So, let’s talk personal style. Is there even such a thing anymore? Is it just a fancy term for wearing whatever you find at the bottom of your laundry basket? Or do we still have the power to curate a unique expression of ourselves through clothing?
The “Wear What You Want” Fallacy
Let’s be real, for most of us, wearing whatever we want isn’t the luxury it sounds like. We’re bombarded with curated feeds, influencer endorsements, and the constant pressure to keep up with the latest styles. It’s enough to make you question if your own taste even exists, or if it’s just a Frankenstein’s monster stitched together from the fleeting trends you see online.
On the surface, “wearing what you want” seems like the ultimate definition of personal style. It implies liberation from external pressures and a confident expression of individuality. However, this perspective ignores the realities of our world. Most of us don’t have the luxury of complete sartorial freedom. We are bound by social norms, dress codes and the ever-present judgment of others. For many, especially those from marginalized communities, adhering to specific styles can be a matter of safety and belonging.
The abundance of fashion options available to us today can be both empowering and overwhelming. With endless combinations of styles and trends, it can be difficult to discern what truly resonates with us. This paradox of choice can lead to feelings of insecurity and a fear of making “wrong” fashion choices.
The Gendered Struggle
The struggle for personal style is further compounded by gendered expectations and stereotypes. While society increasingly acknowledges the fluidity of gender expression, deeply ingrained norms still dictate what is considered acceptable attire for different genders.
Men are often confined to a narrow spectrum of “acceptable” clothing, while women face a different set of constraints. The dichotomy between masculine and feminine clothing perpetuates the idea that personal style is a binary concept, disregarding the rich tapestry of expression that lies beyond these rigid categories.
To truly embrace personal style, we must challenge the binary constructs that limit our choices. The liberation of personal expression requires breaking free from the shackles of gender norms and embracing a more inclusive understanding of style.
The emergence of gender-neutral fashion is a step in the right direction, providing individuals with the freedom to explore and experiment beyond traditional expectations. However, the journey towards genuine personal style demands a broader societal shift in dismantling the stereotypes that dictate our clothing choices.
We must critically examine the forces that shape our choices and challenge the preconceived notions surrounding personal style. It is a journey of self-discovery that requires dismantling the barriers—whether societal, economic, or gendered—that hinder genuine self-expression.
The Algorithm’s Grip on Our Closets
Now algorithms have become the new gatekeepers of personal style. We are bombarded with curated feeds of “influencer looks” and “trending styles,” subtly influencing our choices and creating a sense of pressure to conform. While these platforms can be sources of inspiration, they can also lead to a homogenization of personal expression. The question remains: are we truly expressing ourselves or simply replicating what we see online?
But here’s the thing: personal style isn’t about blindly following trends. It’s about using fashion as a tool to express yourself, your personality and your values. It’s about feeling confident and comfortable in what you wear, regardless of what the latest algorithms are feeding you
One might argue that personal style is a myth, a clever marketing ploy to sell more clothes. After all, if everyone embraced their unique style, the fashion industry would crumble. Trends, by their very nature, require a collective agreement on what’s in and what’s out.
Consider the omnipresent skinny jeans phenomenon. A few years back, it seemed like everyone was donning snug denims. Did everyone suddenly discover a deep-seated love for narrow-legged trousers, or were we all just victims of a trend that dictated what was cool?
The rise of fast fashion has also undoubtedly influenced the way we perceive personal style. With clothing becoming more accessible and affordable, the turnover of trends has accelerated. What was in vogue last month might be considered passé today.
This constant churn of trends has both positive and negative implications for personal style. On the one hand, it allows for experimentation and the exploration of different looks. On the other hand, it promotes a disposable attitude towards clothing, discouraging the development of a more sustainable and enduring personal style.
In the age of Instagram and TikTok, where influencers reign supreme, the pressure to conform to the latest trends can be overwhelming. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of fashion fads, forgetting that personal style should be just that – personal.
Ayerhs Magazine 