If you were to ask anyone who knows me what I have passion for, they would claim that I have an unbreakable bond with nachos and Cheetos, but, more importantly, they would add that I adore fashion. Whether it's a cranberry cable knit cardigan, an emerald pair of teardrop earrings, or a dainty pair of cobalt blue heels that catches my eye, I somehow manage to find every component of fashion intriguing. Along with shopping and following the stream of endless designer lines, I also enjoy dressing myself. I look forward to the morning routine of piecing together a personal mosaic of clothes, of finding a unique look to take on that particular day.

Apparently I have ended up in the pool of basic, shallow, vain women who spend an absurd amount of time caring about their appearance. I believe that's what a lot of people think when the fashion industry comes to mind: it's a bunch of people that invest too much of themselves into the way they look rather than applying themselves to a "more important" profession. Obviously, I disagree highly with this mindset. Yes, areas like science, law and medicine are the fields that deal with and solve great issues, but fashion addresses a whole another area that is equal in value. I can speak about the importance of fashion as a whole all day (believe me), but I want to particularly discuss the significance of dressing well. It's unreasonable to expect everyone to follow Oscar de la Renta's new spring line, or to buy the new Urban Decay sea foam eyeshadow. For some people, that's just not their jam. However, I do believe there is value in dressing well for everyone. The art of presentation, no matter which profession you wish to pursue, is worth the effort.

There are myriad reasons why you should dress well every day. Firstly, dressing well promotes a good first impression. People notice when you are put together, just as they notice when you are sporting sweats. They will acknowledge the work you put in to look presentable. Dressing well also equips you with a certain type of fearlessness that nothing else can offer. When you wear an ensemble, you tend to carry yourself in a more confident way, because you know you look good, hence, you feel good. The way you dress is also a unique way of expressing yourself, and therefore allows people to get a sense of who you are. Realistically, clothes and shoes and makeup does not define you nor truly depicts the type of person you are. However, in our world, people judge us by the way we present ourselves. Putting together an outfit also taps into your creative side. Assembling a piece is an art form, and while you may think you are nonchalantly picking out a sweater and jeans, you are really choosing those two pieces because of your mood and the type of person you wish you to present that day. Personally, the reason why I love to dress myself is because over the years, I have developed my very own fashion sense. I know what fits me well and what doesn't, and others have gotten to know my personal style as well. I love strolling through Forever 21 and having one of friends pluck a black fringe mini skirt from the racks and claim, "This is sooo you." That's one of the biggest compliments I can receive, having someone not only notice my style but have them view it as unique as well. Finally, everyone should dress well because it's fun! Contemplating all the different choices and finally coming up with an end product is not only such a good time, but brings feelings of such gratification. Out of all the reasons to dress well, pleasing yourself is most important.