4 Sides of My Personal Style
I have always considered myself a little bit of everything when it comes to fashion and the styles I gravitate towards. My outfit and style varies often based on my mood, event, practicality and where I choose to draw inspiration. I am a storyteller at heart.
Comfy & Cute
My go to combination and typically quicker outfits fall under what I call be comfy and cute. These are the clothes with fabrics that are normally very soft to the touch and brings out my more casual or bohemian side. In the look I showcased above, I definitely leaned into bohemian. I picked the Earthbound dress first and built my outfit from there adding a beaded, fairy top and neutral brown sweater since it was 64 degrees that day. Since the fairy top was a golden color, I choose to use gold jewelry pieces. I used my trusty little Saks bag to fit the vibe of the sweater and gold flip flops to balance the gold in the look.
Cool & Chic
I happen to have a corporate job and have a nice collection of blazers. Cool and chic are usually involve less pieces and more intention. I do play to my body proportions and like to balance colors and additional elements accordingly. I usually pan to this type of styling when I straighten my hair or would like to look a bit nicer than my day to day. For example in New York, even though I knew tennis shoes were the practical choice, I wanted to add some extra interesting details. I choose a cute crop top paired with high waisted skinny jeans and a mini blazer black blazer. Everything is complimentary together visually except the blazer. The contrast makes the rest of the outfit stand out. I did also wear a brown vintage purse that has flecks of black to provide slight balance.
Classic with a Twist
For the Broadway outfit, that shows a more refined and playful combo. My focus was the elevated the silver, sparkly Express top. It was a rainy and cold day so I did wear black tights and loved how the skirt’s length looked with the top. I picked these shoes with Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and The City as inspo. I actually almost wore black, knee high heeled boots instead. I am glad I did something a bit outside the box. I often like to do classic styles and add a unique touch. My favorite color is blue and Broadway felt perfect to wear anything with sparkles.
Method Dressing
Now all the mentioned styles above do not compare to what I create when I do method dressing. This is where I draw inspiration on a clear theme, character or story and make the outfit strongly reflect the chosen idea. I was invited by a friend to the Wuthering Heights premiere in Atlanta and the event before the movie had a dress code titled: Corsets and Lace. Everything I wore came straight from the corset. I adore lace and have some nice corsets, both costume and ready to wear. I had recently thrifted the Nasty Gal sheer skirt and built my outfit around it. I loved how the pink corset looked with the red wine skirt and for the lace I used a vintage Delicates slip as the base of the outfit. It had beautiful lace and even some sequins sewn on the appliqué trim of the slip. I loved how the lace appears through the skirt. I kept the accessories simple with pearls and my shoes added an extra bit of sparkle. I also just love how comfortable Impo shoes always are.
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So I have my sides to my style and I typically start with one or two pieces and build from
there. Sometimes it does take some trial and error but I love playing dress up with my closet.
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#zerogatekeeping #lemon8partner #personalstyle #mystyleideas #styleinspiration
Fashion is more than just clothing; it's a form of self-expression and storytelling—as I’ve realized through exploring various style facets. For me, each style side not only suits different occasions but also reflects different moods and inspirations. The "Comfy & Cute" style is my go-to for everyday ease, where softness and casual vibes take center stage. Fabrics like soft cottons and flowy dresses feel like a gentle hug, perfect for days when comfort is key. Incorporating earthy tones and bohemian elements has been particularly enjoyable; it’s a celebration of natural textures and relaxed fits that suit both laid-back weekends and casual outings. Switching gears to "Cool & Chic" taps into my corporate wardrobe—blazers, structured pieces, and clean lines. I find that balancing colors and proportions here creates an effortless, polished look without feeling overdone. Adding contrast, like a striking blazer over a simple crop top and jeans, makes the outfit pop. This style embraces minimalism with intentional detailing, perfect for professional settings or when I want to feel empowered through my clothing. The "Classic with a Twist" approach invites me to reinterpret timeless pieces by injecting playful or unexpected details. For instance, pairing a sparkly silver top with black tights and inspired shoes channels a certain Broadway glam and Carrie Bradshaw flair. It’s about elevating everyday classics with subtle surprises, making the look uniquely mine and adaptable across seasons. "Method Dressing" is where storytelling becomes truly immersive. Aligning outfits with themes or characters lets me craft looks with depth and narrative. For a recent corset and lace themed event, building my ensemble around a vintage-inspired corset and sheer skirt allowed me to connect with the event’s essence. The lace details and sequins reflected not just aesthetic choices but also a mood and persona—embodying creativity and confidence. Comfortable yet striking shoes completed the look, proving style and comfort can coexist. Through my style journey, I've learned that playing dress-up with my closet is about experimentation, trial, and personal storytelling. Each aesthetic offers tools for expressing different sides of myself—be it relaxed, professional, classic, or theatrical. I encourage anyone exploring their style to embrace variety and let their wardrobe reflect their multifaceted identity.
