Get Personal.
a conversation on the importance of personal style and dressing authentically for yourself with @jjuliannamariie
Living authentically for yourself can mean many things but often reflected in the clothes we wear. Dressing true to oneself is key to cultivating confidence--whether that’s leggings and a sweatshirt or funky vintage pieces. For an exploration of personal style, I knew I had to speak with Julianna, who often shares her love of fashion and self-expression on social media through thrift hauls and GRWM’s. When she isn’t scavenging the local thrifts of her hometown or commuting to the city for work, Julianna finds her sense of self-expression in her style.
Q: How would you describe your current style in three words?
A: Thrifty, eclectic, & fun.
Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?
A: My main sources of inspo come from people-watching, scrolling on pinterest, & treasure hunting at the thrift.What does personal style mean to you?
Q: What are your wardrobe must haves?
A: A go-to pair of jeans (specifically some thrifted Levi’s), a pair of white high-top converse, a collection of second-hand jewelry, and, of course, a jurse. (Jean purse).
Q: What does personal style mean to you?
A: Personal style means everything to me. It’s an opportunity to present yourself in whatever way you choose, and to do so loudly & proudly. It’s an invitation to take up space, & to trust your taste. Personal style means the ability to articulate who you are through the curation of your clothing. It’s art! It’s language! & the best part, it’s all yours.
Q: How has developing your own style contributed to your self-image and confidence?
I mean this sincerely, the way that you dress is nobody else’s business.
Julianna Horn
A: Discovering my personal style was necessary in finding confidence in my self-image. It was through this ritual of getting dressed with intention that I learned to trust in my decision making, and to place value in taking bold, creative risks. With each risk I took, the more empowered I felt. I remember asking myself, “If I dress like someone who exudes confidence, I’ll have it, right?” Turns out, it totally helps.
Q: What advice would you give someone who is afraid to dress how they want out of fear of judgment from others?
A: I mean this sincerely, the way that you dress is nobody else’s business. It’s easier said than done, to stop considering other’s assumed perceptions entirely, as the fear of being perceived is intoxicating. But, once we stop placing weight on these assumed perceptions, they will no longer materialize! When you’re getting dressed, the only person’s opinion that you should be thinking about is your own. No two people share the same exact perspective, no two people share the exact same tastes, so why worry about what all of these individual perspectives might be thinking about? It’s impossible to please everyone, & it’s impossible to predict how any one person will consume your art. The only thing left to do is to create it, & wait for your audience to appreciate it as they arrive.
