In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.
I have always loved Coco Chanel for that saying. Looking back in time, the biggest style icons have always been trend makers rather than followers. They have always interpreted fashion in their own way, and this is perhaps the reason why we consider them as style icons. Each of them carried their own styles with so much confidence that it made us believe in these fashionistas.
Marilyn Monroe with embracing and emphasizing curves, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and the popularization of chic fashion, Madonna with the evolution of costume couture, Audrey Hepburn and the little black dress, and Lauren Bacall with her love of prints- each of these icons were able to express themselves through their own styles and preferences, bringing fresh, irreplaceable concepts into the fashion world.
When it comes to style, some prefer to think outside the box and take inspiration from less mainstream sources, and dress themselves in what they believe is comfortable, fun, and fashionable. These are the people who don’t believe in seasonal trends but have a more authentic approach to their styles. Celebrities like Lady Gaga, Cardi B, Sia have embraced this individualistic style with their bold choices. Whether it is Ariana Grande’s signature high ponytail, Amber Rose’s buzz cut, or Gwen Stefani’s red lips, these attributes have become a part of who they are and what they stand for. Others are dedicated to keeping up with the latest trends, closely following the latest collection at runways to be at the forefront of the season’s top picks. Even when following trends, it is interesting to see how the same style is interpreted differently by individuals depending on their personality, moods, likes and dislikes. And style should be like that. It should always lead to a door of freedom for people to express themselves without having to worry about being judged and add edge and flare to their looks.
How often do we hear things like, I’m more of a jeans person, or I’m having such a little black dress kind of day? We make such simple statements almost every day, without realizing what they mean. It shows how each of us have our approach to styling and the smallest variables can influence that. As Versace said, "Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live." Style is something that is vast and open to interpretation. Style is supposed to be one’s identity and the most important factor is whether one is comfortable and happy in her own skin. To be able to do that means you have the best style. This is also the way we let our quirkiness s and creativity flow. We display all that we are capable of. It doesn’t matter how it is interpreted by others. Sometimes the surrounding reactions can be lukewarm. But the moment one wants to suit to other’s opinions and standards, their individuality is lost and killed.
Because in the end, style is all about embracing what you like with confidence. It is the ability to look at the mirror and give oneself a nod of approval while feeling content. We all have our own complicated relationship with style. And as we grow, this relationship also evolves till we can fully understand each other. But the final goal is the same for everyone-shed some light into our personalities and let the world know who we are as individuals.
