A Reflection of Me, Through Outfits
Wardrobe Stories
A wardrobe is more than just clothing, it’s a time capsule of identity, aspirations, and cultural influences. In this project, I explored the evolution of my personal style by dressing my 22-year-old self through the lens of different life stages, from childhood to adulthood and beyond. This project was a nostalgic deep dive into the trends that shaped me, from Juicy Couture tracksuits and Free People bralettes to curated vintage pieces and timeless staples. Through this journey, I reflected on how fashion has mirrored my growth, shifting from trend-chasing to intentional self-expression. This project serves as both a visual diary and a celebration of style as a reflection of identity and ambition.
As a child, I imagined my style at 22 years old would resemble the way my older family friends dressed. I looked up to girls who wore Butter hoodies, Sugar Lips tank tops, and Juicy Couture tracksuits. One of my favorite style icons was Selena Gomez, particularly in Wizards of Waverly Place, where I admired her brown boots. The yellow dress on this vision board is inspired by my 5th-grade graduation dress, which was one of the first dresses I chose for myself. It featured an A-line neck, a white ribbon across the waist with a bow, and a yellow pleated skirt. I remember feeling so classy wearing it, and I know my younger self would want me to continue dressing with that sense of elegance. When I was younger, I despised skirts, opting only for shorts or pants. This is why I paired my tops with jeans or Lululemon leggings, which were all the rage growing up. While these outfits are simple, they reflect the small world of fashion I knew at the time, influenced by Disney Channel and the older girls I saw at family parties. I thought they were incredibly cool and wanted to emulate their style.
As a teenager, my vision of my 22-year-old self was shaped by trends, music, and media. I imagined an effortlessly cool style inspired by Coachella outfits and Sweet 16 parties. A tiny black dress became a staple for birthday parties as I got older, and my teenage self would probably still think it’s stylish. Private school uniforms in middle and high school significantly influenced my sense of style. I recall a specific fall outfit—akin to Han Solo’s look—with a J.Crew vest, long-sleeve top, skinny jeans, and boots. Another iconic piece was a Free People bralette I dreamed of owning, paired with Coachella-inspired lace white shorts or denim booty shorts. As for the Burberry trench coat, I envisioned it as a marker of elegance, something I’d wear as an adult to look polished and put-together. At this stage, social media and my high school peers heavily influenced my fashion. Platforms like VSCO and Tumblr introduced me to style icons like Alexis Ren and Kylie Jenner, shaping my aspirations for grown-up style.
My college years, from 18 to 22, marked a whirlwind of style evolution. At Syracuse University, my fashion choices were influenced by shows like Euphoria and TikTok trends during the pandemic. This chaotic phase is reflected in my outfits—heavily trend-driven and lacking a clear sense of identity. Fast fashion dominated my wardrobe as I tried to keep up with micro-trends. Sweat sets were almost like status symbols at Syracuse, showing off one’s knowledge of trendy brands. Brands like I.AM.GIA, Tiger Mist, Princess Polly, Poster Girl, Boys Lie, and Urban Outfitters were my go-to inspirations. These outfits capture what my younger self envisioned for her future but stand in stark contrast to the personal style I’ve developed in just two short years.
At 22, I feel my current style aligns more closely with the aspirational vision I had for this stage of life. Though technically still a young adult, I resonate much more with this vision board. I’ve transitioned from chasing micro-trends to curating a personal style. My focus has shifted toward sustainability, with nearly all my recent purchases being second-hand. I now gravitate toward vintage pieces that feel unique and durable. I aim to dress elegantly while still having fun, reflecting the respect and self-assurance I seek at this stage. With unlimited resources, I’d invest in brands like Mandalay, Are You Am I, Reformation, Danielle Guizio, and Mirror Palais. These looks embody my aspirations as someone thriving in her career and confidently stepping into adulthood, using style as a means to assert my place in the world.
In my 30s and 40s, I envision my style becoming more conservative and refined—classy yet laid-back. I hope to embrace an elegant wardrobe with staples like a crisp button-up shirt, structured trousers, and minimalist accessories. Classic pieces, such as loafers or heels, paired with timeless jewelry, reflect the polished, poised image I aspire to achieve. I’d like to channel the timeless style of Princess Diana, ensuring that my wardrobe reflects grace and sophistication. When showing old photos to my children, I want them to see an elegant version of me, not just sweats or club dresses. My middle-aged self would likely want to revamp my entire wardrobe, replacing it with timeless, capsule-worthy pieces.
Even as a child, I imagined my older self carrying an air of elegance and timeless charm. Dressing my 22-year-old self through this lens would involve cozy yet chic ensembles, such as a vintage-inspired dress paired with a cardigan and comfortable yet stylish flats. This look reflects the wisdom and grace I hope to embody. I also think my elderly self would encourage me to experiment more with fashion and embrace confidence. She might suggest showing more skin and embracing bold looks while I’m young, creating a visual legacy of my “prime years.” This style reflects contentment, individuality, and a celebration of a life well-lived, using fashion as a canvas to highlight memories, heritage, and timeless beauty.