How My Style Has Evolved: An Ode to My Tagged Facebook Photos
Similar to every other young millennial who was in high school and college during the peak of Facebook, I have an absolute abundance of tagged photos available at my fingertips. While the blurry iPhone 5 pictures of underage drinking (sorry, Mom) are always a delightful blast from the past, what always shocks me the most when I look back to reminisce are the outfits I had selected for myself. It’s amazing how much fashion, as well as my own personal style, has evolved over the past decade.
I’ve picked out four looks worn by my younger self to critique here, and updated them to align with my current style. So, take my hand, and let's travel back to when the only 'Corona' I knew was paired with a lime, and my style was influenced exclusively by observing what the older girls I knew were wearing in their own tagged photos.
July 15, 2023
What I Would Wear Now: “Going Out”
Let me paint a picture for you. The year is 2013. Thrift Shop' by Macklemore is blasting out of your computer speakers and everyone you know is doing the Harlem Shake. You and your friends are pregaming in a dorm room prepared to absolutely take your Central New York college town by storm. What are you going to wear? As little as possible, of course! More specifically, probably something black, short, and extremely tight. I personally loved a knit, open-back number from the ever-so-problematic American Apparel.
While I don’t hate a bodycon situation when done right, these days for a night on the town I would probably opt for something a bit more… Elegant? Mature? Sophisticated?? I'm not sure what the right word to use here is, but whatever it is my vintage Oscar De La Renta slip dress executes it perfectly. The gift of time has helped me realize that a body con dress is not the only way to look and feel sexy. This dress is the perfect upgrade: still short and black, but the looser fit and lace detailing make it unique and elevated.
What I Would Wear Now: “Festival Szn”
For some reason, my parents started letting me go to Coachella at the ripe and impressionable age of seventeen. And, to be honest, just thinking about it now makes me tired. That's not to say that I don't enjoy a good festival or that I'll never attend Coachella again, I’ve just come to realize that frolicking in the desert would look a bit different now.
For starters, I'm definitely wearing a hat! And seventeen-year-old Zoe, while I appreciate your dedication to hydration with that large jug of water, let's be real, you probably lost it after the first ten minutes and didn't have another drop for the rest of the day. So behold, a water bottle carrier (truly a game changer).
I don't dislike my younger self's boho, Vanessa Hudgens inspired look. It does the job and strikes a healthy balance of being easy, comfortable, and cute. However, over 10 years later, just like my outlook on life, my style has evolved. If I were to find myself attending Coachella again (preferably without camping and with VIP tickets), I would veto the paisley Roxy dress and opt for this flattering denim number from Reformation. I’d pair it with comfortable sneakers (because I’m practical in my old age) and a fun sock. It’s still easy and comfortable, but much more up to date with my current style.
So, what I’m saying is, if you happen to have artists passes and/or a place to stay for the next Coachella, please get in touch.
What I Would Wear Now: “2 Piece Set”
It was 2015 when I discovered the allure of a two-piece set, and my life changed forever. Just kidding, but I will say that there wasn't a two-piece set with a fun pattern that I didn't want to get my hands on. To be fair, I do think a set stands the test of time in its ability to look chic and elevated without having to work too hard on putting together an outfit.
If I were to wear a two-piece set today, I would opt for a more updated silhouette, such as this KNWLS knit set. I am obsessed with this set not only because I feel like a music video vixen when I wear it, but it's also a two-for-one as the top doubles as a mini tube dress. One thing about me is that I LOVE a two-fer.
So, 2015 me, girl, you are rocking the hell out of that gingham peplum, and don't let anyone tell you different! But just know the KNWLS set is available to Borrow!
What I Would Wear Now: “Business Casual”
Okay, everyone, the season that is upon us is none other than summer intern season! I was fortunate enough to spend most of my college summers living in the NYU dorms, providing free labor for prestigious fashion houses, and, of course, frequenting B-Bar and Phebes and exercising my constitutional right to have a fake ID . Though my favorite part was the opportunity to dress up like a contributing member of society in some cute and professional “business casual” looks. Although, I admit that I definitely pushed the boundaries of what some might consider appropriate, as seen in this photo with THE Ralph Lauren (don't worry about it).
Although I have graduated from the summer intern world, there is no shortage of opportunities that require a business casual ensemble. Today, with years of experience and wisdom under my belt, I would opt for a classic midi skirt like this Marni cotton-canvas number and pair it with a neutral shirt, a reliable belt, and a fun pair of sandals. It’s a timeless and easy combo that is much more work appropriate than the (admittedly cute) mini dress I opted for here. There ya have it! A business casual Boss Babe!
The main thing I hope you take away from this is that our personal styles are ever-evolving. I have no doubt that in five years I could browse through the looks I’ve picked out today and have a completely different opinion. That being said, instead of following trends or copying what other people are wearing, I’ve spent a lot of time developing and refining my style. It’s been a long journey of asking myself, “What looks good on me? What am I most comfortable and confident in?”
Fashion is a way to explore and express yourself, but it’s important to recognize that there are likely only a handful of pieces in your wardrobe that will stand the test of time. So, spend some time figuring out your individual style and invest in pieces that you’ll love forever. Renting is a great way to help you do just that, while saving money, space in your closet, and the environment.