Wearing vs. Styling: The Difference That Changes Everything

Hey stylish fam, welcome back to our little hub of creativity and good vibes. This week, one of my main focuses was showing how you can have a great fashion sense but still be missing the mark when it comes to true style. Listen, I get it, it’s definitely one of those thin lines.

However, that’s exactly why I’m here: to help you see where that line is drawn. When you’re building your aesthetic or trying to find your voice through fashion, it’s not always about what you wear, it’s about how you wear it. That’s the heart of this whole idea.

Think about it: have you ever seen two people in the same shirt or the same suit, but one of them just radiates that stylish aura? It’s because they added their flair. Maybe it’s the shoes they paired it with, the accessories, or even the unexpected shirt choice that made you stop and stare. That’s style. And while the other person might still look great in their fit, there’s a clear difference: one is simply wearing it, and the other has styled it to perfection. That’s the message I want to leave you with, Gentle Reader (you knew I had to sneak that in at some point!).

What It Means to Just “Wear” Clothes

This has been the question thrown at me a few times this week, and even though the words slipped me before, I think I’ve finally figured it out. When I think of “wearing” something, I think of it as very formulaic. You’ve got on pants, a shirt, shoes, maybe a jacket, everything matches well enough, and to the world you look good…maybe even great.

However, here’s the thing: it’s safe. There’s no deeper meaning behind those choices besides “they match for the most part.” No real color story, no intentionality, just enough individuality to get by. In the business world, sure, that suit is professional, it checks the box. Yet it doesn’t say anything about you. It’s the same thing Jim down the hall is wearing, and nothing about it tells your story.

Here’s a little metaphor: when you go to a party and bring utensils, of course they’re useful, even needed. People will appreciate them, but once you walk out, nobody remembers the guy who brought utensils. Don’t be the utensil guy. Be the one who brings the five-cheese mac & cheese that’s been trending all over social media. Bring the dish everyone talks about long after the party ends. That’s who you want to be. That’s style.

That’s why I keep coming back to this idea of “wearing vs. styling.” At the end of the day, anyone can wear clothes, but the ones who truly stand out are the ones who style them, who add that personality, that flair, that unforgettable mac-and-cheese energy to their fit.

The Power of Styling

Now styling, that’s the fun part! It’s about making intentional choices that reflect your personality, your mood, or the vibe you want to set. That’s when you let those creative juices flow and use fashion as the ultimate outlet for your most authentic self. Styling is throwing the playbook out the window and allowing YOU to shine through.

The thing about styling isn’t just about breaking away from looking formulaic, it’s about unlocking confidence. When you truly allow your individuality to come forward, you radiate something that can’t be replicated. It might not seem like much, but when you’re proud of how you look on the outside, it does wonders for how you feel on the inside. And let’s be honest, it’s also an amazing feeling when people notice and appreciate not just your outfit, but your individuality, and your willingness to be unapologetically yourself.

I know some of you remember what it was like being a kid forced into those stiff uniforms, right? That was definitely me. I was stuck in “beige and burgundy” every day, and later it was light blue shirts with navy dress pants. It stifled my sense of individuality. But my mom? She wasn’t the type to conform. Sure, I wore the school colors, but I never wore the uniform. I looked like the biggest San Francisco 49ers fan you’d ever seen, rocking team gear, sweaters, and pullovers. It let me walk through those school doors still feeling like me, even if the school didn’t love it.

That’s what I love most about style: it’s our chance to tell our story the way we want to. It’s how we choose to be perceived by the world, and whether they accept it or not, guess what? Here we are!

What Can We Do?

Now here’s the part that surprises people; it’s actually the easiest part, believe it or not! I know some of you are already saying, “But I don’t have this or that in my closet.” The truth is, your closet is you. Everything you need to start building your style is already there, you just have to dig in and experiment with what story you want to tell.

Switch up those shoes. Try different shirts. Play with styles you wouldn’t normally reach for. Move away from the “safe” pieces and start trying out new color patterns that speak to you. Layer your clothes in unexpected ways and see how it changes the whole vibe. Most importantly, allow yourself to shine through in the choices you make.

And don’t forget; accessorizing is a huge part of styling. Add that jewelry, grab a backpack or crossbody bag, throw on a hat, sunglasses, or whatever else gives your fit that extra edge. These finishing touches are what take your look from simply “wearing” clothes to styling them.

At the end of the day, style is about taking bold risks and being confident in your choices. It’s about looking in the mirror and seeing you, not just a formula, not just an outfit, but a reflection of your individuality. And when you carry that confidence out into the world, trust me, people will notice. Because style isn’t about being remembered for what you wore, it’s about being remembered for how you owned it.

Photos: Flaunt Creative Studio