my style staples
in terms of fashion
red something, whether it be a bright cherry red, or a deep maroon (my personal favourite). When I moved to uni, I realized just how much red I owned, almost all of my colourful pieces are red, with a bit of like, blue. It's a powerful, confident colour that I think puts my personality (or at least who I want to be) out in visual form.
bold-silhouetted pieces. Think gauchos, capris, flared jackets. I'm very much a believer in interesting silhouettes over proper ones. You may have heard of the concept of "big top little pant, or little top big pant". I say NO! There's limitless ways to match, as long as there's balance. You can do big everything, as long as you have to confidence to show it's not just you hiding away.
Natural materials. Mainly wools, linens, and leathers are my favourites. The main reason I search for these so much now is that I can find a merino wool sweater at the thrift that'll last me my whole life for less than a polyester piece of crap at the mall. Once I discovered the quality I could get secondhand, the appeal of synthetic materials completely tanked for me (not to mention they're not nearly as comfortable!) Plastic fibers tend to warp and melt together as they go through the wash cycle, especially acrylic, which is in almost every sweater. I'll trade taking extra care with a wool sweater for not having to throw my sweater out after a year.
STATEMENTS! Specifically ones that you can see and instantly know extensive time and energy went into making them. Some personal favourites of mine are the studded leather belt my mom made, with every stud being unique, and my leopard print flare skirt with doilies and lace trim stitched on. I need every outfit I wear to have a little hint of insanity in it.