Embracing change makes acceptance of its inevitability easier

from VIM Spring 2023

Emerging Entrepreneurs

Out with the old, in with the new’- a process by which society must abide, regardless of whether we desire a break from the norm or are terrified of the unknown. Change inevitably comes and our only choice is whether we fight against or learn to accept, taking it in stride and embracing something new.

With personal change comes differences in self-expression, which often manifests as changing style. As change is constant, style is rarely a fixed variable. Instead, one’s fashion is reflective of a variety of factors, both internal and external. Personality, mood, social scene and season can impact what to wear on any given day. As these factors often change, so do the styles they influence.

Change itself is not bad, nor is it all-encompassing or permanent. Style changes are simply reiterations, improvements on one’s predecessor, and they allow better expression for a person’s identity at a given moment. It takes out garments that no longer feel right and welcomes new and exciting pieces. In his article ‘Fashion Deconstruction’ for Exhibition Magazine, Manon Renault asserted that “fashion destroys trends and renews them: it has neither beginning nor end.”

Though many envision changing styles to involve a movie-like montage, where the main character builds an entirely new wardrobe in one shopping spree, real change isn’t achieved through overnight transformations. The actual process is simultaneously much simpler, yet more complicated.

One must look introspectively rather than outwardly for inspiration in curating their style. Often, this process starts in their closet, viewing each garment as the beginning of a journey towards dressing as who they are. From there, clothes are recycled, revamped and ripped at the seams until they are configured in a way that feels right. The garments that don’t make the cut are left behind for someone who will love them the way they are meant to be loved.

Then, as we continue to grow, our style changes and we do it all over again. Finding a personal style is a vulnerable trial-and-error process that may result in occasional poor choices. However, it is also guaranteed to eventually produce looks that aren’t simply replicas of current trends but physical reflections of inner identity and interests. Embracing change makes acceptance of its inevitability easier. It builds an understanding that we are a ‘work in progress’ along with our wardrobes.