A couple of years back, I found myself in my parents’ NYC apartment rooting through all the boxes I stuffed in a corner closet (sorry mom and dad for still using it as storage!)

Out of all the gems I unearthed, my favorite was a list–probably of my first three outfits for back-to-school.  On pink paper.

pink first day outfit_0002It may be pretty entertaining now, but I imagine my new school year jitters prompted me to write this list.  Here’s what I would have told my teenage self now that I have more life perspective, and working knowledge as a fashion stylist.

ONE: DON’T JUST WEAR SOMETHING BECAUSE EVERYONE ELSE IS, DEVELOP YOUR OWN STYLE

You may share a love for boy bands, science, and gymnastics with your friends, but you don’t necessarily have to be twinsies walking down the hall.  Explore a sense of style that interests you, and don’t worry about having to coordinate oufits with others.  Believe me, having your own individual style can develop into something more when you’re older–even as a career!

TWO: TRY DIFFERENT LOOKS TO EXPRESS YOUR MOOD

Susie Bubble multiple sunglassesFashion blogger Susie Bubble would have been my highschool fashion crush.  I believe we share a tenet about fashion–that what you wear can convey a feeling.
You can be your own walking art canvas.
I have a hazy memory of one day wearing copious amounts of black and dark lipstick, to suddenly wearing  bright thrift shop finds from the seventies to match my new fuchsia haircolor.  (Disclaimer: dyeing your hair isn’t for everyone, kids.)

THREE: FIND JOY IN YOUR WARDROBE, IN YOURSELF

Part of your developing personality is how you put yourself together.  This may bring up some feelings of self criticism.  Instead, focus on the areas you like to emphasize.

I love wearing bold colors in classic shapes, like a pencil skirt in a cobalt blue that stops right at the knee (since I like my calves, lol.)

Susie Bubble backpack and shortsOkay, well I hope this helps you prepare for your first day outfit, whether it be for highschool or a back-to-work ensemble.

Love,

Miramar