Style Tips I Wish I’d Known Sooner

Oh, how the times have changed. I’ve tried out so many different styles, some successful, and some absolute failures. There are many choices I look back on that I used to love and now cringe while saying “what was I thinking?!”, but it also brings back so many happy memories. I can remember what I was wearing to almost every event and what I was wearing when I met important people in my life (for example, I was wearing a light blue tank top from Forever 21 with white shorts in 2007 when I met Justin Bieber – an important person in my life). There are some (many) things I wish I knew way back when just to help me get by during the awkward years. Like maybe just avoid the leggings/skirt combo all together…

1. DON’T CUT YOUR OWN BANGS – An obvious number 1. Circa 2008: I was in love with the Jonas Brothers (I still am!!) and Camp Rock just premiered on Disney Channel. I had to be like Demi Lovato and got bangs. I don’t regret them, but the upkeep, however, was tedious and I would get so antsy and just cut them myself. It was not worth it and ended up with some uneven ends.
2. Buy basics – I’m still learning this one. Every time I see a fun print and bright color I’m instantly sold, but it makes pairing everything together a little more difficult when you don’t have a reliable white button down (not that I’m against mixing patterns). If I would’ve bought great basics then, I wouldn’t have this problem still now.
3. Invest in a slip to wear underneath dresses and skirts – Thankfully I never had an issue here where I had to “live and learn”, but I will say this is my biggest advice to young women when it comes to undergarments and I wish I would’ve jumped on the slip train earlier! Wearing a slip was a lifesaver when I lived in New York because it was so windy and I never had to worry about my dress flying around.
4. Wear sneakers – Just simply because I love them so much now.
5. Don’t worry about what everyone else is wearing – Growing up, I was always the tall girl. Everyone in my grade wore clothes from Abercrombie & Fitch and I would cry about how I couldn’t fit into their clothes. I wish I knew then about how my unique style would later set me apart in a positive way and lead me to a career in the fashion industry. It took me a while, but I learned to embrace my long legs and love them!

SHOP THE LOOK

Dress: c/o J.McLaughlin // Bag: c/o J.McLaughlin (similar) // Earrings: c/o Rocksbox (Use the code “hillheadyxoxo” for your first month for free!) // Shoes: ASOS (similar) // Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters (similar) // Photography: Kailee DiMeglio Photography