22 Things I Would Want My Younger Self To Know About Fashion
By Brooke Frischer
As Fashion Month continues to embrace the styles and trends that, not so long ago, dominated the most formative years of Generation Z, I’ve wondered what my younger self would think of this revival—if there was anything she would gain comfort from knowing. This is for the girl who subtly displayed her personal style throughout grade school, hoping to embody her most genuine self, but with just enough fear to not be herself completely. To all of us who grew up in status-quo environments, where it felt scary to differentiate ourselves from the crowd, I offer 22 thoughts I would share with my younger self, two weeks before I turn 22.
The author, age 17.
The author, age 21.
The classmates that looked down on you for breaking out of the bubble of what was standard and acceptable, are now wearing the trends you embraced.
There is nothing wrong with trying something new.
You do not have to reflect the image of someone else.
Put that American Apparel bow back in your hair— you don’t look crazy.
You would feel so much better if you gave into that gut feeling of wearing what you want to wear.
Those dirty looks in the hallways are because you’re pulling it off, not because you look weird.
Your urge to dress differently is your personality begging to be expressed.
One day, you’re going to work in fashion, and people you admire will embrace and uplift you!
There is no right or wrong way to wear an outfit.
The person who made fun of you for wearing bows and beanies to school started wearing bows and beanies a month later.
In seven years, the pop-punk Tumblr renaissance will be upon us again, so don’t shy away from enjoying it now.
Fashion will slowly become more inclusive of different kinds of bodies.
Just because your weight fluctuates doesn’t mean you have to change the way you dress.
You’re going to be named “Best Dressed” in your senior year of high school.
You don’t have to look like the people pasted on your walls to look good.
Confidence is everything.
If you believe you look cool, others will believe it too.
Don’t let mom sell any of her old clothes.
In seven years, you’ll have been in the same room as all of your favorite writers, editors and style influences several times over.
There is no benefit to overthinking an outfit.
Wear that weird combination of clothing!
You have the power to be and do anything you want, including working in fashion.