My Personal Style

My style has changed drastically over the years. As a teenager I was rarely found in anything other than athletic clothes. I used to give myself a limit on the number of days I wore sweats in a given week. I lived in my soccer shorts and t-shirts. My style has often in various stages of my life reflected my mood or feelings towards my body. I have always struggled with liking my arms. I felt like they were too muscular and acne-scarred, so you would never catch me in spaghetti straps or any sleeveless tops. Ponchos, cardigans, shawls, and short sleeves were the staples of my closet in high school and college. I’m not going to lie I still struggle with letting negative thoughts towards my body determine what I chose to wear.

What I have learned is that sometimes the right outfit can help make these negative thoughts dissipate. A great outfit will not just look good but it should also make you feel good in it. A great outfit can instill confidence, power, and strength in who you are. As my self-confidence has grown so has my sense of my personal style. My style has been instrumental in my journey of self-love and acceptance as a black woman. Style to me is a lot more than just clothes. Style is a statement. Style is a journey. Style is a feeling. Style is an expression. Style is fluid. Style is mine. Style is yours.