I have always loved fashion. Ever since I was a young girl I have been interested in clothes and appearances. My father was in the fashion industry so I was always surrounded by fabrics and creativity. Over the years I have noticed this unwarranted stigma around women (and men) that are into fashion. It’s seen as a passion that is frivolous or superficial. I can tell you unequivocally that it isn’t true. I see my appearance as the way I present myself to the world. As a creative person, I see fashion as taking all of my internal feelings and externalizing them for all to see.

It can be difficult to find your style when you’re first starting to put together your look. I’ve found that creating a mood board of different fashion icons and pieces you like will help you hone in what you’re interested in. Maybe you gravitate towards more bohemian, flowy styles, or maybe you realize you seek out edgier, “fashion-forward” choices. Piece by piece you’re defining what you like and more importantly what you don’t.  If you have a strong sense of how you want to be seen it will make shopping much easier.

Don’t go for trendy pieces. It’s easy to see something popular and gravitate to it. In six months the trend will be over and you’ll have a closet full of pieces you don’t like. Regardless of your style pick timeless pieces that you know won’t go out of fashion. Being stylish doesn’t have to be expensive but investing in one or two classic well-made pieces like a nice jacket will help your overall wardrobe and will last you much longer than clothes from “fast fashion” brands.

Personally, one of my go-to style icons is Keira Knightley. I like her elegance, femininity, and edge. I like to look “put together” but effortless. I achieve this by wearing casual pieces – fitted jeans, a tee shirt, with more fashion-forward accessories or a feminine dress with a leather jacket. Being able to go from day-to-night is also important to me. If I have a long day of meetings it’s nice to be able to change just a few things – flats to heels, bolder accessories, etc. – and be ready for dinner later.

Modesty has always been important to me, as well. If my style reflects who I am it’s important that people get the right idea about me. Also, I have to set a good example. Having adolescent girls it’s much easier for me to tell them I don’t think a skirt is appropriate if they know it’s something I wouldn’t wear myself.

Fashion can also be a great mood booster. Everyone has had those days where they’re lacking confidence and just want to mope around in sweatpants. But I guarantee that if you put on your favorite outfit you’ll instantly feel a little more like yourself.

I am much more than the clothes that I wear; they don’t define me.  But I do use them to quickly impart clues about who I am. 

As I build my personal fashion story, I think about a few key things.