It occurred to me this week that I want to be INSPIRED and not INFLUENCED. “Inspired’ is a creative term, “influenced” is a monetary one. when I’m inspired, I want to be a better version for the best version of myself I can be! When I’m influence, I simply think that buying something will make me be that person!

I think this is why I can’t get away from thrifting. As the self aware Aries I can’t stand doing things because others are doing it lol. As soon as I see too many people in it I start avoiding it

I found this so interesting , I was a fashion student in the 1980s and now my Daughter is a fashion student and I find her attitude so different to what mine was . We all wanted to stand out , be different , now they all want to blend in , look like what they see on social media . I say create , don’t follow , absolutely we are all influenced by our surroundings but , hopefully those surrounding aren’t just social media . Well done you , for breaking away from that narrative .

At 70, I still love what I love and shop accordingly -I don't want to look like everybody else. You addressed STYLE so beautifully, thank you.

High-waisted wide leg pants are my jam!

Lately, I don't watch content from a couple of influencers I follow as often as I used to. I get a bit turned off by them because they kind of only show what they have bought, instead of giving advice about how to create your own personal style. Your video and your message are much needed. ❤️

I totally agree! Who has money to keep adding to their wardrobe every season?? Maybe a piece or two here and there. I love how "influencers" love to say what's in and out of fashion. If you find your own personal style, it becomes timeless. I think it's ok to evolve as you grow, but for the most part I know what I like and what I feel comfortable in❤

I really love the humanistic approach to this video. It really brings back home how creative we were before social media and Pinterest. Allowing ourselves to get back to what we know as far as who we are and what REALLY makes us glow. I found myself getting away from what I know works for me. looking back at old pictures truly shows me what my style was and is till this day. I’m 42 and proud to say I’ve always loved easy relaxed simple clothes and interesting accessories 😊

I'm actually amazed how much the exercise of imagining your own fashion collection from scratch and giving it a name clarified things for me. I get so caught up in types of fashion and what styles appeal to me when it can really just be boiled down to big boxy cuts and durable materials that just look cooler and cooler the more worn they get. It was just a lightbulb moment of "oh duh, canvas, leather, denim. Earth tones and deep saturated warm colors. Loose cuts I can comfortably move in. Big dramatic collars. No sleeves unless it's a jacket." that cut through all the noise.

Figuring out WHY you’re drawn to a look before trying to emulate it is so key, because then you can really let your individuality take over instead of just replicating someone else. And the tip about looking at the runway is excellent, the raw design principles of the garments really shine the most there.

Thank you for this post. I totally agree. I’m quite bored of style influencers posting the same ideas, outfits, trends, sponsored pieces. It’s gotten repetitive and boring. Styling matching sweatsuits with a long wool coat…. A button down with wide leg jeans and a sweater over the shoulders… we’ve all seen it. And the never ending “core’s”, I just can’t. I want to see fresh and new ideas… actual personal style ideas. So thank you and I’d love to see where you go with this.

This was the most intelligent, unique, and enlightening analysis of personal fashion that I have ever experienced. Ms. Carolyn is brilliant. I’ll have to watch this several times, there are so many layers to absorb. Loved it.

My mother recently passed and I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. I've just started a real, earnest attempt to revamp my closet with pieces that suit me on a deep level and its the most exiting process! For the first time (possibly ever) I'm starting to LOVE the clothes and shoes I have. Another interesting side effect is that I'm less and less concerned about my weight and body insecurities. I'm positively distracted by my love for the clothes.

I love this video because you’re not serving us monetized fish (influencing us with items) You’re teaching us how to fish ( a systematic way for us to find our own personal style and stop over consuming while moving futher and futher from feeling like ourselves)

Finally!! Thank you for speaking up! A lot of these fashion influencers seem to lack their own personal style nowadays. Everybody's channel wearing the exact same thing talking the same way about the same thing. I'm over it! what are they influencing us to do walk around looking like twins?! These fashion influencers are starting to look like robotic retail influencers not stylish fashion influencers same content,same look and no personal style. PLEASE MAKE IT STOP✋🏾

You are correct in your analysis. I am a modern man with a personal preference for the Humphrey Bogart look. Pants with pleats, clean shoes, properly laced oxford shoes, shaved with a touch of spicy fragrance. When you look good you also feel good and ready to take on the world. Best wishes.

