Fashion North reporter Sofija Krasauska reflects on her personal style journey and discovers looking good makes her feel good.
Clothing can make a louder statement about who you are before you even open your mouth. Finding personal style and fashion confidence is a life-long journey. The key to good personal style is finding what you like and combining it with what suits you best.
Confidence is sub-atomic- sometimes you’re oozing with it, other times you need an external push. My OOTD is a crucial stepping stone in my mood and well-being. I like adding colours that suit me: red, green, and navy. Dusty pinks, beige or muted purples are avoided at all costs- I don’t want to look washed out. The age-old saying “If you look good, you feel good” is still very real.
The cosiest charity shop find: this bright olive sweater is one of my go-to’s for when I want to add some brightness to my outfit!
The School Years
During school, uniforms weren’t obligatory, allowing me to express my creativity freely and desired stance in the teenage ecosystem (I was that one girl wearing heels with jeans in algebra). I underwent many phases: Audrey Hepburn-esque dresses and updos, jeans and crop tops, and baggy sweatsuits. Nowadays, whilst having even more stylistic freedom, I refuse to settle and choose one style: I can be it all!
No lies here: a blouse, mom jeans and heels to algebra. Circa: 2019.
Leopard chic: a cotton hand-me-down leopard print dress from my sister was my go-to last summer. I paired it with a brown flight-style jacket and black leather sandals (yes, the socks are essential).
This flowy polka-dot dress was a lucky charity shop find and a perfect summer choice for a breathable and cute outfit.
Charity Shop Chic
I enjoy charity shopping for the exclusive feel and almost feel like the outfit looks better if it’s thrifted. After all, fast fashion is a major issue and being a little more aware of your shopping habits can make a big change.
Luckily, Sunderland and Newcastle both have a great selection of amazing charity shops all in the city centre.
A dress is always an easy way to feel slightly more feminine and dressy. They can be paired with chunky boots or funky heels.
Shoe Shopping
Shoes are another method of self-expression. Growing up, I mostly wore sneakers. I started branching out and wearing heels to casual events like lunch with my friends or a coffee date. I channel my inner Carrie Bradshaw when I slip into a pair of heels (and suffer through the aches). Heels automatically upgrade any outfit, even if it’s casual.
These £5 charity shop leopard print heels quickly became a staple in my wardrobe.
Bow tights + bow heels = BOWfection
Big Coat Energy
My love for fur coats came recently, as I’ve tapped into my slavic energy of a woman with a big coat. Both of mine are faux fur, making them vegan-approved. These keep me warm and add glam to any outfit.
This creamy fur coat is as comfy as my fav bathrobe
A shorter black fur coat is a staple in my wardrobe
Overall, I enjoy picking my outfits daily. I still constantly switch up my “aesthetic” depending on my mood or the amount of effort I’m willing to put in that day. I feel good in a sweatsuit and a dress equally. Developing your style is a tricky and long process, but the most important thing is to keep having fun and experimenting!
*All images by the author
