Staying True to Personal Style: Taking Inspiration from Brides

In the back of all of our closets, there is an item that we loved in the store, but since trying it on, it has not been taken off the hanger. Maybe it is a brightly colored top that doesn’t quite match anything, or patterned jeans that are a little too loud.

We ask ourselves, “Where am I going to wear this?” and “Why did I buy this?”

The answer is this- we buy into trends instead of staying true to our personal styles.

It is so easy to be influenced to buy a certain trend, even if it does not fit our personal style. It may look great online, or on the hanger, but when it is in our closets, it appears different. It sticks out like a sore thumb.

I had the honor of interning at a small bridal boutique this summer. Brides always came in wanting trendy basque waistlines and cat-eye necklines, like they have seen online. Rarely does a bride truly know what she wants.

This is because in the bridal industry, trends are secondary. Brides will not feel like themselves by following trends. Instead, I assisted brides in narrowing down their options and choosing what feels true to herself. Then, we celebrated the happy “I said Yes” moments.

 This led me to wonder, why can’t we follow this principle in all clothing, not just wedding gowns?

Wedding dresses carry more emotional weight than everyday clothing. Brides picture looking back at their photo album for years to come, which makes every detail feel important. Wedding dresses are also far more expensive than everyday clothing, which encourages more thoughtful decision making.

No, one small shopping mistake is not going to end up in the family photo album, but it can still end up in the back of your closet. I think it is a mistake to only prioritize personal style and thoughtful shopping when making big purchases.

It can be hard to resist an item that you can envision on an influencer, but there are other options to test out new styles. You can borrow a piece from your friend with a different style, and see if you would actually wear it. There are also many websites you can rent pieces from, and give them a try without committing to it. Then, if you still love the item, trend, or style, you can buy more pieces like that, knowing they will be worn.

One way that brides do follow trends, while staying true to their style is with accessories. They may add capes, or cathedral length veils. This way, they can follow trends and still feel like themselves.

In everyday life, adding trending jewelry, sunglasses, scarves, or fun shoes to any outfit can elevate it, and the outfit still feels like you.

So the next time you are on a shopping spree, try not to picture the item on Pinterest, but in your closet.