Style is Dynamic, Not Static
The idea that personal style is a fixed destination you reach and then maintain effortlessly is a pervasive myth. According to stylist Rasmit Kaur, who
draws on 30 years of expertise, style is more akin to a skill that requires continuous refinement. Our lives are in constant flux; our bodies evolve, careers shift, and life circumstances change. Therefore, our sartorial choices must adapt and grow with us. Believing that a single 'found' style will serve you forever sets you up for frustration. Instead, embrace the ongoing process of updating your look to reflect your present reality and aspirations, rather than clinging to outdated notions of what your style should be.
Basics Need Purpose
Many people lament the lack of 'good basics' as the root of their wardrobe woes. However, Rasmit Kaur contends that most women already possess an abundance of foundational pieces. The real issue isn't a deficit of items, but rather a lack of intentionality in how they are used. Owning multiple identical black tops, for instance, doesn't enhance versatility; it creates redundancy. The expert emphasizes that the problem lies not in the quantity of clothing, but in the absence of context and thoughtful curation. True wardrobe functionality comes from understanding how each piece contributes to potential outfits, rather than accumulating similar items without a clear strategy.
Quality Over Confusion
While the allure of high-quality garments is undeniable, simply accumulating expensive items won't automatically solve wardrobe dilemmas. Rasmit Kaur highlights that 'quantity without intention is just expensive confusion.' Investing in premium pieces is beneficial, but if these items are not integrated thoughtfully into a cohesive wardrobe plan, they can still lead to a feeling of having nothing to wear. The key is to approach purchasing with a specific purpose and a vision for how new acquisitions will complement existing pieces, rather than relying on the inherent quality of an item to magically create stylish outfits.
Dress for Today
A common trap is deferring style aspirations until life circumstances improve – whether it's achieving a weight loss goal, securing a new job, or reaching a state of emotional well-being. This mindset, as pointed out by the stylist, effectively delays self-worth and personal expression. The notion of 'future you' deserving all the stylish clothes while 'present you' continues to wait is a form of self-sabotage. Rasmit Kaur encourages embracing self-expression and confidence through clothing in the here and now, rather than using external milestones as a perpetual excuse to postpone feeling good about oneself.
Capsules as Tools
Capsule wardrobes are frequently promoted as the ultimate solution to style indecision. However, Rasmit Kaur clarifies that these are merely organizational tools, not defining characteristics of personal style. Adopting a minimalist approach, often associated with capsule wardrobes, does not equate to being invisible or uninspired. Even within a palette of neutral colours, there needs to be intentionality, opinion, and a clear direction to create impactful looks. A capsule is a framework; the individuality and flair come from how it's styled and personalized.
Inspiration, Not Imitation
The tendency to see someone else's outfit and assume it will look just as good on oneself is a frequent pitfall. Rasmit Kaur emphasizes that this approach often overlooks fundamental differences in body shapes and how fabric drapes on various physiques. Instead of trying to replicate looks verbatim, she advises borrowing inspiration. This means understanding the elements that make an outfit work for someone else and then adapting those principles to suit your own unique body and personal aesthetic. It's about translating style cues rather than blindly copying formulas.
Style is Practiced Skill
Perhaps the most pervasive and damaging style myth is the belief that one either possesses a 'style gene' or does not. Rasmit Kaur vehemently debunks this notion, asserting that style is not an innate talent bestowed upon a select few. It is, in fact, a skill that is cultivated through practice, experimentation, and conscious effort. There is no magical inheritance of fashion sense. Anyone can develop their personal style by actively learning, trying different combinations, understanding what works for them, and continuously honing their aesthetic choices over time.
