Last Friday, as I wrote about my Disneybound DisneyWorld cosplay outfits, I considered: “Should this really be my most consistent post? I’m not a fashion person, I just like to have fun getting dressed. I’m an artist, I’m a writer, I’m a DIYEr…not a fashion maven.”

But throughout the week, a few things brought me back to my intention.

Blatantly Bland

A few days at Disneyworld must have made me forget the sartorial sadness that is suburbia. No hate, no judgement. People are free to decide if they’d like to dress to impress or not. But in winter, the vast majority of women I see are dressed to depress. The same sad athlesiure aesthetic (with the same brands, same exact pieces!) is repeated day in, day out, by the majority of the women I see. Few are wearing the latest Instagram-inspired fashions and I’m happy to see them honoring themselves and putting forth the effort to feel good about their appearance and themselves. Unfortunately, what’s on trend right now is bland. Camel coats, white tees, well-fitted light wash jeans or black leggings are the current fashions, as dictated by “people like you” influencing on Instagram. I get it. I’m not fashionable.

Not Being a “Fashion Person” is the Point

I’m not trying to rewrite the game, change what’s fashionable, or be the next It girl. Rather, I’m making these posts to empower other people to get dressed for the hell of it. Because it can make your day more fun. Dressing better doesn’t really take more effort. You still gotta put your pants on one leg on at a time, whether they’re the same pants you wear to the gym or a nice tailored gaucho.

Dressing better might not always be the case, sometimes you’ll fumble on an outfit, but to try hard and fail is closer to success than to never try at all. Risk versus reward: potential for more daily fun and feeling better about yourself regularly or not liking what you’re wearing for one day or one errand?

Spotlight on Sustainability

One of the great parts about not liking what’s currently in fashion is that many people no longer like what was in fashion. They get rid of it at the thrift shop and I buy it for 10% of the cost they paid. Awww yiss.

Here’s the thing: the only things that go completely out of fashion are things that never should have been trending like unflattering lines and proportions and statement pieces that should have stayed quiet. Wearing clothes tailored to fit and colors that suit you will always look good, even if the teens aren’t rocking similar looks.

The Best Things Aren’t Advertised

Fruit, vegetables—you never see these items on a commercial or a targeted ad. Same goes for thrifted and used items. I want to promote purchasing used articles of clothing and living a more sustainable life. Many people still perceive Goodwill as a place to go only if you’re hard on your luck, and I want to show you that hand-me-downs are good enough for all.

So, Onward! This Week’s Styled Looks

Rare athlesiure look during a weekend snowstorm walk, thrifted: handmade scarf, butterfly socks

Thrifted: purse

Thrifted: scarf, Trina Turk miniskirt and Victoria Secret PINK fluffy slides, Good American velvet bodysuit

Thrifted: vintage red gingham jacket, Madewell burgundy turtleneck, chocolate brown suede Chelsea boots

Thrifted: Hollister coat, sage yoga pants, Banana Republic olive long sleeve shirt. Hat hand-me-down from my son

Thrifted: French Connection sweater