One of my earliest fashion meltdown memories was choosing my first day of kindergarten outfit. My father voted for the cardigan and sundress look, but the mini-Style Guru in me was not about to settle for that. I decided on a leather mini skirt and riding boots. How else does one was begin their academic career other than pulling a Lizzie McGuire?
That fashion meltdown was nothing compared to the day I found out I would be attending a private day school, with uniforms. Realizing that my personal style was about to be hijacked and replaced with plaid skirts and monogrammed polo’s was a major “can you not?” moment.
While although I had to retire my leather mini skirt, I grew to love my new uniform. It was a blank canvas. After all, if tartan plaid was good enough for Queen Victoria and her sons, I could make it work too; which is just what I did. Pairing the skirt and polo with colored tights, Tory Burch jellies and Blair Waldorf inspired headbands screamed “Brooklyn Tracey Hans,” whether my principal liked it or not.
Spotting this Fashionista in her plaid skirt on campus was a total ‘throwback’ to the Victorian Era and my private school uniform days. I loved this look not only for its nostalgic feel, but the warmth of the neutral colors. As spring approaches, we can start to welcome in shorter skirts and lighter layers, however, staying true to seasonal tones is key. This Fashionista’s layered look is the perfect transitional outfit from winter to spring. In fact, I loved it so much that I almost tried to dig out my old uniform skirt. Almost.
So, if there is a lesson to be learned here besides the importance of wearing a leather mini skirt to your first day of kindergarten, it’s that your personal style can never be taken from you. Finding a way to express who you are and what you stand for in all circumstances is what being a Fashionista is all about. Plus, that plaid uniform skirt you thought was totally going to ‘cramp your style’ is back on trend and 100 percent Style Guru approved.
What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “I love mixing textures throughout my outfit. In this look I mixed suede with cotton and leather. I like to make the look cohesive by mixing different textures of the same tone”.
