How I Transformed My Challenges into a Distinctive Personal Style
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Embracing Your Unique Style Journey
Fashion should be enjoyable, and I often find myself dressing as if I'm a character in a story, fully embracing the role. Over time, I have curated a distinctive style that I’m eager to share.
Like many, I face significant style hurdles. One of my primary obstacles is hair loss due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which began in my teenage years and has continued to worsen. With over four decades of experience navigating this issue, I’ve found ways to enhance my appearance and boost my confidence despite these challenges. Through experimentation, I've learned how to select flattering wigs that appear natural.
Often, people suggest that those experiencing hair loss opt for wigs that mimic their original hairstyle. However, considering it’s been years since I've had a suitable hairstyle, this advice isn’t practical for me. Instead, I explore various colors that complement my wardrobe, focusing on hues like blue, pink, and purple, which suit me best.
Through trial and error, I discovered that a bob hairstyle works well for me. I’ve even drawn inspiration from family members’ styles, such as my mother's long-time bob and my grandmother's striking white hair, both of which I can pull off.
Everywhere I go, I receive compliments on my wigs. Many are surprised to learn they are wigs, and I often share that my style has developed out of necessity rather than pity. Sometimes, I venture out with minimal hair, leading to questions about chemotherapy, which I find uncomfortable to explain. This motivates me to often disguise my hair loss, even among friends who are aware of my situation.
Navigating Figure Challenges
Another style challenge I face is my atypical figure. Being slightly taller than average and having a long torso means I often need to add several inches to the waist when sewing clothes from patterns. I’ve largely given up on tailored pieces, except for jackets, as the fit is typically off.
While some brands offer tall sizes, they are far less common than those catering to plus sizes. Occasionally, I find tall tops or dresses that fit well, but I usually wear standard-length skirts and pants.
Additionally, I have broader shoulders and a larger bust, complicating the search for well-fitting tops and dresses. When I discover a style that works in a specific brand, I often buy it in multiple colors. There's a local store that offers lovely cotton pieces suitable for older women, where I found a flattering top-and-pants combination that I now have in several shades.
I also explore young men's clothing, a style my friend humorously dubbed my “teenage boy style.” These garments often fit me better than traditional women's wear due to my boyish figure, and I appreciate androgynous styles that include t-shirts, sweatpants, and sneakers for casual days.
I enjoy hunting for unique clothing at yard sales and flea markets rather than splurging on expensive items. I also like to modify and embellish found pieces to fit my personal style and figure, especially jeans and jackets.
Inspired by the Korean boy band BTS, I've decorated a denim jacket modeled after Suga’s style. I transformed a cropped jacket by adding crocheted granny squares and decorative patches made from fabric scraps, creating a stylish piece at a minimal cost.
Creativity Through Costume Design
I often draw inspiration from costume designers. My affinity for military-style clothing has led me to curate a small collection of khaki pants and jackets sourced from flea markets. During the pandemic, I watched several zombie apocalypse films, which inspired me to decorate some clothing based on the characters’ styles.
I discovered helpful tutorials on YouTube, such as "How to Start Creating Your First Post-Apocalyptic Costume." One key takeaway was the importance of allowing your clothing to narrate your story. This principle applies to any outfit: does your clothing convey aspects of your life or personality? Does it communicate your narrative?
In a survival scenario, individuals must repurpose materials for their new reality. I’ve always appreciated distressed clothing, making this style a natural fit for me. I’ve customized both an army-style jacket and vest, stenciling phrases like “zombie rescue” and “zombie apocalypse” while lightly spray-painting them for a weathered look. I’ve also added chains and studs for a rugged “biker/rock star” aesthetic. While they may be a bit costume-like, I wear them occasionally for fun.
Your style should reflect your true self, not just your fantasies. I recall a show called “What Not To Wear,” which is available on YouTube. Many contestants struggled because they dressed for an idealized life rather than their real one, resulting in outfits that felt inappropriate or outlandish.
One memorable episode featured an older woman, a successful executive in the rap industry, who initially dressed like a poor imitation of a young male rapper. The transformation showcased her as a competent executive, proving that your attire should accurately represent your age, talents, profession, and environment.
When I relocated from Ohio to Mexico a few years ago, my style evolved significantly. After retiring from a 25-year career as a college professor and adapting to a warm, desert climate, I found few of my former clothes suited my new lifestyle.
Advice for Crafting Your Distinct Style
For those seeking to develop a personal style, I recommend identifying your flaws and leveraging them to your advantage. Discover which silhouettes and brands complement your figure best, ensuring comfort both in look and feel. Seek out celebrities whose styles resonate with you and don’t hesitate to experiment with similar outfits. Above all, remember to enjoy the process!