When I tell you I think that image of the girl (is she known? I don’t recognize her) drinking coffee has been pinned by everyone I know who is into fashion and uses Pinterest, I am not kidding. That DAMN image has led me astray many a time over the years. I don’t look like her and that outfit won’t look like that on me, and that’s ok! Let’s throw that image in the bonfire hahaha.
!!! THIS! It’s like we are all following some unspoken trail of photos that are supposed to signal aspirational “chic” style and instead we just look like someone who got lost in a stranger’s closet!!
Congratulations on getting mentioned in Puck! I love Fashion People maybe we’ll hear you on there as well sometime soon 🤞🤞. I also love your all yellow outfit! It’s bold and unique.
One thing I notice as well about the fashion cycle is how fast items get trendy. For example the Juju Vera necklace you mentioned. It’s beautiful and when I first saw it here and there I wanted it. But now I’ve seen it so often on so many influencers it feels trendy in an unappealing way. Like if I bought it I would just be a copier at this point which kind of makes me sad because I really like it! I think that also makes it hard for us to follow our intuition because we might honestly be drawn to something and then develop a distaste for it quickly if it suddenly becomes too trendy too fast. This can result in wasting a lot of money and I think also drives people away from their intuition and towards “classic” style, because while it can be boring it’s a way to avoid being caught on the speedy trend wheel. Those are my rambly early morning thoughts it’s such an interesting topic that deserves a lot of contemplation :)
Thanks Sita! You bring up SUCH an important aspect of all this. Influence and how we incorporate - or don’t- into our wardrobes. It’s such a complex topic but so good to think about. My approach with the Juju for instance, and something I’m trying to approach with all my purchases this year - is to wait and see. It’s similar to what Leslie commented - if I still want it in a few months after the initial high of it has passed and can see myself wearing it regardless of any future trend, then it’s a green light. I’m trying to hamper down on any impulse spending just bc something is so of the moment. I’m also lucky in a sense that where I live- there are very few hardcore “fashion” girls so while it may feel ubiquitous online- IRL here it will be super unique!
Love this Sogole! Style only really resonates and feels personal if it can tap into something emotional inside you, whether that’s through inspiration or trying things on in your closet. It’s a process and requires a ton of trial and error so I love your lens of taking time to listen to your intuition more. 🤍
I struggle sometimes as a stylist bc part of my goal is to educate and provide tools but at times I feel like I’m just adding to the noise! At the end of the day, it’s down to the individual and how they want to feel. No one can do that for you!
Thanks Angie! I think stylists like you are instrumental to helping us hone our personal style- we all need tools!! I agree it’s more about how we apply the tools in ways that feel good to us. So that we feel true to ourselves always. Such a fine line! Thanks for reading xx ❤️
Wow. Sogole. This post was chalk-full of the best messaging for style in 2025; maybe this is the year when personal style becomes… personal?! I love the idea of deleting Pinterest and I felt so called out- in a good way- of recreating outfits and rarely feeling 100% good in a recreation.
I have spent years trying to hone intuitive eating and I decided this was the year I was going to get serious about it. Perhaps it’s a sign that following my intuition is the goal across the board!
Thanks Kelly!! I have been loving all your posts that touch on this concept- I think the biggest “trend” for 2025 is following our instincts! And I’m all for tools and ideas to keep us going but ultimately trusting our guts is what makes the process feel so much better / truer to ourselves!!
This is such a thought-provoking take, Sogole. I completely agree with you - every time I've thought too much about making an outfit "interesting" it often looks forced (and then I look and feel uncomfortable.)
I think the "wearing vs. styling" reels I've seen doing the rounds on Instagram have played a big part in this too. We think we have to add so many extras to an outfit to make it stylish but ultimately, feeling good in something is what matters most.
!!! YES! Angharad you’re so so right. My whole feeling is that when we force anything in life or “try” to make something work that doesn’t quite jive with who we are, the results just feel off. I am more and more leaning into simplifying it all which doesn’t mean simple dressing but instead dressing in a way that just feels good ☺️ Thanks so much for reading! Means so much coming from you! Xx
Angharad, I'm totally with you on this. I've been feeling the same way about those "wearing vs. styling" reels and realizing how much influence they have over me when I'm getting ready. I find myself trying to make my outfits look more "styled" but it ends up feeling so forced, like I'm trying too hard. It ends up messing with the sense of ease in my outfits, which feel a lot more like me.
Such a great read, Sogole! Your point about using inspo imagery as a starting point vs. copying an exact outfit really resonates. For me, I find my intuition really kicks in when I'm standing in front of a mirror because I can really see it in my facial expression and body language if something is off or if I feel really good in an outfit. I feel like I'm getting better at paying attention to those signals vs. trying to force a look that doesn't feel like me.
Thanks Maria! Yes exactly this is totally what I am getting at. We ultimately know deep down if something feels good or bad- and that’s what we should follow vs trends or influencers. Those are always good references to keep in mind but we have to stay true to ourselves! I love that I see this through line in all your posts- you practice it beautifully!
