If there’s one thing that occupied most of my time during the holiday season, it was Project Runway. During my college days, watching the design competition show was a weekly habit. It filled me with great inspiration, introduced me to the biggest names in the fashion industry, and—much like its contestants—challenged me not just in how I dress but also in how I view fashion. From pop culture influences and the way clothes are made to understanding how passion and discipline (above talent) are key to making it big, the show shaped my perspective.
Columbia Pictures/Netflix)
That’s why, when I learned that episodes from past seasons were being uploaded on YouTube, I instantly hit the play button and enjoyed the virtual company of its fans in the comment section. Little did I know that it would also inspire me to pursue a career in fashion—not as a designer, but as a writer-editor covering the chicest moments in the local scene.
For over six years now, I have been chronicling fashion events for the pages and digital platform of the Manila Bulletin. I’ve witnessed countless runway shows, attended various galas, featured budding creatives, learned about initiatives championing certain crafts and artisans, watched virtual shows during the pandemic, and discovered how the fashion industry can spark change. I feel like I’ve seen it all, but there is still so much more to experience and learn—emphasis on learn.
Working in such a fast-paced environment can be quite challenging, and adding style into the mix can feel intimidating. But over the years, I’ve picked up a lesson or two that can elevate your relationship with your clothes and how you see fashion.
Creating a capsule closet
Apart from experiencing writer’s block, one of the problems I often face is the dreaded "I have nothing to wear" dilemma. Being plus-sized means putting more effort into how I present myself. While it would be easy to buy loads of clothing every month, that is not sustainable. My trick is creating a capsule closet, which I update every two weeks.
What remains in my closet are the basics—white button-down shirts, classic jeans, a pair of black pants, etc. What I rotate are the more “statement” pieces, whether they are cool printed jackets, graphic shirts, or items that spotlight a particular design technique. Shopping in your own closet allows you to rediscover pieces you may have forgotten, keeps everything organized, and hones your styling skills. Plus, your wallet will thank you for it.
Mending clothes
For me, a big part of shopping is committing to the clothes I buy. This means not just doing “girl math” and wearing them enough times to justify the price tag, but also learning how to take care of them. This includes proper washing techniques, storing them neatly, and pulling out a needle and thread when a piece needs repair.
Too often, the fashion industry dictates what people should wear but falls short in educating them on how to care for their clothes. So, take this as a reminder: for your clothes to make you feel good, they, too, should be in good shape.
‘Cores’ are fleeting
I can’t help but feel guilty about this, as I always report on trends that people should know about. It’s hard not to write about them, as they are part of the overall fashion conversation. But the thing is, trends—or “cores”—don’t last long. Never jump into one just because of the hype or social media pressure.
As fashion editor Nina Garcia said in The Little Black Book of Style, “Be your own muse.”
Dressing up should always be fun
While exploring oneself through dressing is definitely a fun journey, some people take their passion for fashion to an extreme, becoming what we call “fashion victims.”
For a long time, the term fashion victim has been used in the industry with different meanings, depending on whom you ask. To me, a fashion victim is someone who religiously follows fads and spends beyond their financial capacity just to keep up. Stop chasing labels and focus on expressing your personality through clothes.
“It is important to embrace your fashion sense and not conform to what’s on trend,” as Heart Evangelista puts it.
The things you wear should make you happy, not something you dread when the bills arrive. Dressing up should always be about you, not about impressing others. Over the years, I’ve learned that the only style opinion that truly matters is my own.
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