I enjoy complimenting other women. Telling someone she looks good costs you nothing. It creates appreciation on both sides: from the person who took the time to tell you, and from the person who made you want to compliment her. We all know how a kind word can lift your day.
For years I've looked at what others wear and how they've chosen to build an outfit, and wondered what, who and why had got them to that point. Having worked with some incredibly stylish women, I've seen outfits they'd pulled together and how they'd chosen to express themselves on a certain day.
It's rarely about a trend for me. It's about a look, an idea or a way of putting something together that I can wear my way.
Being energised by something or someone has shaped the way I've dressed for years. Carrie Bradshaw was an influence when I was at Topshop and ASOS, and still is when I'm feeling more feminine and want to embrace an unexpected pairing, like a clashing print.
Thanks It’s Borrowed
One of my borrows right now is Tracee Ellis Ross. I first started looking to her style when I watched The High Note in 2020. Needless to say, it's become one of my go-to films for an easy watch. Then, in Black-ish, when I was travelling regularly to LA for work, I watched it while getting dressed. Tracee's personal style, and her characters' style as Grace Davis and Dr Rainbow "Bow" Johnson, inspire me. Images: Tracee Ellis Ross, Instagram
Practical, modern and with a twist is how I dress every day. They're my fashion fingerprint words, and when I'm looking for that extra twist, I take inspiration from Tracee's playful, bold and expressive style. I borrow that little something from her and make it my own.
She often pairs pieces that each play their own character, like the turquoise top, the red shoe, the purple peplum and the leopard bag. It could all be too much, but it works, and she manages to keep the look clean. Then there's the washed denim with the tail coat. The coat is the standout piece and takes the lead. She has a real style point of view. I love outfits like these, which feel easy and effortless to wear, but I’ve made the outfit my own.
Borrowing a look doesn't mean copying it. Here are three ways I turn an idea into something of my own.
Find the feeling.
Choose a look you love, then find something similar in your wardrobe, or hunt it down on a pre-loved rail or rent. You don't have to copy it exactly. Get the mood, then interpret it your way.
Don't be afraid to try it.
Be confident, and wear it your way. You might need to play around, but you'll get there, and it will look like you.
Tell them you love it.
If someone's style catches your eye, say so. It costs nothing, and it can make their day. Sometimes just appreciating someone else's style is enough to inspire you to try something new.
Who are you borrowing from this week? Let them know, and give someone a compliment while you're at it.