“We contain multitudes!” YES! While the three word method a la Allison Bornstein is a helpful guide, I sometimes find it limiting. When I do, I blame myself. If what I feel like wearing today doesn’t fit into my three words, than I must not know my personal style, right? What?! Who knows MY style better than ME?
Great post—lots to consider, and it feels like a permission slip to just BE.
Thank you Reiko! This is so spot on. We need to allow space to just “be” ourselves and use those tools as tools only- not definers of who we are or our style! Thanks for reading xx
Great food for thought, Sogole! To your point on taking photos, I keep an album on my phone called "Outfits that Feel Good" - it's great for those uninspired 'nothing to wear' days and also a good resource to be reminded of the consisenten through-lines in my personal style.
Thanks Dina! I love that idea! Such an easy place to default to / makes getting dressed esp on those tougher mornings where you feel uninspired so much easier. Xx
So good 🤍🤍🤍 perhaps very “duh” or very boring— but I have found lately that when I focus on dressing comfortably for the situation and weather (and in Florida- mostly the “weather” is rain or air conditioning) this actually makes a huge difference. It’s not usually the first thing I reach for- but when I really focus on what I’ll be doing and how I want to feel- it seems to help me 🤷🏼♀️ PS still reeling with excitement over reading your name in Line Sheet last night. 💥
Not boring at all bc it’s exactly the point- dressing to FEEL good instead of trying to fit a certain mold or follow an aesthetic / trend. I love it! And thank you! I was also 😍🤩 when I saw it!!
I wonder if one day we will all refer to TikTok the way our parents refer to yellow pages?! “So like there was this giant book everyone got…” 😂 Thanks for reading Elle! Xx
Looooved this! I am turning 35 this year and I am so looking forward to dressing how i enjoy WAY more often! Even if it’s in skinny jeans 🙃 also the Joey tribiani made me lol
When I tell you I think that image of the girl (is she known? I don’t recognize her) drinking coffee has been pinned by everyone I know who is into fashion and uses Pinterest, I am not kidding. That DAMN image has led me astray many a time over the years. I don’t look like her and that outfit won’t look like that on me, and that’s ok! Let’s throw that image in the bonfire hahaha.
That image has definitely appeared on my Pinterest boards in the past!!
!!! THIS! It’s like we are all following some unspoken trail of photos that are supposed to signal aspirational “chic” style and instead we just look like someone who got lost in a stranger’s closet!!
Congratulations on getting mentioned in Puck! I love Fashion People maybe we’ll hear you on there as well sometime soon 🤞🤞. I also love your all yellow outfit! It’s bold and unique.
One thing I notice as well about the fashion cycle is how fast items get trendy. For example the Juju Vera necklace you mentioned. It’s beautiful and when I first saw it here and there I wanted it. But now I’ve seen it so often on so many influencers it feels trendy in an unappealing way. Like if I bought it I would just be a copier at this point which kind of makes me sad because I really like it! I think that also makes it hard for us to follow our intuition because we might honestly be drawn to something and then develop a distaste for it quickly if it suddenly becomes too trendy too fast. This can result in wasting a lot of money and I think also drives people away from their intuition and towards “classic” style, because while it can be boring it’s a way to avoid being caught on the speedy trend wheel. Those are my rambly early morning thoughts it’s such an interesting topic that deserves a lot of contemplation :)
Thanks Sita! You bring up SUCH an important aspect of all this. Influence and how we incorporate - or don’t- into our wardrobes. It’s such a complex topic but so good to think about. My approach with the Juju for instance, and something I’m trying to approach with all my purchases this year - is to wait and see. It’s similar to what Leslie commented - if I still want it in a few months after the initial high of it has passed and can see myself wearing it regardless of any future trend, then it’s a green light. I’m trying to hamper down on any impulse spending just bc something is so of the moment. I’m also lucky in a sense that where I live- there are very few hardcore “fashion” girls so while it may feel ubiquitous online- IRL here it will be super unique!
Love this Sogole! Style only really resonates and feels personal if it can tap into something emotional inside you, whether that’s through inspiration or trying things on in your closet. It’s a process and requires a ton of trial and error so I love your lens of taking time to listen to your intuition more. 🤍
I struggle sometimes as a stylist bc part of my goal is to educate and provide tools but at times I feel like I’m just adding to the noise! At the end of the day, it’s down to the individual and how they want to feel. No one can do that for you!
Thanks Angie! I think stylists like you are instrumental to helping us hone our personal style- we all need tools!! I agree it’s more about how we apply the tools in ways that feel good to us. So that we feel true to ourselves always. Such a fine line! Thanks for reading xx ❤️
Wow. Sogole. This post was chalk-full of the best messaging for style in 2025; maybe this is the year when personal style becomes… personal?! I love the idea of deleting Pinterest and I felt so called out- in a good way- of recreating outfits and rarely feeling 100% good in a recreation.
