How my personal style has changed
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Time to read 5 min
So many phases!
I’ve experienced countless style phases over the years, each one reflecting shifts in my attitude and personality. I recall a time when black dominated my wardrobe, mirroring a somber and somewhat sad period in my life. It's hard to say if my mood influenced my clothing choices or vice versa, but the connection was clear.
In the 90s, my style shifted to oversized, baggy clothing. I believed that hiding my shape would conceal what I saw as imperfections. My oversized outfits were a shield, masking my discomfort with my body.
Then came a pivotal moment. Shopping with my husband, he picked out a form-fitting skirt and encouraged me to try it on. It was far outside my comfort zone, but to appease him, I did. To my surprise, I loved it. That moment sparked a new style journey for me, one that I’ve embraced ever since.
Everyone must wear what makes them the most comfortable and confident. Before figuring out which clothes that would be, you must first:
- Find a way to be comfortable in your own skin
- Love yourself the way your loved ones do
- Appreciate your body with your perfect imperfections.
That is the secret to actually finding your true style.
Here we go again with a pic with lousy quality. The 90's weren't exactly known for high res photos 😁
As you can see in this picture, my top is as oversized as I could possibly wear. I wasn't comfortable in my own skin and believed that the bigger the clothes, the less noticeable my body would be, making me seem less overweight. I'm not sure why I thought this way. I mean, it's clear I'm not a skinny gal. Who did I think I was fooling? Did I think that wearing larger clothes would disguise my size? Yes, I did, and I went through this phase for quite some time.
Huge tops and sweaters, long maxi A-line skirts—the bigger and baggier the clothes, the better I thought I looked. 😏
Today, I couldn't disagree more with my younger self, but here we are, after years of struggling, trying to find my own sense of style, I have done leaps and bounds and moved forward into a new and more confident phase which I can proudly say I am truly proud of.
The journey is a life-long one as my style will change again many times. I like to follow trends, but I also like to create my own and my taste in clothes changes with age.
😍 My top pick for an oversized top is the newest one recently launched by Esteez. It is a high-low cotton crew neck top with loose 3/4 sleeves. It's super comfy and truly flattering. I wear it with a pencil skirt and I feel like a million bucks in that type of outfit every time.
Style tips to consider...
- There’s often some confusion between t-shirts designed to be intentionally baggy and those that are just a few sizes too big. Choosing larger size t-shirts that are specifically cut to be more fitted can lead to a poor fit and miss the mark on that relaxed, stylish look. It's all about finding the right balance for a flattering, comfortable fit!
- Baggy t-shirts are most flattering when paired with complementary pieces. In my opinion, an oversized top looks best with a more fitted item, like a pencil or straight skirt. A snug denim jean skirt is always a good option with an oversized top.
- If you're on the shorter side like me, adding a bit of a heel or a wedge when wearing an oversized top can boost your confidence and make you feel taller. I’m not talking about fancy pumps, but a shoe with a little extra height can really make a difference.
- Many women have adopted the "half-tuck" style, where the shirt is tucked in on just one side. It looks fantastic on some and not as great on others. I'm mentioning it so you can give it a try yourself. It never quite worked for me, but I love seeing it on others. So if it suits you, please go for it, and I'll enjoy it vicariously through you.
Function Over Fashion?
When my kids were younger, functionality was definitely the priority. From the baby stage, with constant feeding, drooling, and spit-up, to the toddler stage when I would spend my days sitting on the floor playing with them, or chasing them while they explore, functional fashion pieces were the winners.
Over the years, my responsibilities as a mom have evolved, and with that, my fashion priorities have transitioned from practical and comfortable choices to more stylish pieces. I remember wondering if there would ever come a time when I could wear an outfit I love without worrying about it getting slobbered on. If you're at that stage in your life, I have good news for you... there will come a time when you can embrace your own style without having to compromise it for anyone else.
😍 I like to share recipes with you and adding one to my blog weekly has become a tradition that brings me joy.
Shavuos is coming, and although many people serve a dairy meal, a fish dish is always a good addition. So for those of you who are lactose intolerant, and you're ok with raw fish, I would love to share this amazing recipe with you. I have made it a million times and it's truly a great one. Let me know if you make it!
Ingredients:
- 2 slices sushi grade tuna (raw)
- 1 avocado
- fresh parsley, chopped, (or 1 frozen cube)
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- small bunch fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp silan (date syrup)
- pinch of salt
Directions:
Dice raw tuna and put into a mixing bowl. Dice avocado into smaller cubes than the tuna and then add to the bowl. Add all ingredients, mix well and serve on a plate topped with black sesame seeds, and a drizzle of magic sauce.
I’ve shared the magic sauce recipe a million times. But if you still don’t have it, feel free to message me on Instagram and Ill happily share it with you
Conclusion
My personal style has evolved, reflecting my growth and changing life experiences. From experimenting with trends to embracing timeless classics, I've learned to dress in ways that truly express who I am. Style is a journey, not a destination, and I’m excited to continue exploring and refining my fashion choices as I move forward. Here's to celebrating our unique style journeys and the confidence that comes with embracing our true selves!
Good luck on your style journey!
Annette xo
Annette Cohen
Meet Annette, the creative force behind the modest fashion brand Esteez. With a passion for fashion and a keen eye for style, Annette curates a vibrant online space dedicated to celebrating modestwear and timeless elegance. Through her Instagram account @esteezonine, she shares her love for versatile fashion, food, and lifestyle offering inspiration and insights into living a life of both modesty and individuality. Join Annette on her journey as she explores the intersection of fashion, faith, and personal expression in her blog.
