Leather To Lace: Why Your Style Should Abide By No Rules

My style often varies from Taylor Swift to Avril Lavigne. And despite the blonde hair, blue eye similarities, those two are nothing alike. We’re talking leather vs. lace, skulls vs. flowers, and black vs. pink. So, how could I possibly be both?

In attempts to balance the different parts of my life, sometimes I change as many as three times a day. I can go from Vans and a skateboard, to heels and a dress; or from red lips and combat boots, to a sorority t-shirt and Alex and Ani bracelets. And sometimes…a mixture of all three. Leaving people to perceive my contradicting style as an attempt to try and be something I’m not.

And honestly, nothing annoys me more. I’m not trying to be interesting or fit into every social group imaginable. I’m not trying to be the poster girl for Hot Topic or a Forever 21‘s biggest fan. I don’t wake up in the morning and think, “Today I’m going to be punk rock,” or, “Today I’m feeling like Blair Waldorf…Season 1”.

So, why does how I dress usually have to depict my outfit choices?

Why does what I choose to wear and when I choose to wear it, concern anyone but myself?

The truth is, people are uncomfortable when they’re not able to stereotype you. We like when everyone and everything fits into a category, and has a set place. But I’m not comfortable with abiding by the rules a category sets. I buy things that I like, for only that reason. If you can’t figure me out…try harder because I’m not trying to be someone else or even buy into one social culture. Because honestly, why should I have to?

I’m urging you to stop playing into one stereotype. Buy what you want, wear what you want, and be who you want. I am so interested and inspired by different parts of every single style. Why are we limiting ourselves to just one? When we could pick our favorite parts from boho all the way to grunge, creating a personal style that is truly unique.

The things that we love depict who we are, more so than anything else. You can dress like you’re at Coachella, and then throw on your favorite neon PINK zip-up. You can wear all the black your heart desires, and then put on the frilliest, flower sun dress you own. Because at the end of the day, you are more than the girl you currently look like.

I’m tired of being told what I should and shouldn’t wear, based on preconceived notions about who I am. My punk and my preppy sides are who I am, and would be incomplete without the other. Yes, I love black, leather jackets, and rock concerts. But I also love dresses, heels, and bright pink lipstick. And that’s okay. I am every little part of every little thing that I love; despite the fact that they don’t always go together.

So, unconditionally and un-categorically be yourself. You don’t need to conform to make other people comfortable. Get them out of their comfort zone, with your un-stereotypical style. Let people open your closet and think “Who the hell is this girl?” because if their opinion should honestly be worth something to you, they will stick around to find out.

Featured image via Anastasiya Lobanovskaya on Pexels