I have spent years trying to hone intuitive eating and I decided this was the year I was going to get serious about it. Perhaps it’s a sign that following my intuition is the goal across the board!
Thanks Kelly!! I have been loving all your posts that touch on this concept- I think the biggest “trend” for 2025 is following our instincts! And I’m all for tools and ideas to keep us going but ultimately trusting our guts is what makes the process feel so much better / truer to ourselves!!
Me too!!! I’m so excited that we are both coming to the same conclusions; it helps me actually make the change!
I wrote recently about intuitive shopping, and. intuitive styling feels like its BFF. Love.
LOVE! BFFs indeed. Thanks Rachel!! Xx
This is such a thought-provoking take, Sogole. I completely agree with you - every time I've thought too much about making an outfit "interesting" it often looks forced (and then I look and feel uncomfortable.)
I think the "wearing vs. styling" reels I've seen doing the rounds on Instagram have played a big part in this too. We think we have to add so many extras to an outfit to make it stylish but ultimately, feeling good in something is what matters most.
!!! YES! Angharad you’re so so right. My whole feeling is that when we force anything in life or “try” to make something work that doesn’t quite jive with who we are, the results just feel off. I am more and more leaning into simplifying it all which doesn’t mean simple dressing but instead dressing in a way that just feels good ☺️ Thanks so much for reading! Means so much coming from you! Xx
A much more enjoyable way to get dressed too!
Angharad, I'm totally with you on this. I've been feeling the same way about those "wearing vs. styling" reels and realizing how much influence they have over me when I'm getting ready. I find myself trying to make my outfits look more "styled" but it ends up feeling so forced, like I'm trying too hard. It ends up messing with the sense of ease in my outfits, which feel a lot more like me.
Well said 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you Evelyn! 🩷
I just love all of this so so much. Very insightful and useful. I love this necklace so much, can’t wait to see how you style it!
Thank you! Means so much coming from you Liz!! 💗
Such a great read, Sogole! Your point about using inspo imagery as a starting point vs. copying an exact outfit really resonates. For me, I find my intuition really kicks in when I'm standing in front of a mirror because I can really see it in my facial expression and body language if something is off or if I feel really good in an outfit. I feel like I'm getting better at paying attention to those signals vs. trying to force a look that doesn't feel like me.
Thanks Maria! Yes exactly this is totally what I am getting at. We ultimately know deep down if something feels good or bad- and that’s what we should follow vs trends or influencers. Those are always good references to keep in mind but we have to stay true to ourselves! I love that I see this through line in all your posts- you practice it beautifully!
“We contain multitudes!” YES! While the three word method a la Allison Bornstein is a helpful guide, I sometimes find it limiting. When I do, I blame myself. If what I feel like wearing today doesn’t fit into my three words, than I must not know my personal style, right? What?! Who knows MY style better than ME?
Great post—lots to consider, and it feels like a permission slip to just BE.
XO
Reiko
Thank you Reiko! This is so spot on. We need to allow space to just “be” ourselves and use those tools as tools only- not definers of who we are or our style! Thanks for reading xx
Great food for thought, Sogole! To your point on taking photos, I keep an album on my phone called "Outfits that Feel Good" - it's great for those uninspired 'nothing to wear' days and also a good resource to be reminded of the consisenten through-lines in my personal style.
Thanks Dina! I love that idea! Such an easy place to default to / makes getting dressed esp on those tougher mornings where you feel uninspired so much easier. Xx
I love all this and a good reminder to get offline. Plus so many great conversations on style. xx
🩷
Thank you SO much for the mention Sogole! Honestly I feel so chuffed! I LOVE this post and I’m totally on for this direction of travel x
Thank you! 🩷
So good 🤍🤍🤍 perhaps very “duh” or very boring— but I have found lately that when I focus on dressing comfortably for the situation and weather (and in Florida- mostly the “weather” is rain or air conditioning) this actually makes a huge difference. It’s not usually the first thing I reach for- but when I really focus on what I’ll be doing and how I want to feel- it seems to help me 🤷🏼♀️ PS still reeling with excitement over reading your name in Line Sheet last night. 💥
Not boring at all bc it’s exactly the point- dressing to FEEL good instead of trying to fit a certain mold or follow an aesthetic / trend. I love it! And thank you! I was also 😍🤩 when I saw it!!
Laughing/crying at you putting RIP after every mention of TikTok. This was great, 2025 is the year of having FUN again with fashion
I wonder if one day we will all refer to TikTok the way our parents refer to yellow pages?! “So like there was this giant book everyone got…” 😂 Thanks for reading Elle! Xx
Looooved this! I am turning 35 this year and I am so looking forward to dressing how i enjoy WAY more often! Even if it’s in skinny jeans 🙃 also the Joey tribiani made me lol
I absolutely love this and YES to skinny jeans and whatever else you *feel* like wearing!