Crafting my own style

I’ve been everywhere. Not physically but fashion-wise, all-black, wannabe emo, trendy, beige, PINK, yet I never really landed safely in my own style. As a 35-year-old, I for the first time feel like I am finding my voice when it comes to my fashion aesthetic. I’m currently clearing my wardrobe, I asked ChatGPT to provide me with a daily schedule where I go through my clothing items based on category. Day one was shoes, and I must admit, I was a bit anxious about throwing away some of my shoes as some were occasion wear, my mind went a bit blank as I was asking myself “Why should I throw these away? I might need them?” but to be honest, they were in horrible condition, the material was plastic and not always so comfortable and despite it being occasion footwear, ie not worn very often, the style of the shoes were not a reflection of who I am today. It reflected the 24-year-old woman who found shoes very similar to Carrie Bradshaw’s in Sex and the City, the major difference was the price tag and material.

Then there was the question of money. Another reason behind clearing out my closet is allowing and “forcing” me to spend some capital on myself. When capital is scarce the priorities are not necessarily on fashion, it’s on rent and sustaining yourself. And if I never remove some of the items in my wardrobe I’m not making room for new ones. Thankfully, I’m in a better position these days and can prioritise vanity over necessities.

So what is my style? LET ME TELL YOU! If you’ve yet to see the latest Netflix Show “The Gentleman” (you should, it’s great), you will discover a character named Susie Glass. I believe Ms. Glass summed up the style I wanted to strive for, playful, suited, and muted colours.

Screenshot of a current pinterest board, appropriately named “Susie Glass”

I draw loads of inspiration from television and film, I find it a very fitting medium to not only see that character with their clothes in action but also their take on dressing well. For example, Ms. Glass states she is “someone who dresses well”. It is important to her. And that is something specifically I would like to get back to. I want to dress well. I wish to see myself with a personal style that fits me.

Additionally, I’ve dabbled in the idea of “Dark Academia”, but I was missing the affluent sense of Dark Academia for some reason, it was speaking to me yet I felt something was missing. However, it’s still an aesthetic I will keep in mind while shopping for my new wardrobe.

Pinterest board fittingly named “Dark Academia Aesthetics”

There are plenty more characters in television and film I am drawn to, which is exceedingly clear on my Pinterest. But if I would name them all I would never stop writing. With that said, I am currently on day four of the closet clear-out, so today I need to clear out dresses and jumpsuits, as I don’t own any jumpsuits, my dresses are on the chopping block. I will most likely keep all of my vintage dresses as .. vintage.. even though I’m not wearing them anymore.