5 Reasons why I love fashion… It’s not just about wearing pretty clothes!

So, it was International Women’s Day a couple of days back and it got me thinking about some of the things that define me as a woman. One of the things that’s pretty close to the top of my list is… fashion. It might sound superficial, but it isn’t just about wearing pretty clothes (and shoes, and accessories, of course). For me, fashion was not only one of my first loves growing up,  but it’s also developed into a much bigger part of my identity over the years, so I thought I’d share a few reasons why that’s the case with you.

The way you scratch your head when you want to call your post ‘5 reasons why I love fashion’, but you can only think of 4 at first…

Black thigh high boots: Free People, similar here

1) It makes me happy

As the self-professed queen of colour coordination, there’s something about putting a whole lewk together that gives me a level of joy I just can’t quite seem to find in anything else. Perhaps it’s the mixing and matching (actually, the matching, mostly), but working on this blog for almost two years has made for the happiest period of my life thus far. I used to think it was just the dopamine from retail therapy, and honestly, perhaps at some point it was, but since I’ve started making a conscious effort to #BuyLessWearMore, the happiness I found in styling, shooting and blogging simply hasn’t gone away… Seriously, I’m starting to think that fashion is bae.

That smile when you figure out that fashion is bae

Large gold chunky hoop earrings: Orelia London 

Gold chain necklaces: Orelia London (all linked in this post)

2) It allows me to express myself

It’s often said that fashion is a form of self-expression, and if that ain’t the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, then I don’t know what is. I feel like I’m the exception rather than the norm here, but when I get out of bed in the morning, what I choose to wear is a reflection of my mood on that day. Feeling happy? Wear yellow. Feeling cute? Wear pink. Feeling confident? Wear a rainbow. Of course, it does go beyond just the colours, but they’re definitely a good starting point.

When you open your mouth to answer ‘why are you so dressed up?’ (Because I was feeling kinda extra today…. and every other day tbh)

Black chunky metallic contrast cardigan: Everything 5 pounds | Pearl tote bag: Skinnydip London (similar)

3) It allows you to reinvent yourself

This point’s kinda linked to the previous one, but think about it: every time you get dressed, you can basically play a any character you want. One day, you get to be a sassy cowgirl, then maybe a classy Parisian chick, and the next? A rainbow unicorn. Now, tell me there’s not something pretty darn amazing about that… I dare ya.

Current mood? Sassy Gucci heiress.

Cream roll neck jumper: New Look, available from Asos | Red double circle belt: Asos (similar here)

4) It makes you stand out…

Because who wants to look like everyone else? I’ve never been the kind of person who wants to blend in with the crowd – even growing up when I struggled with my height, I was still into super bright colours, bold textures, and lots of sparkle. To some extent, I think it’s ingrained in me from my culture and heritage. For those of you who don’t know, I’m a Naija girl, and our traditional wear is literally the definition of bold, bright and beautiful. There’s something so confidence boosting about wearing clothes that make you stand out – be a flamingo in a flock of pigeons and all that (because who doesn’t want to be pretty, pink and feathery?)

It’s the little details that make you stand out…

Gold hair cord: Local beauty supply store, similar on Amazon

P.S. Please excuse my imperfectly applied lipstick – keep an eye on my Instagram for an explanation… lol

5) It’s inspiring

There are so many amazing women who work in the fashion industry – from businesswomen, to bloggers, to models, it’s so inspiring to constantly see women who are killin’ it in the style world. As someone who would love to have their own shoe brand one day, I look up to them a lot – they motivate me to keep styling, posing and grinding; no matter how cold it is when you’re shooting, no matter how slowly your follower count is growing… because you never know where it might lead. And I hope they inspire you too.

Black faux leather skirt: Dorothy Perkins (similar here)

And there you have it: 5 reasons why I love fashion!

Leave a comment letting me know what you love the most about fashion and follow me on Instagram to get to know me (and my style!) a little better.

Much Love

Miss SWT
xx