Owning My Style: Why I am Proud to Shine on My Own Terms

Get ready to dive into the denim trends of 2025 with a splash of excitement! According to InStyle and every 14-year-old fashionista, the top picks are Barrel-Leg Jeans, Wide-Leg Jeans, Straight-Leg Jeans, and Soft and Drapey Jeans. Stepping out of the house, I see women rocking these trends everywhere, and they look absolutely adorable! I was thrilled to see looser-fitting jeans making waves in the fashion world, and retailers did an amazing job styling them, convincing me to give them a whirl. So, I did, and here's what I discovered: I'll be strutting in my skinny jeans and leggings with a confident side-part for the foreseeable future, and you'll love me for it—here's why.

It's not just about the trend that pulls us in; if you're savvy with marketing, retail, or have watched Mad Men, you'll know it's more about the image the trend creates for the consumer than the product itself. That image could be confidence, allure, success, wealth—you name it. We constantly see people portraying these images. But remember, an image is just that—an image, not reality.

So, if it's about image, let's get one thing straight: your image will only be genuine when YOU are authentic. Let me put it this way: I tried the pants. They looked adorable in commercials, on mannequins, but on me? Not so much. I twisted and turned in the dressing room mirror, tried different sizes, stood on tiptoes, tucked and untucked shirts. Nope. Not my style, not my trend. I looked 10 pounds heavier, 5 inches wider, and a few inches shorter. Definitely not cute. But slipping back into my skinny jeans was like flipping a switch—the dressing room came alive! I looked in the mirror, smiling, and thought, "There we go!"

Those trendy jeans had no spark, no energy. It was my body in them, but it wasn't me. My sparkle, my energy- gone. It got me thinking I'm not drawn to the trend; I'm drawn to the happiness of those wearing them. I'm not attracted to the style and cut; I'm drawn to the joy radiating from the commercial of the people at a park picnic on a beautiful day wearing cute outfits. It's not the trend; it's the feeling people get wearing them. That's probably Marketing 101, but it's worth sharing because I wonder how often we've splurged on trends that don't bring out our best selves. That's why we have those pants we've worn once or shirts with tags still on them.

I think the baggy look can be super cute, and I want to be super cute too! But then I realized the girl I'm admiring is 20, and I'm 40. My hips aren't her hips, and my life isn't her life. My cute can only be MY cute. Yes, I can totally be cute, but in my own style, in my own body. What I wear will attract people not because it's trendy, but because I AM wearing it. It's not the trend or style; it's me. I'm the model wearing the outfit that brings happiness, energy, and fun. It's me people will be drawn to. Trends matter only if they make you feel like the best version of yourself.

So, let's celebrate your love for any so-called outdated styles if they bring you joy: mesh flats, skinny jeans, leather trousers, bubble skirts, parachute pants, high platform shoes, hunter boots, and low-rise bottoms. You'll shine brighter and spread more joy wearing what you love.

If you've got this down, yay! I'm proud you stand firm in your style! I, however, have a 12-year-old daughter reminding me I can now wear my socks outside of my leggings with sandals. Wait, what?! (I haven't embraced this however as I find it steals my sparkle!) I love my no-show socks and side part. I'll proudly wear them no matter what my sixth grader says. By not caving, I'm showing her to do the same—to walk in her own style. More is caught than taught.

So, wear what gives you confidence. It's perfectly okay to buy 10 of the same shirts in different colors if it makes you feel amazing every time you put it on! I tend to buy similar neutral tees, tanks, and sweatshirts, then spice up my look with fun earrings, jewelry, and sparkly shoes. That's when I'm at my best, comfortable in my own (outdated) style and walking in confidence. Don't let wide-leg jeans steal your spark. Be strong, friends. Trends will come and go, but YOU are what people will be drawn to. YOU wear the clothes; don't let the clothes wear you!