Hi Carolyn! This is 75 years young, and I must say you did it again! What an intelligent, honest, and thoughtful video! Great job! ❤️❤️❤️

I watch alot of Korean dramas and Korean youtubers who just walk around Korea. I enjoy watching what the people wear, and I love seeing sundresses with cute sweaters with simple low heels it's such a feminine esthetic to me. I'm going to be adapting that look for the summer.

I feel the over stimulation. But I also feel like I’m evolving and my style is evolving

Omg! Boomerang is my favorite movie! I’m not sure what my “style” is, but I loooove to see a great pair of jeans with a screen print tee and a blazer. That’s my jam.

Sis i love that you made this video. I was just saying that all the content creators and influencers are influencing each other. Wearing and saying the same thing and it's getting boring. I love your unique since of fashion and it inspires me. Please continue to be unique. Everybody seems to be chasing the partnerships and not the art of true style. Most don't have it. They may have fashion, but they don't have style. I love it sis... unplug, get re-inspired and inspire us!!!!!!

YES. When I was a teen, I used to be sad that I could not follow one visual style, because I like things from different styles and subcultures. After a while, I realized that this is ~personal style~ and that a lot of the people I followed (the ones who had a somewhat ""unique"" style) had different influences too and did not try to fit in a box. When you post a pic of a outfit nowdays, there are always people asking "what's this aesthetic?" bcs they think you should have one, to give them a simple answer.

I'm doing a 100 day challenge of no thrifting, no shopping and simply playing in my own wardrobe and aiming to wear and share a 100 different outfits that just make me happy. Day 20 and already feeling reenergised by what I already own. I found I was just buying more and more and not appreciating what I already have. Genuinely personal style is the best. Great thoughts here! x

I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for your recent commentary. While I typically refrain from engaging on various platforms, your words resonated deeply with me, prompting me to break my silence. Your thoughts on the overwhelming influence of certain trends and influencers in the past year struck a chord. It's refreshing to find someone who shares a similar perspective on the saturation of new merchandise and suggestions flooding the market. Your decision to shift focus towards appreciating what you already have, shopping your own closet, and embracing gratitude is truly commendable. Your post eloquently addressed the inaccuracies and pitfalls that many women encounter, leading them into debt and fostering feelings of insecurity. It's a brave stance to challenge the status quo, and I wanted to applaud you for speaking your truth so articulately. I genuinely hope that this year brings you the courage to continue sharing your perspective and living your most authentic life. Your voice is a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about self-worth and contentment in an era dominated by external influences. Thank you once again for your thought-provoking commentary. Wishing you a year filled with authenticity, courage, and continued self-discovery.

I’m so happy I’m not the only one who thinks like this. I honestly think you have amazing style! Even if you purchased a “trendy” piece, you still finesse it your own way, YOUR OWN STYLE. I’m honored to have found you last year. A lot of people I used to watch, all started wearing the same things. Literally the exact outfits. Influencers seem to have stopped their own style, just to make the money, and sell to the masses. Thank you so very much for being YOU, for speaking up on the madness in a sea of uniformed trends. LoL - “cookie” Tanee 😉

Yessss people feel like if you dont follow certain trends that you're not stylish or "can't dress" like chile my style is my style its been this way forever i just throw different spins on it as time goes

So many of us are aligned to this. I currently post videos of outfits I put together from shopping my closet and they showcase my personal style - we don’t all have to be edgy or fashion forward 😉 Truth be told, if money wasn’t a factor in shopping, my style would be similar to what it is now but with a different level of quality. I really enjoyed this video! Proud cookie ❤

I agree that fashion trends have become very uniform and individual style has taken a back seat. I refuse to fit in , my eclectic artistic soul needs creative expression.

