When Style Becomes Influence!
In the thought of this topic, I remembered when I always crave to be like a popular actor (Jim Iyke) in my country. He was such a fashionista in all his movie, people always commend his dressing, his outfits are top notch and admirable.
I gradually started dressing like this actor, talking like him and walking like him. I was carried away by his style, it makes feel on top of the world and so I kept becoming until I grew up to certain age and by then, he no longer acts.
When style becomes influence, it drains our mental personality, like you start picturing yourself in another way other than the way you see yourself. Most people have let fashion/style speak for them because they are influenced by it. From their personal branding to other collective activities done through styling, it has redirected their thoughts, words and actions.
I am not a person of so much fashion but I am a person of style. I am stylish in my speech, in eating, dressing, walking etc.. And I am greatly influenced with all of that in a positive way. .y style now reflects my growth, my values and my confidence, I no longer see it as borrowed but built.
When style becomes influence, it can either shape us or shift us, the difference lies in self awareness, when we understand who we are, influence becomes a tool for growth. But if we don't it becomes a quiet thief of identity.
I have come to realize that true style is not about looking like someone else, it is about becoming the best version of yourself. It is about choosing yourself confidently, intentionally, and unapologetically instead of others. It's best to know your style, and go for it!