Broke Girl Memoir

As a 20 something, gender non-conforming individual, finding your personal style is critical. If we’re facing the facts, most of us are left to unravel the ins and outs of life, on our own dime and time. Maturing is coming into your own. And personal style can say a lot about a person. This article will get straight to the reality of what it’s like being young, dumb and broke with the fact check that being fashionable is not the same as stylish.

Fashionable vs. Stylish: The Reality Check

Now let’s break that down, shall we? Ones who are Fashionable tend to follow trends to a T and have the never-ending crisis of searching for the latest looks. While being stylish factors in not what you need to buy, but what you already own with the end goal of every new purchase blend’s in effortlessly to your existing wardrobe. It has to do with showing your personality with forever timeless garments that won’t go out of trend based on how you rock it. Having the mindset of a stylish diva tends to come with the priority of quality over quantity, we want cashmere, not counterfeit.

Quality vs. Cost: Striking a Balance

Though investing in those quality pieces may come with a not so pretty price tag, there are ways to have that style evolution that changes it all. Now I’m not saying you should gut your closet of the more affordable pieces you have. fast fashion is the reality for most with cost-of-living skyrocketing like we’ve never seen, a good pair of jeans is trumped overpaying rent on time. But I can’t help but asking myself, what can be done to work toward a timeless wardrobe?

1. Define Your Style Defining your style is the right place to start. Identify your aesthetic and what needs to gradually shift to become one with your wardrobe. Reflect on the trends that scream your name, what makes you, you and what makes you most happy! Is it a Mini skirt? Is it an oversized tee and blazer? You have answers, but it’s time to ask those questions.
2. Build a Capsule Wardrobe Narrow things down to the versatile basics that work for you. And neutral colors are easy way to start. But don’t mistake “basic” for “boring”. A basic of yours could be just as crazy as you. The point of a capsule wardrobe and a good basic is to reflect your individuality. Consider this a reminder that a capsule wardrobe doesn’t mean you have to dress in or feel beige for the rest for your life.
3. Thrifting is Gold Thrifting is where it’s at! Shopping second hand can be an exciting and unique experience. These thrift stores we’ve come to know, and love are chalked full of juicy pieces ranging from vintage to designer and everything in between. Second-hand shops are being flooded with fast fashion these days and if you find something low quality and cheap that’s okay, there’s no shame in the game! Just be sure this piece is something you’re infatuated with and will be cherished for more than its already short, expected life cycle.
4. Upcycle: Trash to Treasure One thing we can have some creative freedom with is the gift of upcycling. Giving us the opportunity to turn what’s been forgotten to something unforgettable. Grab a needle and thread! Embroider it, cut it, patch it and give what you once loved a new life or purpose

Let’s Recap: What have we learned?

Well finding your personal style isn’t as easy as it sounds, there few things you need to start this evolution which are the power of identifying your style and what makes you happy, a couple good staples in your wardrobe (another reminder that “Basic” doesn’t mean “boring”) and we can’t forget the art of the thrift. This is supposed to be a process that is fun and enjoyable, with the goal of feeling good in your style Sincerely, your 20 something fashion diva.