I'm so much happier and satisfied with my personal style after getting color consultant and knowing my kibbe style. it has helped me to know what colors, styles and patterns suit me rather than following a trend that looks the ugliest on me.

This is one of your best! I so appreciated this one. I have worked in a fashion space for 18 years and never let the trends dictate what I wear or wore. I always incorporated my personal style into whatever department I worked in. I was told by my manager who is a Buyer that she’s never seen me wear anything twice. Gurl, of course I have! I just mix it up! It’s so freeing to be your unique, beautiful self! Thank you Carolyn, I love the direction God is leading you, stay the course. ❤❤❤

I must say, this was the perfect conversation that most of us needed. I started this year saying I have too much stuff, I don’t need anything else and I certainly have no room. I’ve been influenced to buy things that I won’t EVER wear and I LOVE BEING AT HOME! You’ve helped a lot of people with your honesty and vulnerability.

So from a senior fashion/style person I have always watched old movies from 1920-1970 the variety the style Amazing

This is why the things I thrift are usually my favorite items. I got off social media (some time last year) and I’ve missed your content in my fashion girl repertoire.

This is spot on. I searched the Ralph Lauren fashion shows on KZfaq and i was blown away with INSPIRATION! I pick and chose what resonates with me and am always wearing what I like. Then I see others copy it. Then I move in another direction just because I like being different & true to me

Well said. I’m an artist and I express myself through fashion. For the most part I wear what I want….not what I’m told to wear. I don’t follow trends or fads. I have a personal style. Thanks for the distinction💐.

You are 1 of 2 KZfaqrs that I watch. Everyone else got weird to me this over consumption is toxic...they are wearing all of the labels with zero style. Chillleeee! Then they are always saying how they got this or that on a good discount smh...I didn't realize I felt so strongly about this lol

🎀I have always worn what I personally like, regardless of trends.🎀

This is one time the nosey KZfaq gods got it right! I was literally standing in my closet looking at my clothes saying yo myself “who is this person?!” Nothing looked like or felt like me. Since the pandemic I am wfh. I don’t really go anywhere so I just shop and shop then never wear it because it’s REALLY not me. I’m not a girly girl but have every designer bag in my closet just collecting dust. I decided I’m going to purge and figure out my style. Turned on KZfaq as background noise and you were the first video to pop up. This “Think Piece” was on point! Preciate you. New subscriber here 😊

It has been so long since I’ve heard anyone talk with such passion and clarity about what they love in fashion and why specifically for themselves. Yes! What is the fit going to do for you when you walk?!?! Not just in a 2D posed photo

I’m so happy you said this!!! I’ve been feeling like this with personal style all the way to the way people style their homes. I always try to incorporate my own style because that’s when I feel most in tune with myself. I think everyone is getting addicted to clicking on a link to purchase and it being at their door. Instant gratification is causing us to lose who we are to the core.

Omg !!! I have been screaming this for a good while. Everybody looks the same, clothing isn’t exciting to me anymore. So I’m in the same space of redefining my style.

What a great review of personal style vs trends. To me fashion is wearable art and I l love dressing to show my personal style. Thank you for the review and thoughtful reminder to stay true to your own personal style.😊

F.I.T. is my Alma mater. This is one of the best personal style talk video I ever listened to. Very honest and full of integrity. Great job Carolyn.

Back in the day I used to work on movie sets and would run around looking for items that aligned with celebrity's style aesthetic. I developed my own sense of style not by having the latest and greatest but curating my own personal style & identity. All I see now are copycats. We all look alike & have to get the same things to be cool or fit in, etc.These high end designers are making a killing off our lust for the things and they really dont want to see us in it. In comes the infuencer to help people spend money. So I adjusted my attitude and behaviors. Now I like all the things but if it does not align I have to decline.

