NP: Famous – Kanye West
What exactly does it even mean to have style? Style is defined as “a distinctive appearance, typically determined by the principles according to which something is designed.” Most of the time I think we tend to mix trendy with style. Trends appeal to something that isn’t so distinctive but more of a direction that everyone will partake in. Growing up in New York City, I have seen many trends fluctuate. From Flare and bootcut jeans in the early 2000s to skinny jeans taking over the whole trend scene by 2010.I definitely love buying trendy clothes just like everybody else…but, having a distinctive style is so much more satisfying and empowering. So the question may be “how do I define my style,” well the answer to that is there is no certain way to do things, that’s what makes it unique. To me, having an acceptable style to society is a great balance with taking a trend and revamping it to something that fits your taste. Here are some trendy items revamped into more of a distinctive appearance.
1. The cuffed Jean
The cuffed jean was once only acceptable for short girls who could never find the perfect fit with hips and lengths. Then we moved for to the small cuffs to accentuate the ankle whenever wearing skinny jeans and I don’t know if this applied to everyone but it was imperative that the cuff wasn’t too large and perfectly matched to the other. Beginning in 2015, I noticed that the trend was tweaked a little; I started to notice woman cuffing their jeans really high. This style stood out to me and definitely unique in terms of what everyone else was doing.
2. The straw visor
Now everyone has watched the straw fedora come into style and has maintained a presence for quite a while. As a fellow curly Afro girl, I could never wear my natural hair and one of these hats because it just wouldn’t fit. However, on Asos I saw a new and improved version of the beloved hat; it was shaped into a visor in the back and had an open top (just like a visor of course!). It still maintained the same vibe but just with a really cool twist. This was definitely a trend turned into a personal style and I’m in love with it!
3. The name chain
This goes way back. Name chains were often worn in “urban” areas or whatever you want to call it, but growing up as a young black girl these chains were POPPIN. Since about 8 years old I had wanted one and my grandmother finally got me one 10 years later (greatest day of my life.) I noticed a woman with a revamped version of our beloved gold plated chain. These new chains are more dainty and one flat layer with curvy letters, giving the necklace a more whimsical appearance. I love the spin on this and hopefully I won't have to.
