We can do more in terms of finding our personal style, if the necessary fashion amenities are not too out of our reach. We all have that unique blend of individuality and confidence that makes us feel like a million bucks, but is it worth the constant pursuit, the relentless chase for the “it” bag, the latest drop? The allure of luxury fashion is undeniable, the thrill of wearing the latest designers, wearing a Simple T-shirt with the feels of stacking thousands. I know that feeling, it’s gratifying. But is this the only path to true personal style?
In case you are not sure if your personal style is worth how much you funnel into fashion, Just make sure you are at least in one of these categories
Your Style Tells Your Story
Fashion definitely, absolutely, can certainly, tell your story. Fashion can inform what your style is, the kind of event you could be found at, and your personality even. Think about Eniafe Momodu. He’s not just a fashion figure; he embodies fashion as a form of storytelling. As the managing editor of Glam Africa Magazine, he’s immersed in the world of style, but it’s not just about the clothes themselves. It’s about the narrative they weave.
Photo credit: @ojmayana_
In a Vogue interview, Eniafe said “My typical silhouette involves something long and free-flowing,” he says. “There’s a certain ease of movement that I try to convey through my style, which also speaks to my personality. I don’t subscribe to the belief that fashion is pain. Comfort can be very stylish. For me, what I wear isn’t really about how I look. I’m far more concerned with the message behind what I’m wearing. I always think deeply about what a garment says about me, but also what it says about culture, gender, sustainability, and other facets of our society.”
Photo credit: @adedamola_op
Eniafe’s reminds us that fashion is more than just fabric and trends; it’s a powerful tool for self-expression, a way to communicate who we are without saying a word. Eniafe Momodu doesn’t just wear fashion; he embodies it.
Your Style Should Make You Feel Good
Fashion isn’t just about projecting an image to the world; it’s about how it makes you feel. It’s that inner confidence that radiates outward, that feeling of being truly yourself, amplified. It’s the joy of slipping into something that makes you feel powerful, comfortable, and undeniably you.
Think about Wisdom Kaye. He’s not just “TikTok’s best-dressed guy,” as Vogue calls him. He’s a master of style, effortlessly blending high fashion with unique finds, proving that true style transcends labels and price tags. He takes risks, he experiments, he even makes once-canceled combos work, all with an infectious sense of cool.
Remember when he styled the entire world, from countries to fonts to even Christmas itself? That’s not just clever; it’s an expression of pure creative confidence. And that confidence translates. You can see it in his photos, in his videos, in the way he carries himself. That’s the feeling your clothes should evoke. That sense of effortless cool, that confidence that comes from knowing you’re rocking your own unique style. It’s not about what others think; It’s about feeling good, showing good, and wearing good.
Photo credit: @wisdm
Your Style Is Built to Last
Fashion is ephemeral; trends come and go faster than ever. But true style? True style is timeless. When investing in pieces that transcend fleeting trends, the garments that will remain relevant and chic for years to come. It’s about quality craftsmanship, enduring design, and a conscious approach to building a wardrobe that lasts.
Think about Denola Grey. The guy has always had this definite style. You could spot him across a crowded room, his silhouette instantly recognizable. His use of accessories is a masterclass in itself – a subtle detail here, a bold statement there, always perfectly placed. And the way he wears shirts… half-buttoned, effortlessly cool, a signature Denola Grey look. He understands the power of timeless pieces, investing in quality over quantity.
As he’s often said, “Style is a reflection of your personality, and it should be something that lasts.” It’s not about chasing the latest trends; it’s about curating a collection of pieces that speak to your individual aesthetic and stand the test of time. That’s what makes a wardrobe truly valuable. It’s not about how much you spend; it’s about investing in pieces that will become staples in your closet, pieces you’ll reach for again and again, pieces that will tell your story for years to come.
Your Style Should Spark Joy
Wearing clothes should be fun! It should be an expression of your personality, a playground for your creativity. It should spark joy, ignite your confidence, and make you excited to get dressed every single day. Think about Temi Otedola. She’s a fixture at fashion events, and for good reason. When you can pull off any look with such effortless grace, you want to show up everywhere. It’s not about showing off; it’s about celebrating the joy of fashion, the thrill of expressing yourself through clothing.
Photo credit: @deed_sart
Temi embodies Fashion. She’s not afraid to experiment, to take risks, to embrace different styles. Remember her runway walk for L’Oreal Paris in Paris, when she became their ambassador? That wasn’t just a professional gig; it was a celebration of beauty, confidence, and the joy of self-expression. She owned that runway, radiating joy and confidence with every step. That’s the feeling your clothes should evoke. That sense of excitement, that spark of joy that comes from wearing something that makes you feel truly amazing. If you can pull off fits like Temi, owning every room you walk into, then yes, the price tag – whatever it may be – is absolutely worth it.
Photo credit: @byholliem
It’s an investment in your confidence, your happiness, and your ability to express yourself authentically. It’s about finding those pieces that make you feel like you can conquer the world, pieces that make you excited to get dressed each morning, pieces that simply make you smile
Your Style Is Uniquely You
You know when sometimes, you see a piece of fashion and you mentally see someone that piece would slay on? Like when you see a 10-inch thigh-high shoe and you think of Denrele, or you see a micro-skimpy skirt and you think of Ayra Starr – that’s how fashion should be. It should be uniquely you. Your friends should be able to see a crazy denim jacket and say, “Labake would rock this!” That’s how fashion should be. It’s about owning your aesthetic, creating a style so distinctive that it becomes synonymous with your name.
Think “This Thing Called Fashion.” She’s the embodiment of “baby girl” style, but it’s not just a label; it’s a lifestyle, a vibe, a whole mood. Everything she wears drips with sweetness, sophistication, and that undeniable “baby girl” charm. Her outfits are like little works of art, each piece carefully chosen to create a look that is both aspirational and achievable. She has a way of making fashion look utterly edible – golden, classy, and just so sweet.
She curates looks that are both aspirational and relatable, proving that style isn’t about exclusivity; it’s about expressing your unique perspective. As she so eloquently put it in Marie Claire Nigeria, “Fashion, to me, is an expression of self. It’s how you tell your story without speaking.” Her Instagram feed is a visual feast, a carefully curated collection of looks that showcase her playful yet sophisticated style. She doesn’t just follow trends; she interprets them, remixes them, owns them. That’s the magic of personal style. It’s about finding what resonates deep within you, what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and undeniably you.
It’s about creating a style signature that is so uniquely yours that it becomes an extension of your personality, a vibrant reflection of your passions, your spirit, your very essence. It’s about owning your style, whatever it may be, and wearing it with a confidence that radiates from within
Photo credit: @tadeshotit
Remember, that “price” isn’t always measured in Naira and Kobo. It’s about the time you invest in discovering yourself, the courage you show in expressing your individuality, and the joy you feel when you finally find those pieces that make you truly feel you. It’s about building a wardrobe that tells your story, makes you feel amazing, and reflects the incredible, unique person you are.
finally, whether you’re scouring thrift stores, investing in timeless pieces, or rocking the latest trends with your own signature twist, the most important thing is that your style is authentic, that it’s yours. So, go forth, explore, experiment, and embrace the wonderful, messy, and utterly beautiful journey of finding your personal style. It’s an investment that will pay dividends for years to come.