Carolyn, carolyn, thanks for your honesty, humor, and introspection. I'm over 60, but not 65 yet. Fashion is important to me. Interior design is "my my" deep thing! They really are close cousins. I have been questioning the need to have the next new thang, and the "sponsoring" to encourage more consumption. It's incredibly disturbing. I've found myself tempted to buy/ try, get subscriptions and have boxes coming monthly of clothing, makeup, perfumes... it is insanity!!! I've quit being influenced by "Influencers", but I take their talent and adapt it for my lifestyle. I sew, and am now learning to thrift for some things and alter for myself. Thanks for encouraging others to press the reset button. Access the what's and why's and be true to yourself. And be financially astute. I applaud you, your style, beauty, talent and evolution 🎉

I am living in a constant state of being overwhelmed with "inspiration", influence, pictures and "guidance" to what i should wear. I am watching streams like this because I really like this new notion that women AND men want to step back and get to feel, create and decide themselves what they want/ should/ can wear in society. So many things have to be considered! Like sustainability is now a huge factor for me. So I can only say you are so right with working from your inside towards what you want and need for yourself and taking a step back from all that noise!

I honestly feel like this is a long overdue conversation and I’m sooo grateful that you started it. I’ve been in a season of being authentic with me and engaging back to what I like regardless what it popular opinion. You’re timeless! Thank you for this!

I’ve been told I’m fashionable and based on how you defined it, I suppose I am lol. But you definitely helped me open my mind to even more possibilities as far as understanding my aesthetic. Thank you! You just gained a new sub!! 🎉🎉🎉

First off..shout out to Baltimore! Secondly, thanks for this Ted Talk (lol) I truly needed it. I have so much stuff and I don’t wear it. I feel like my style is all over the place but I’m going to use your tips and hone in on my personal style and what brings me joy. ❤

This was needed. I am rebuilding my wardrobe after holding on to clothes for 10+ years… none of which I actually felt my best in. I’m getting a lot of inspo from Pinterest, but I find myself trying to keep up/be on trend or on brand that I have lost my personal style. Thank you for reminding me to go back to what makes me ME.

And let's be honest Carly. A lot of people never had personal , no shade, just truth. That's why they are so easily INFLUENCED. I LOVE THIS VIDEO.

I think your channel came up in my feed because this is the conversation I am craving! Seriously! Buying "the latest thing" can't compete with investing in your personal style.

The Devil Wears Prada, Clueless, Living Single, are my go to. Great content! I’ve definitely been thinking about my wardrobe and how I want to change things around.

On point! In my big age, I still love fashion and will watch fashion shows and make notes, then shop my closet to pull together an outfit! Thrifting helps me to tweak my wardrobe and find that special something that evokes a memory, or feeling. I love your think topic! It really helps me to be happy with my personal expression of who I am and desire to show the world. Thanks so much!

Fashion is inate. The idea of designing 5 items and how it would look; genius!

You are so on point with this conversation. It really struck a nerve for me as well. Because it really made me realize. That people act like sheep’s in this society these days. At the same time made me proud of myself for never following any of this stuff.

OH MY GOD I LOVE YOU. I’ve been feeling this for years and I’ve been basically just yelling YES THAT at this entire video. Subscribed!

Your channel is such a breath of fresh air. Thank you for sharing your insight with us. We LOVE you for it!

I legit loveeeee this video because I just said this to myself the other day now I have to rebuild my wardrobe cause nothing brings me joy

100% vibing with this fresh perspective! ❤❤

Wow! This is so thought provoking and as someone who has been happily influenced by your style, it's refreshing and so appreciated to know that it's coming from someone who has actually reflected on these things and thought carefully about them.

Loved that you admitted to being influenced and questioning some of your own purchases is HUGE! Salute to your evolution 👏🏽 👏🏽👏🏽

I haven’t watched and I already love it. Thank you, do what works for you

This was great, I totally get it - thank you for sharing this particular video. This was needed/this industry needs your truth. You're definitely set apart.

Absolutely love this video. I've realised I've been trying to emulate trends and what I've people wear rather than thinking about what I actually love first.

