOOD. To find the right silhouette, to shine from the inside out. To put on a well-styled pantsuit before a presentation.  That is powerful stuff. This can be quickly misconstrued as appearance-based but I think personal style goes much deeper than that.. it is so much more about how clothing makes you feel rather than look. That’s my motto with all things in life. 

Make-believe.

The power to transform yourself into a version of yourself that you admire. A female powerhouse. A trendy hipster. An elegant and feminine icon. Dressing the part is the quickest way to trick yourself into believing you were meant for the role. It’s the stepping stone from who you are to who you want to be. “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have” they always say...

Creativity.

Ahh, a creative outlet. My creative endeavors have run abundant throughout my life, and my personal style is certainly one of them. From curating an outfit to finding less expensive ways to create a trend, creativity in fashion is soothing to the soul.  Personal style needn’t break the bank. Old clothing can be given a new voice through a simple DIY, hidden treasures can be found in thrift stores, hand-me-downs can be appreciated beyond measure. Personal style gives that sweet spark of inspired creativity.