Have you ever spent way too long standing in your closet, just staring at your clothes, trying to come up with an outfit you actually like? Growing up, I enjoyed dressing cool and wearing a dope outfit, but it was never one of my main priorities. Now, in my mid-twenties, I love putting together outfits that make me look put together but also effortlessly cool. I genuinely enjoy getting compliments on my clothes, jewelry, or overall style because it’s something I put thought and effort into. It’s a creative outlet for me—a way to express myself. Over the past few years, I’ve focused on building my personal style and making the most of the pieces I already own.
Style Inspo
I find most of my style inspiration on Pinterest, but I also get ideas from TikTok and Instagram. The targeted ads on Instagram know me very well—LOL. My go-to color palette includes neutral tones, shades of brown, and green. I keep my palette earthy so everything matches seamlessly. When most of your wardrobe shares a cohesive color scheme, it’s so much easier to put together outfits that work. This approach has simplified my mornings and made styling fun again.
Balancing Cool and Timeless Outfits
What do you want people to think when they see you? First impressions are important and lasting. A significant part of that first impression comes from what you’re wearing. When someone meets me, I want them to think I’m chill, laid-back, simple, and effortlessly cool.
For me, the perfect balance of timeless versus trendy pieces is about 85% timeless and 15% trendy. Trends come and go so quickly these days; often, they’re outdated before the shipping confirmation email hits your inbox. If you genuinely love a trend, go for it. But if you’re only considering it because it’s “in,” you might want to pass and wait for the next one—probably coming next week! If a trendy piece fits your color palette and complements what’s already in your closet, it’s likely a good investment.
Here are a few outfits I wore recently, I need to get better about taking pictures of all my fits–
The Go-To
My favorite place to shop is Free People—specifically the sale section! Being in my mid-twenties without a ton of disposable income, I’m pretty frugal about purchasing new items. For timeless pieces that won’t break the bank, I turn to Banana Republic Factory for sweaters and dresses. For denim and other staples, Abercrombie is a great option, and Old Navy’s online store often has hidden gems at reasonable prices. For trendy pieces that I don’t want to spend much on, I’ll check out H&M or Amazon.
Every closet needs a solid foundation: light-wash denim jeans, light-wash denim shorts, linen pants, a few tank tops, at least two lightweight sweaters, and a classic white t-shirt. These staples are versatile, easy to style, and can be accessorized to create countless cute outfits.
Becoming The Best Me
My style has evolved a lot over the years, but I’m finally feeling confident in what I like. I’m choosing pieces that I know I’ll still love when I look back on photos in the future. Curating outfits has become one of my favorite ways to express myself, and it’s such a confidence booster when I’m in an outfit that makes me feel comfortable and cool.
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