You betta speak your truth and come with it. I love it

I love this video❤ Getting to the root of what clothes make me happy without caring how it’s being received. Also putting an outfit on and not caring if you receive compliments. Simple but definitely thought provoking.

You hit the nail on the head! I have become sick of the word aesthetics and missing the word style! Over the past year I’ve been trying to reinvent my personal style and I am loving what I am becoming! Love this video ❤

I was scrolling through KZfaq and came across your video. LOVVVVEEEEEEEED IT SO MUCH!!!! I have struggled finding my personal style because I thought it had to just be one specific style. After listening to you and seeing your pictures… it’s changed everything for me!

Such a unique and different perspective to have, love this

This was sooooo good!!!! Thank you so much for in essence providing guidance and directions towards discovery of one's self. I am in my early 50s and is in a transitional period in my life and feel like I've lost my sense of style. This video will definitely be a guide of rediscovery of what I like, and why, and just wearing what I feel good in and brings joy!!! Again thank you so much for this video. Blessing to you!

Thank you for this video! I've been in such a fashion rut and the older I get, the less I like the stuff in the stores where I'm used to shopping. Between the pandemic and working from home, I've felt frumpy and out of it, and when I DO venture out, it's to stores that I probably need to stop shopping at (ie Forever 21, H&M, and Target). I think I hadn't accepted my age and that, as you said in so many words, the evolution of my lifestyle and what I feel good in. And I want to get back to the NYC girl I used to be who would buy up every fashion mag and interpret looks for myself, buy quality pieces, and enjoy mixing and matching. Love to see an elevated conversation on fashion! xo

Good Lord! This was incredible! The freedom and scaling back to our core was so clutch for me. Your style of speaking and personality was so comfortable like we were just sitting together having a hey girl hey catch up! Thank you for this!

A refreshing conversation that I’ve beeeen waiting for! I completely concur. Thank you.

I'm so happy you made this video, I've been on my own journey looking to develop my personal style and this really gives me the language I needed to process the feelings I've had behind trends and certain popular items

Gurl' you are inspiring me to take my ass back to fashion school and get my damn degree in Fashion Merchandising. I LOVE your channel.

It's really refreshing to hear your perspective. I definitely will be watching more of your fashion videos.

This is the first video of yours I’ve ever watched and I’m so glad I did! I subscribed immediately. I am grateful for your fresh and authentic perspective. I only began exploring self presentation late in my life. The whole purpose for me was a journey of self discovery, but it’s so easy to get lost! I’m grateful for your reminder to stay true to myself, and enjoy the journey!

I have to share this with my circle, it’s so easy to get trapped in over-consumption and just buy all the things but this video was a helpful reminder to rain it in and reassess the choices I’ve been making. I especially loved the idea of what pieces I would include if I were starting a brand. Real food for thought.

I loved this video. You spoke the truth about style being personal. I'm inspired to review my own wardrobe again and see what sparks joy.

Thank youuuu! For saying all of this Carolyn and making the absolute most sense. I feel like social media and being in the house more in this season has impacted my personal style. This Saturday morning I look forward to figuring it out again, bc I used to be so on it and excited. Thanks for slowing me down.

This was extremely inspiring girl! I loved this video. I love person style I think it’s so beautiful. Truth is, now a days there are so many people that’s looking the same with no umph or “them” in the style. Thanks again for putting your take out here for the us💕

I appreciate the thoughtfulness behind this video. It was really good. I do not follow trends. I know what I like and I buy it and you are right. I can not describe my style in 3 words. It is constantly changing and I truly like what I like and what suits by body and what feel comfortable in.

Absolutely loved this! I’m thankful that there’s more exposure in petite/petite curvy body types and more (5”0 girlie here). Learning more of my personal style day by day, and doing my best to not be influenced.

This is seriously the best video I've watched in a long time! I will be posting a photo I was hesitant about due to it being “too much” that is who I am!!!

