Hi Shortie!

How’re you doing?

What a week it's been, between tech issues and adjusting to this new content creation lifestyle! I appreciate your patience.

Before diving in, I have a style tip to add to last week's issue on oversized blazers. A fellow Shortie on Instagram raised an excellent point—rolling up the sleeves can significantly increase our chances of pulling off the oversized look!

This week's Shortie-submitted question gets at the heart of Runway the Shortway™ and has prompted quite a lengthy response, so let's get right to it!

Sincerely short,

Lwany

P.S. Did you catch the ongoing hunt for the petite-perfect capris?❣️

SHORT QUESTION

Personal Style & Trends

Dear Lwany,

I need to ask! How do you keep true to your style and self with all of these trends? Also, how can you be trendy but still environmentally conscious? I try to do more second-hand shopping, but I feel like marketing and trends are coming after me.

I ask because I feel like you have that kinda figured out, and to help a girl out, lol! 

x,

Frannie 

Hey Frannie,

You're not alone in struggling with shopping temptations at every turn!

Your point about being environmentally conscious reminds me of when I tried to consume only ethical fashion. Back then, options were limited, and my budget was tight. It wasn't fun, and honestly, my style suffered.

Finding your personal style requires exploration, but extreme restrictions can stifle that freedom. It's unfortunate that there's so much pressure on individuals to change entire systems. Real change needs to come from big corporations and governments. Supporting legislation that advocates for workers and the environment is key.

Your desire to be thoughtful with purchases says a lot. There's no universal right answer, but it's worth figuring out your values and developing your own fashion principles.

For me, it's about buying only what I truly love and making sporadic purchases instead of embarking on shopping sprees. I developed this thinking after realizing that most of my 'giveaway' pile came from a time when I was in a ‘shopping’ mindset. 

I'm ashamed to admit that this often happened while thrifting when the fear of missing out on one-of-a-kind items was on full throttle. Another instance was when I researched petite-sized clothing for a brand directory I'm (finally!) releasing soon. In both instances, I recall this insatiable desire to have it all.

I once read that once you start buying, you're more likely to continue. Shopping can be addictive. I share this to emphasize that it is essential to reflect on your relationship with fashion first. Establish guidelines that align with your values and help you combat unhelpful patterns.

As for staying true to your personal style amidst trends, my personal style is defined more by what I don't like than by what I do. What I leave out defines my style.

Here are three guidelines I tend to follow when considering a purchase:

1 – WISHLIST WHAT YOU WANT

Sometimes, adding an item to a list satisfies the urge, and you'll forget about it the next day. Other times, you'll still want it after a cool-off period, like this dress worn by Lihn that I can't stop thinking about:

2 – NOTICE WHAT YOU’RE MISSING

Do you find yourself thinking of a specific piece when getting dressed? For years, I've longed for a white or off-white handbag. I'm waiting to invest in a high-end style, in the meantime you'll see me with this Alexander Calder tote instead:

Similarly, I lack summer dresses, which is why I can't stop thinking about Lihn's dress!

3 – LET YOUR BODY BE YOUR NORTH STAR

Try things on because most mass-produced garments won't perfectly suit your bespoke body. If it fits well and makes you feel great, great! You could buy it or analyze what aspects of the garment are flattering. We learn by trial and error. Be open to trying new things and take note of what works for you.

I'm obsessed with Lihn's dress because I know it will suit my frame and taste – the pintucks, neckline, short hem, and babydoll silhouette. While babydoll styles are trending, I've always gravitated towards them. The more you experiment, the more you'll learn about what you like and what suits you.

Eventually, these styles will come into fashion, giving you more options. Before babydoll styles became trendy, most options were juvenile and overly designed. Now that it's the silhouette of the moment, there are many more modern choices. I can confidently buy Lihn's dress, knowing that while it's trendy for the masses, it's timeless for me.

Linen Mini Dress Black by VRG GRL

$115

I hope this helps you navigate trends while staying true to yourself!

RUNWAY THE SHORTWAY™

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