An Introvert's Guide to Personal Style: Embracing Vintage & African Print Fashion

 

I woke up one day to realise that my personal style had changed without any conscious effort on my part.

If you've followed me long enough on social media and here on the blog, you'll know my personal style has always been vintage. However due to my career, trends, and the overall environment, I had to make some adjustments to my style - I incorporated linen, solid colours, muted tones, and even added new pieces into my wardrobe. This is because even though I like standing out in vintage, I still had to find a way to blend in.

A few years ago, while working as an Online Editor for TW Magazine and as a Digital Marketing Team Lead at Fidelity Bank, I decided to peek into how my style had evolved as an introvert. I used two events, the MACxTiwa Lipstick Launch event & The Fame by Paco Rabanne perfume launch to see how my personal style had evolved especially with me being a full fledged introvert.

Here are three key factors that I consider were integral into the evolution and I think every introvert can learn from this too:

1. Comfort

If it doesn't feel right, then I won't feel right, and when I don't feel right it shows. 

As an introvert, the slightest thing can throw off my balance, such as a stain, crease, or unexpected tear. Honestly, comfort is invaluable and while an extrovert can afford to put on shapewear and hope for the best, an introvert always needs to know that whatever happens at that event, their outfit is not going to do something it isn't meant to do and that's one less thing to worry about.

2. Colour

Knowing which colours flatter my skin tone and incorporating them into my wardrobe is crucial. As an introvert, I don't like being the centre of attention, but receiving compliments on my outfit can provide the right amount of comfort and liquid courage.

That's the third thing in this personal style guide

3. Courage 

Introverts are not short of courage and wield it when they need to but is personal style really worth wielding courage? The answer is yes. Dressing up to blend in is one thing, but truly standing out while being your authentic self takes courage and every introvert knows that standing out requires some bravery.