I am certain those of you out there who are also in the fashion industry experience this, I am regularly asked by new acquaintances where to shop and how to dress. It's a question that amuses me because half the time I never know what to wear myself. I've probably never dressed "right" for a job interview, or a date, or a nice restaurant, and I constantly harass my best friend and my mom for approval once i've settled on something to wear (and let me tell you they are both brutally honest - which i desperately need).
The thing is, I've always felt there is no "right way" to dress. Because I studied costume design, I look at my wardrobe to hold some representation of who I am. I have quite a few personalities according to my closet, but the understanding of what I am looking for comes from the creative side within me, and is about who I am, which is why it perplexes me when people ask for my advice, especially people I don't know well. They ask, "What should I wear?", and I can't help but reply with, "Whatever you want to wear!" They often look at me confused, as if I am meant to be their fashion sage and guide them through the difficult world of shopping. How should I know what ideal image they are trying to fit so I can suggest the right attire for them? There are so many different ways to dress, for all shapes and sizes, and there is no longer one right way to dress.
I shop all over the spectrum, from places like Forever 21, PacSun, and H & M to Bloomingdales, Saks, Neimans, etc. I mix cheap with designer constantly - and usually the outfits I get the most positive reactions on are the less expensive ones. But the one thing that is a constant is that when I actually make an effort to look a certain way, something I am wearing has to channel the ridiculous or the absurd - but that's my thing.
How do you find yours? I'm not sure, but if its a matter of "how do I dress for my body type?" - either start with the magazines that have cornered the market of telling you what to wear, or look up people who have the same shape as you. See what they get away with and then go shopping - ANYWHERE - and try things on, figure out how to make that look your own. Show your personality in what you wear whether its a bright color or a mismatched print, or shoes that dont necessarily make sense -- all that matters is you love what you wear and you wear it with confidence. There is no sense in walking out the door without feeling amazing about yourself - there is a look out there for you, but you have to find it yourself.
My only real advice - it's best not to longingly look at the stylings of someone who is your opposite in shape, size, lifestyle etc. I know a lot of people who say "I wish i could dress like ..." - try it, but if it's not for you move onto something else and don't look back wishing you were anything but who you are.
