Q: “I’ve misplaced all my style persona within the final two years. How do I get it again?”
From Zara, 29
A: In an interview with The Wall Avenue Journal in 2007 Miuccia Prada famously stated: “What you put on is the way you current your self to the world […] Trend is prompt language.” If that’s the case, my private model has been speaking in tongues.
My style persona has seen Preppy Billie, who thought a popped collar and pearl earrings had been a lifestyle, and Yee-haw Billie, who insisted on sporting cowboy boots on an evening out. There’s been Skateboarder Billie (a quick blip) and my favorite, College Billie, which hinged on Topshop vests worn inappropriately as clothes, platform boots and loads of questionable assertion jewelry.
Once I started working within the business, my model learn as eager however confused. It was a mishmash of tendencies I believed had been cool (printed blazers, leather-look leggings), however I quickly found that discovering your style persona is loads like discovering your self – it takes time and lots of a mistake alongside the way in which.
Numerous designers that I profiled, regardless of providing conventional “tendencies” on their catwalks, discouraged the thought in actual life, stating that innate model transcended any runway recreation. “Girls ought to put on what makes them pleased,” Johnny Coca advised me when he was inventive director of Mulberry. (He additionally advised me he at all times travelled with a suitcase of sun shades that matched his swimming trunks.) I took his recommendation and ran with it, discovering happiness, confidence and my model solace in a complete new style persona: Trainers Billie. I ditched the fussy blouses, tunic tops and leather-look every part, as an alternative opting for an informal look of easy separates and letting my assortment of sneakers shine.
However, like loads of issues, I misplaced her to the pandemic. Whereas the trainers had been essentially the most essential a part of this id, it was my aesthetic of slip skirts, flowy clothes and bomber jackets that went too. My prized Yeezy Waverunners had been changed with mud-splashed strolling boots, and solely objects with an elasticated waistband obtained an airing from my cabinet. Black leggings and sometimes-stained hoodies turned my style persona, and it was as drab because it sounds.
As we crept out of the Covid cloud, Trainers Billie was (sarcastically) cautious on her ft. Uncertain of learn how to truly dress, a brand new and sudden persona emerged: Go Large Or Go House Billie. I discovered my sartorial pleasure in billowing floral maxis, ruffled mini clothes and large, daring prints. The form of attention-seeking garments I had beforehand snubbed had been powering my happiness and confidence.
Fairly than attempting to claw again your pre-pandemic model, take the chance to lean into a brand new clean canvas. Bodily flick by way of each hanger in your wardrobe and pull out the garments you genuinely need to put on – to cite Marie Kondo, those that “spark pleasure”. Have a trying-on occasion, swap items with friends, be much less inflexible within the guidelines of what you suppose you may and may’t put on. Gown up for the workplace (I’m at present sporting super-flared trousers and an over-the-top flouncy shirt) or gown down – loungewear is a completely fledged class now. However if you happen to’re going to maintain the tracksuit bottoms, make them tailor-made or swap the hoodie for outsized cashmere.
Most significantly, don’t be disheartened while you get it unsuitable. Final week I wore a roll-neck beneath a kaftan and it’s nonetheless haunting me, however like all good issues in life, the fuck ups make for sweeter successes.
Ask Billie something on Instagram, @stylistmagazine
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Pictures: Sarah Brick
Hair and make-up: Patrizia Lio at S administration utilizing Kevin Murphy and Nars
