I’m not fashionable I’m stylish 🫶🍋
It’s a question I hear all the time, and honestly, one I’ve pondered myself: what’s the real difference between being fashionable, stylish, and having an aesthetic? For the longest time, I thought they were interchangeable, but after a lot of experimenting with my wardrobe and personal expression, I’ve realized they’re distinct concepts that, once understood, can totally transform how you approach getting dressed. Let’s talk 'fashionable' first. To me, being fashionable means you’re current, you know what’s trending, and you wear clothes that are popular right now. Think about the latest runway looks or what’s all over social media. It’s about keeping up with the industry. There's nothing wrong with it – it's fun to try new things! But sometimes, I’ve felt like I was just wearing what everyone else was, rather than what truly felt like *me*. Then there’s 'stylish.' This is where it gets personal. Being stylish, in my opinion, is about understanding yourself, your body, and what makes you feel amazing. It's about personal expression, creating a look that’s uniquely yours, regardless of fleeting trends. It's about confidence and authenticity. I remember seeing someone recently who perfectly embodied this – they had this incredible "stylish look" with a light pink puff-sleeve top, camouflage cargo pants with a gold chain belt, and matching pink cut-out sandals. Every piece worked together to create a cohesive, confident statement, rather than just a collection of trendy items. They even carried a matching pink handbag, tying it all together. That’s style – it’s intentional, it’s a statement, and it lasts. And 'aesthetic'? That’s a broader picture. An aesthetic is more about a visual mood, a vibe, or a theme that influences your choices, not just in clothes but often in your surroundings too. Think 'dark academia,' 'cottagecore,' or 'Y2K.' It’s a framework you might use to guide your style, but it’s not style itself. You can have a 'minimalist aesthetic' that informs your 'stylish' wardrobe choices, or a 'boho aesthetic' that dictates the fashionable items you buy. It’s the overarching creative direction. So, how do you move from just being fashionable to truly stylish, perhaps guided by an aesthetic you love? My biggest tip is self-reflection. What colors make you feel good? What silhouettes flatter your figure? What makes you feel confident? Invest in quality basics and add unique pieces that resonate with *you*. Don't be afraid to mix and match. That person with the puff-sleeve top and cargo pants? They weren't afraid to blend traditionally 'feminine' and 'masculine' elements, and that’s what made their look so powerful and personal. Try on different combinations, experiment, and slowly build a wardrobe that feels like an extension of your personality. It's a journey, not a destination! Ultimately, whether you lean into fashion, cultivate your unique style, or embrace a specific aesthetic, the most important thing is to feel good in what you wear. For me, it's about embracing personal style every single day. What about you? How do you define your look?
