Defining Your Personal Style

When I first started my blog I was obsessed with all things preppy; ballet flats, a polo layered underneath a sweater, and a huge bubble necklace to pull the look together. I know, I’m cringing just thinking about those days, lol. Over the years trends have come and gone, I’ve gone through my fair share of fashion “phases”, and I’ve watched my style transform into something even more indecisive than it once was. Indecisive seems like the most fitting way to put it—I just cannot seem to categorize my personal style at this stage of life.

And I’ve come to learn that that’s quite alright. In fact, it wasn’t until a few weeks ago when people started commenting on my YouTube videos “omg you can pull off literally any style” that I realized how “scatter-brained” my closet has become. And that my friends, is the beauty of fashion. Clothing allows you to be whoever you want to be, whenever you want. Think of it as embracing your alter-egos.

So yes, I’ve changed since my first months of Styled by McKenz and so has my style. And as cheesy as it sounds, in doing so I have discovered a passion so deeply enrooted in me for the clothing I choose to wear and a confidence I never knew I had. So whether my day calls for a cowboy hat, a few gold chains, a fancy dress, a pair of old jeans, or a matching sweatsuit I can assure you I’m the same ole McKenz. A version of me that has learned your personal style is not meant to be confined to one category nor is it meant to fit a mold. Your personal style is meant to speak volumes.

Okay, okay cheesy rant over. Today, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite outfits as of recently. I’ve been dabbling into quite different ends of the style spectrum lately and yet, at the end of the day, I feel like each outfit still screams me. It still has my own flare—if you know what I mean.

Modern Day Cowgirl 

Okay, I seriously don’t know what has gotten into me but suddenly I think I live on a ranch herding cattle and honestly, I blame it on @westdesperado. My final project for my Fashion Tech class was inspired by this influencer and the WGSN Autumn/Winter 2020 trend report “Country Calling”. I spent so much time researching this upcoming trend and surfing through cattle pictures that it has clearly rubbed off on my own style. I am so excited that all things western are going to be big in the latter half of this year because I’ve already been getting my hands on some new pieces that fit the trend.

This outfit is what I like to call ~modern day~ cowgirl becuase let’s be real I wouldn’t stand a chance as an actual one. So here’s my cutesy country-inspired outfit instead. This faux suede fringe skirt is amazing, oh my god. I got this in the mail last week and immediately styled it the following day. The movement of this is amazing and it looks adorable paired with a cute little crop top + a matching pair of boots. I ditched my cowboy hat for this outfit simply becuase it’s black and I didn’t feel like it would match this outfit. My cow print purse on the other hand really tied this whole outfit together and was the “McKenzie” touch this look was lacking.

Outfit Details— top: SheIn, skirt: SheIn, boots: SheIn, purse: SheIn, earrings: SheIn, necklace: The Silver Heron, cuff: Mantra Band

Girl Next Door

Like every person on the planet, I too like wearing jeans and a tee. I don’t reach for this combination too often this time of year but when I do, I make sure to put my own little spin on it. For instance, this outfit isn’t just any old tee shirt and jeans. I’m starting off in a cute eyelet lace crop top. I love the puff sleeves and the gathered detailing along the chest. Because this top is so cropped I’m playing with proportions and pairing it with a super high rise pair of denim. I love these jeans because they’ve got such a nineties feel to them with the straight leg fit and a classic blue denim wash. These fit me like an absolute glove and are easily one of my most worn pairs of jeans.

Rather than keeping a jeans + tee combo casual with a pair of sneakers, I like to dress my looks up with a pair of heels. These white heels are some of my most reached for shoes and the lace-up detailing elongates the legs while keeping things a little more laid back. A big statement earring is the perfect finishing touch. This is my version of a “girl next door” outfit.

Outfit Details— top: SheIn, jeans: Express, shoes: SheIn, earrings: Walmart, necklace: The Silver Heron, watch: Fossil, bracelets: Alex and Ani

Posh Princess 

As much as I do love a laid back look, I love the attention an over the top outfit creates. This dress and shoe combination from SheIn was calling (more like screaming) my name. I love wearing color in the summertime and this dress obviously incorporates all of them into one piece—however, the pastel color palette tones down the rainbow feel. I love the layered tulle and balloon sleeves are my absolute love language.

I am a heels girl at heart; if it came down to it, I would choose them over flats in a heart beat. These ones are insanely tall but I have to have them because of that cute little boa fur along the strap. I mean come on, name a more McKenzie shoe. So extra and overdramatic—also known as, obviously made for me. In all honesty I am bold enough to wear this outfit anywhere; heck, if I were in high school still I would’ve worn this on any given Tuesday. (For clarification, the only reason I wouldn’t wear this to college class is the miles and miles of walking I have to do, lol).

Outfit Details— dress: SheIn, heels: SheIn, earrings: SheIn, necklace: The Silver Heron

Easy Breezy 

My last look for this blog post is probably my most reached for outfit in the summertime. I will always be a dress lover for the sole purpose of them being so easy to wear. A no brainer outfit that leaves you looking extra cute and so comfortable. White is my favorite “color” to wear and the shapeless silhouette of this dress reminds of those long, hazy nights of summer.

I know I just got done writing how much I love heels but I’m also a sucker for an easy pair of sandals in the summer. I just recently grabbed this pair and know I will be reaching for them constantly. They work perfectly with jeans, shorts, and dresses. I love how they keep this look laid back. I’m popping on those same crochet earrings and a few of my go-to gold jewels to complete this outfit.

If I were to have a look for every outfit personality I have, I would’ve shared a sweat set with some edgy accessories but these are all the looks I have for you today. The coolest part about this blog post is that I know four years from now I will look back and giggle the same way I do now about that preppy, bubble necklace outfit.

I hope this post made you realize that your style does not have to be confined to one singular category. You are allowed to dress however you want whenever you want and I encourage you to do so without fear of what others may think. Thanks for sticking with me through all of my cringey fashion phases.

With love, McKenz

Latest Post: Spring 2020 Semester Recap
Related Post: The Power of Makeup
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