As a young woman working my way into the fashion world, I have come across some of the most outrageous yet incredible people and clothing pieces. Most of the time, the boldest pieces, and people, are my favorite ones. Being bold in this world is the best way one can be.

Being bold keeps you different.

Originality is such a respected trait in the fashion world. Sure, everyone loves classic pieces, but original pieces are intriguing due to the fact that no one has done them before. Although appropriation is also respectable when done the right way, originality is better in my opinion. Boldness doesn’t only apply to fashion though.

Being bold has always been the way I’ve lived my life.

I always do what I want with no concern about the judgement I’ll receive from others. Some call this my best trait, some call it my worst. I learned at a very young age that I wasn’t ever going to be the average girl. My mom dressed me in matching bold outfits and I was always the loudest and most dramatic in school plays.

Going into middle school didn’t change this, either. I transferred to a new school and quickly made friends through my non-stop talking and neon-colored skinny jeans. Looking back, not my best fashion choice, but I give myself props for being bold. Middle school is hell for everyone, there is no way around it. It’s the awkward time where everyone is going through puberty and changing and turning into who they’ll be in high school, but yet again, this did not stop me from being exactly who I wanted to be.

Along comes high school. High school is almost equivalent to judgement day. Everything you do, someone has to talk about. Every Instagram pic you post, outfit you wear, person you befriend–someone will say something about it. And I was so okay with this. People talking about you just means they think you’re interesting. I only talk about things I’m interested in, so if people are this interested in me, I must be pretty great. In high school, I always wore outfits that I thought were great, despite the judgement of others. Sure, I got weird comments, but it was whatever because I felt confident. My confidence sprouts from knowing that I’m doing what makes me happy. My happiness is all that I have at the end of the day, so I’ve never had a problem with doing what I want.

Being confident is all a mental thing.

Every day, I mentally choose to not care what others think of me, get dressed in a way that makes me happy and I feel looks good, and I go about my day doing things that make me feel good. I hope this article inspires someone to feel a little more confident and bold, to put on an outfit that they love and go do their thing. All you’ve got in this world is yourself, so create a you that you love.