Don't forget: Fashion still gets to be FUN
But at the root of it all, there was my unique, individual, bright, wild girl style.
Growing up, I was always what you might call a “unique” dresser.
Everything was bright colors, loud prints, smiley face backpacks, and neon socks. I willingly got up before the sun every day to do my hair in outrageous styles and find an outfit that felt just right.
I LOVED getting dressed in the mornings because it was the one time of day when I got to fully express myself, be totally me, and show the world what I was all about.
Along the way, I always found ways to mix in some of the trends I saw in the Seventeen magazines that I hid from my parents. (Please don't tell them.)
Oversized plaid flannels, bell-bottom jeans, platforms ala the Spice Girls, and of course, glitter eye shadow during the pop princess era.
But at the root of it all, there was my unique, individual, bright, wild girl style.
Then I got into high school.
And I found myself dying to sit at the popular table - you know the one. I wanted boys to like me. I started to worry more about fitting in. Gradually, little by little, the carefree, “Do what I want” side of me started to retreat. I learned how to fit in and I did it really, really well.
But there was always this sense that no one was seeing all of me. That there was a part of myself and my own personal style that I had to hide in order to be accepted.
College came and it was more of the same.
There was the year I hung out with the emo crowd, so I wore the band tees and impossibly skinny jeans.
There was the year that I ran with the athletes, so I did the whole athleisure thing.
Then of course, to fit in with the preppy girls I wore Pink sweatpants and collared shirts.
But somewhere deep down under all of that, there was still me.
After college, I graduated, moved away, and eventually found myself alone in a brand new city.
While making friends, I quickly realized how exhausting it is to constantly be adapting to whoever you spend your time around.
As I got older, I realized the best thing I could do, the best thing I could wear, was whatever felt right to me.
You see, I’m different from anyone else. So are you.
You have different tastes, a unique aesthetic, a different favorite color, vibe, fabrics, and shapes that you’re drawn to. And that’s how it should be.
A lot of us miss out on the fact that fashion gets to be fun.
It’s a way for us to express ourselves - to explore and try new things. We forget that what makes us feel good about ourselves doesn’t have to look like what everyone else is doing.
There’s certainly nothing wrong with scrolling Pinterest or mindlessly scouring TikTok for style and fashion inspiration. In fact, these are amazing tools to spark ideas and encourage you to try new things.
But don’t forget that what you see there is not the final word. It’s not the ONLY way to find your style.
So here’s your reminder to wear what feels good to you. Dress in a way that makes YOU feel happy.
Because you being you and celebrating your own personal style just might inspire the people around you to finally do the same.
Abby Flynn
Abby Flynn is a content writer and mom of two littles living in Charlotte, NC. She’s also the host of the Joy Rally Podcast. In her free time, she keeps up with the Kardashians, rummages through thrift stores, and loves trying out new restaurants with her husband, Cole. You can find Abby at http://abbyflynn.com or on Instagram at @abbyflynnco.
