The Tamesis
In an age of never-ending micro-trends—office girls, tomato girls, and coquettish girls—finding your own style can feel like a daunting task. It’s even hard to find people to look up to. While some celebrities have developed ultra-specific personal styles, there is a trend toward refined homogeneity. While we can still pay homage to the Chloë Sevignys, Grace Joneses and Alexa Chungs of the world, they feel too few and far between. So it’s no surprise that you might be wondering…
Why can’t I find my style?
As trends continue to cycle, we always feel the pressure to move on to the hot new thing. Even if your wardrobe is more fashionable, try asking yourself about certain pieces in your closet. Does the color suit you? Do you like how it makes your body look? Why does it feel good after wearing it?
Of course, it’s all a bit hazy. If you’re still feeling stressed, we asked some of the most stylish people we know to help us find your style. They work across the entire fashion industry, from design to editorial to retail. Not only did we ask them their tips for organizing their own wardrobes, we also asked where they shop and who they look to for inspiration in their own wardrobes.
How would you describe your personal style?
Margaret Austin, Outline Brooklyn Co-Owner: Comfort, thoughtfulness, practicality, stripes? I try to stick to natural fibers but I also really like pleats [Please by Issey Miyake] and Comme des Garçons].
Jalil Johnson, Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Office Coordinator/Consider Yourself Cultured Writer: Eclectic and preppy.
Naomi Eliza, Fashion edit: I would describe my style as a hodgepodge of all my interests. I like to think of myself as a style chameleon and try not to limit myself to one specific “style”. I dress based on my current mood or the mood I crave! If I’m looking for something exciting, I’ll go with the brightest Christopher John Rogers sweater and rhinestone Martine Rose jeans. It’s never too much or too little for me. I dress to experiment, I dress to be comfortable, I dress to have fun, I dress to be myself.
Steff Yotka, Content Director, SSENSE: This question about yourself is impossible to answer! I love plaids and stripes, wearing black with a bit of color, big skirts and platform shoes – I just love these categories and figure them out every morning when I get dressed. I think if you buy something you like, it will look great on you.
Susan Korn, Jewelry Designer Susan Alexandra: A Victorian school mom meets Yentl, who aspires to be a cool Danish mom.
Maholo Seward, British Vogue Fashion & Style Editor: Lots of black, but not goth; gender-neutral, but not weird; usually pretty quiet – sometimes, bordering on a traditional understanding of chic – but usually with a hint of grit/grunge.
When did you start developing your current style?
MA: Lockdown has been a bit of a reset for me – I think spending time alone has made me gravitate toward simpler outfits, as opposed to some of the louder pieces I wore on my pre-pandemic “out” days.
