basics are a myth

and some questions to get you thinking about what items are practical for YOU!

Let’s talk about “staple pieces”, “basics to invest in”, etc. For our whole lives, we have been told by fashion magazines, retailers, and now the internet, that there are certain wardrobe staples that we NEED in order to get dressed successfully.

And don’t get me wrong, I agree that there are certain things that a majority of people probably want to have in their closet to make getting dressed easier, like a great pair of jeans, or a good white tee. But also, you might hate wearing jeans, you might never find yourself searching for a white tee when you get dressed. Style is so subjective, how can there be any sort of formula or equation for even what a basic IS to someone? It is all a myth created by our society of overconsumption and trends, that we need a certain item to fit a certain mold.

And look, maybe I’m a little bit biased because my closet is definitely very light on the basics. If you keep up with me, you know I live for a statement piece, a crazy outfit, I always go for the over the top item. But, I had this AHA moment a few months into living in New York that I think really helped me to fully develop sense my personal style. I realized that I don’t have to always buy those “practical” things; the black blazer everybody swears by or the white button down that you can wear 5 ways. (I literally can’t tell you the last time I wore a white button down LOL) When I was younger I would always gravitate towards the neon pink blazer over the black blazer. I always felt like there was a pressure to buy the item that would match with more things, felt more safe, etc. But, I finally realized that for me, the pink, extra item WAS actually the more practical one because that was the thing that spoke to me more and that I was going to lean more towards wearing in my closet. For me, statement pieces are my most practical purchases. Because they are what I wear and love the most. I really tapped into my most ME, most fabulous personal style when I let go of all of these imaginary rules of what I should be shopping for. Once I embraced what I truly liked, thats when I feel like the magic started happening in my closet. I now curate and collect MAINLY colorful, funky, crazy pieces. But each and everyone of them is so ME and that’s why I wear them. All the time.

Everyone’s style is so different, which is what makes style so fun. So some of you might be reading this, and be like, I don’t know if I feel the same way as you; I love my white buttons downs and black blazers. And that is AMAZING. There is nothing wrong with having a closet full of great basics. I know so many people who gravitate towards basics because that is what they feel the most comfortable in. But, if you are someone who feels like you are just buying these items because some TikToker told you it was a staple piece, these are some of the questions that I think would be helpful to ask yourself when trying to dig deeper into what is a basic for you and what makes your style true to you.

What items do you gravitate towards wearing on an everyday basis? What is that go to outfit uniform, that on a day you don’t have anything planned and are just getting dressed to run errands…what do you reach for? What items work best with your job, daily routine, travels, lifestyle, etc.

What do you physically and emotionally feel the most comfortable in? What types of silhouettes, fabrics, etc. do you feel confident about your body in? What makes you feel GOOD inside and out? Think about it in every category. Bottoms, tops, dresses, shoes, etc.

What colors do you love to wear? What prints? Textures? Are you a girl who loves sparkles? Fur? Denim? Florals for spring? What would your inner child gravitate towards? What are some elements of your personality that you love to showcase through your clothing?

These are just a few thought starters that have been helpful for me to think about over the years. And I want to acknowledge that style is such a personal experience, and obviously I am just another human being on the internet giving my two cents on it. So take what I say with a grain of salt; finding your personal style is something that truly comes from within. I am just hoping to help you in the smallest way I can because I want you all to feel confident about stepping out into the world in the most fabulous outfit that makes you feel YOU. Whether that’s a white button down, or a sparkly pink gown.

Think about what YOU gravitate towards, what makes you happy, what makes you feel confident in your own skin, and what makes you YOU. Those are your basics and that is your personal style. 

My DMs are always open to chat more on this topic! Love you all!

Xx,

Soco