Well, we have reached the end of my column. We are here at the final iteration. I spent much time contemplating what I would discuss in today’s “Confessions,” and for the first time, my mind went blank. As a farewell message to you, my dear readers, here are some lessons and tips I hope you’ll take from me — little souvenirs from our time together, pulled from my previous confessions.
Originality doesn’t exist, so don’t try so hard to achieve it.
As I mentioned in “Influenced,” no one’s style is truly original, and sometimes it’s OK to buy into trends. From everyday consumers to the top high-end designers, everyone is constantly pulling inspiration from somewhere — a magazine, a movie, a TikTok scroll. This realization raised a huge question for me: What is originality? In my eyes, it’s a myth. To dress in a way that matches who or how you want to feel and be. Style isn’t about inventing something no one’s ever seen before — it’s about self-expression.
Don’t be ashamed of your choices.
Personally, I had to outgrow this weird embarrassment I felt whenever I would wear a piece of merch, but for you, it may be something different. Fashion is about making mistakes and putting yourself out there. Every ‘cringe’ outfit you wear teaches you something about your tastes and your confidence. So wear that merch. Wear the thing you think might be ‘too much.’ There’s freedom in letting yourself simply enjoy what you like.
Know when to shop and when to stop.
Retail therapy can be addictive, and shopping can bring much joy, especially when you need a little pick-me-up. But it is important to make smart shopping decisions. Part of growing up, at least for me, has been learning when a shopping trip is a fun treat — and when it’s a distraction. Spend intentionally. Save up for pieces you really love. The best purchases aren’t the ones you make in a rush — they’re the ones that feel just as good weeks or months later.
Always take trends with a grain of salt.
Shoe trends, influencer trends and plenty of others. Trends can inspire you and the items you buy. Because of them, some items may become unexpected favorites. But you do not have to jump on every trend. Trends are fun. I’ll never deny the thrill of finding the ‘it’ shoe or the ‘it’ bag. But not every trend is worth chasing. Use trends as a source of inspiration, not a checklist.
Here’s to wherever your next shopping trip — or your next chapter — takes you. Fashion, after all, is just one way we tell the world who we are. And just like style, we’re all works in progress — always changing, always growing, always figuring it out one outfit (and one moment) at a time.
