My mother wore a metallic Halston dress to my high school graduation. She looked out of place but in a good way, whilst everyone else had surrendered to the ‘’jeans and a nice top’’ malarkey. I also remember thinking that she stood out, and made a mental note at the susceptible age of 14 that standing out was a really good thing.
Since then, I have been paying attention to all of her style cues, even at my most stubborn and expressive, subliminally sensing along the way that the first styling lessons we get from our mothers transcend fleeting trends. They are timeless styling principles that serve as foundation blocks for whatever path of sartorial self-expression we later embark on.
Many will recognise themselves in the everlasting style principles I am about to share as if the principles of style were a universal legacy ingrained in the profoundly feminine, passed on to us by strong female characters that ultimately shape us.
“Invest in timeless pieces”
One of the most prevailing style lessons passed on to me was the importance of investing in quality, timeless staples. A classic trench coat, a pair of leather boots, or a pair of gold hoop earrings – these items never go out of style and form the backbone of a versatile wardrobe. Instead of chasing fleeting trends, our mothers taught us to focus on pieces that withstand the test of time.
“Dress for your body, and not against it”
I was encouraged to embrace my petite frame and taught to highlight my strengths instead of focusing on my shortcomings, which, in this context, are quite literal. Following trends blindly can often warp our perceptions of self. This focus on self-awareness fostered confidence, individuality, and fashionable courage.
“Take care of your clothes”
Whether hand-washing delicate fabrics, mending small tears, or polishing shoes until they are blindingly shiny, these everyday habits ensure our wardrobes last longer. A mother’s approach to valuing possessions is the core messaging…
