By Isabel Castrejón Pascacio
It’s a new year, and with that comes the endless goals and desires that a clean slate presents to us all. I’m often approached by friends and members of my community who want to engage in conversations about fashion. They want to improve their style but don’t know exactly how to do it. The beginning of the year seems like the perfect time to make a change. During these conversations, I often find myself responding in the same way: it’s not about improving your style, it’s about finding your own unique voice. That’s what it’s all about—once you do, that’s when you start having fun.
Another New Year’s resolution I hear a lot is the desire to support local designers, which is music to my ears. Purchasing local designs seems like the best way to contribute to their success, but we can’t spend all of our time and money doing so—it’s just not viable. So, what should we do with the local designer pieces we acquire and love so much for the rest of the year? This is when the two New Year’s resolutions—improving your style and supporting local designers—can join forces and help one another.Wearing and showcasing outfits from local brands not only helps promote their businesses but also encourages sustainable and unique fashion choices. There’s no better way to define your style than with one-of-a-kind pieces you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
Local designers bring a unique flair and authenticity to fashion. They often draw inspiration from cultural heritage, local materials, and community needs. By supporting them, you contribute to preserving traditional craftsmanship and fostering creativity within your community. Start by curating your wardrobe with pieces from local designers. When selecting items, consider their versatility, quality, and how they reflect your personal style. Keeping a record of your style can be as simple as standing in front of a mirror and taking a photo, or asking a family member to take the photos for you. The key is to capture your outfit from head to toe. Focus on highlighting the intricate details of each outfit, such as the craftsmanship, fabric textures, and unique design elements. Remember, one of the best ways to improve your style is to document, document, document. The more you see your everyday outfits as photos in a gallery, the more you’ll realize that what you’re doing is an artistic curation of yourself. It won’t be about fitting in; it will be about understanding who you are and how you want to present yourself to the world.
Sharing your photos on social media platforms can help you keep a better record of your outfits and greatly increase visibility for local designers. Write thoughtful captions that tell the story behind each piece, including information about the designer, the inspiration behind the piece, and why you chose to support them. Engage with other supporters of local fashion by liking, commenting, and sharing their posts. Join online groups and forums dedicated to promoting local designers. This interaction not only builds a sense of community but also helps spread the word about talented designers in your area. You’ll find that, if you put aside your fears about exposing yourself, you’ll meet people who share your interests and want to have these kinds of conversations. Consider participating in local fashion events, such as pop-up shops, fashion shows, or styling workshops. These events provide a platform for designers to showcase their work and for you to connect with others who share your passion for local fashion.
Creating a photographic record of your outfits featuring local designers is a powerful way to support and promote their work. It not only highlights their creativity but also fosters a deeper connection between fashion enthusiasts and the local community. By taking these steps, you can play an active role in sustaining and celebrating local talent—all while enjoying unique and stylish additions to your wardrobe.
It might feel difficult or even cringe-worthy to put yourself out there, but remember: your social media is not for others; it’s for you, your dreams, and your self-expression. It’s meant to put something intentional out into the world, so that the people who are looking for you—and who need you—can find you.
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