I stand in front of my closet every morning and make many choices. On some days, it feels effortless. I pick out the clothes, and they fit just right. On other days, it’s a struggle, as if none of our clothes truly reflect who I am or how I want to be seen. Dressing up shouldn’t feel this way. Perhaps the real problem isn’t about what’s in the closet and what’s not, but how I think about my style in the first place.
With summer coming up, I can only think of breathable clothing, chic, UV-protected umbrellas, and the perfect chic accessories to put it all together. Yet there’s a common belief that fashion is about keeping up, chasing trends, and wearing the current fashion style everyone else is wearing. But those who have curated their personal brand and style don’t always run after the same top as everyone else. They build a wardrobe with intention, choosing the pieces that resonate with them and reflect their confidence, grace, and deep understanding of their personal identity because the key isn’t having more, but having better, not just in terms of quality, but in making thoughtful decisions.
In a world where trends change at lightning speed and fast fashion dominates everyone’s personalized feeds, it’s important to know that true style is timeless. No one should be guided to simply dress for the occasion, but to embrace personal elegance, not as a trendy aesthetic but as something that screams individuality and prowess. There’s absolutely nothing undeniable about how a cute summer slip dress brightens up my face and gives me the confidence to showcase who I am.
But what if it doesn’t fit me? I know that a particular garment that does not fit me could easily be tailored, or maybe it looks like it’s lacking something. A quote from Always Be Chic by Miss Kayce that I know will always guide me in whatever I choose out of the closet says, “Whoever I am with, whatever the occasion is, wherever I am, I am always chic. I am always confident that all my clothes are not just chic and appropriate but also timeless, classic items that I can wear now and always.” I’m reminded that my clothes, the outfits that I pick out, and the accessories, or whatever it may be, should work for me, not for them.
Style is a habit, built through small, intentional choices made over time. It’s learning about what works for certain body types, refining wardrobes, and working within the areas of the closet and shopping malls. There’s no need to have all the answers immediately; it’s almost impossible to just have the answers on your doorstep. The most stylish women are the ones who have taken the time to experiment to curate their personal brand. This means letting go of what isn’t right, even if it’s trendy. It means curating a wardrobe that simplifies life rather than complicates it. It means choosing pieces that always make me feel good, so I no longer have to second-guess my choices.
Style is more than just clothes—it’s about self-respect, confidence, and an understanding of who you are and what you want to portray. Chic isn’t about following strict fashion rules or keeping up with trends. It’s about knowing myself, dressing purposefully, and embracing the elegance within me.
Iconic fashion and wardrobe stylist Miss Kayce knows the struggle of not having something to wear to an occasion. Her book Always Be Chic guides readers to find their personal style through every chapter and page. With the help of her chic style philosophy, she teaches us that knowing our personal style and what we want to portray makes putting together an outfit as chic and easy as A B C.
By: Aeris Ricaplaza