I enjoyed this Carolyn so many FACTS spoken. It's timely too as I reassess my buys and wants, and why I want what I want. Thank you for this video 💙

Really interesting thoughts and great analysis of the difference between fashion, fads and style. Something that really stood out to me is your background, growing up around a photographic studio, your dad's friend teaching you makeup etc. ❤

You articulated this subject so well and so thoroughly! I actually have never been skilled at dressing myself and I think that’s largely in part due to body insecurities and how trending fashion never resonated with me or looked good on MY body. I’ve been into beauty and makeup much more but can’t get creatively dressed for the life of me. This really inspired me to get curious and try some things out! Thank you so much!

This video is incredibly helpful! Since entering the second half of my 20s, I’ve really been trying to figure out my personal style. While I am a very outgoing person, I don’t like attention (especially in these NYC streets). However, I think that’s impacted my ability to fully express myself freely. This video is leaving me a lot to reflect on. Thank you so much!

Great video! I love ❤ how you took us back to finding inspiration from TV and movies which is what we had to do before the rise of social media telling us what we should like and buy. Discovering your personal style seemed more organic back then. I used to cut out pictures from magazines for style inspiration before vision boards were a thing ☺.

Girl, you hit the nail right on the head!

I'm so glad that you made this video! I feel like we are collectively going through losing ourselves to find ourselves. I have been drawing dream wardrobes since I was 6 :()! So I feel bogged down by all the boxes. Your words/thoughts are honest, fresh, exciting, and liberating! Thank you✌️💕💐

MA'AM!!!! This video spoke to me. I am in the process of doing a purge and now I know I need to start over. I have been influenced by so many. I have my style but I am also influenced by what trends. I told myself 2024 would be different and this video just solidified it. Thank you for sharing what was on your heart. I truly feel God speaks to us purposefully in this manor. The correction has begun!

This is my first genuine subscription. This channel is a vibe

As a fellow professional in beauty and retail I 100% agree- I have been influenced more than I needed to be- truth be told!

Thanks for grounding our outlook. Regardless of age or culture, some of us innately gravitate towards expressing our individual selves through the way we dress. “Wear what makes you feel good sis!”

This video was such a breath of fresh air and really articulated some thoughts I've been having for a long time. Maybe because I also grew up in the industry (My mother was a makeup artist, color/style consultant) and I've seen SO many things come and go since I was a child. I was just saying to friend last week I'm so tired of everyone looking the same, same belts, same bags. It's like the easy access of social media makes a trend take over so fast and every one online does it. I want to see people truly expressing themselves, what's in their heart. And wear what you like best, even if it's not "in style" right now. For example, I literally wore out all my wide legged wool trousers and jeans and spent a ton of time in 2020 (Thanks pandemic) searching for wide legged bottoms online- nada. Now that they are back "in" I'm stocking up because I know from past experience this is a silhouette I love and feel great in and will wear forever. This is a bold video in today's influencer world and much appreciated.

I love you for doing a video on this topic! For the past few years I feel like personally styled don’t exist because I constantly see most people in the same things and styles the same way. I have always been a person who love and admire people with personal style. I love going to the stores and seeing something that sparked joy in me. Try it on visualize how I can wear it and then buying it! My personal style definitely comes from that experience! I never have to follow any trends because a lot of the things that would be trending has been in my closet for years and I have been wearing because it’s part of my personal style. I respect you fully for that video because I know it must have been hard to put out being a content creator! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and opinions on this matter!❤

Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this conversation! This is a huge reason why I started my channel, to bring light of individuality to the modest community. There’s such a lack of authenticity in the fashion world, even when it comes to sectors like modest fashion. Sometimes I think it may be because of convenience, it’s easy to follow trends. I think that in order to find true personal style, it takes inner work and some people either don’t want to or just don’t know how to. I can go on for days talking about this but I’ll stop here 😭😭 Loving your channel the fashion girlies will soon know and start inviting to their shows. Keep up the good work sis! 💐🤍

This is a very honest video and speaks to a lot of things I’ve been noticing and saying to my fiancé. I haven’t been on social media mouth in this new year outside of KZfaq as a subscriber, and it’s been GREAT! 😃