JezTheStylist 101: How to Find Your Fashion Style

JezTheStylist 101: How to Find Your Fashion Style

Lately, I’ve been getting flooded with messages like, “Jez, how do I find my fashion style?” or “I don’t even think I have one!” And to that, I say — take a deep breath. You're not alone, and you're not lost. You're just at the beginning of your style journey. And guess what? I’m here to walk that road with you.

Fashion is personal. It’s never just about clothes. It’s about who you are, how you feel, where you come from, and even where you’re going. Some of us are influenced by our upbringing — maybe it was your mother’s Sunday best, your dad’s uniform, or your community’s dress code. Others are shaped by culture, religion, people we admire, or simply the environment we live in. And then there are those of us who just love a good trend and can’t resist the pull of a TikTok aesthetic.

So today, I want to take you through a few fashion styles I know and love — styles I’ve either tried, admired, or studied — in the hope that they give you some clarity, inspiration, or maybe even that “aha!” moment. This is JezTheStylist 101, and class is officially in session!

Let’s start with the soft, dreamy world of cottagecore — a fashion style that’s all about romanticizing rural life. Think of slow mornings, handwritten letters, and garden strolls in vintage dresses. Cottagecore isn’t just about clothing; it’s a whole mood. Flowing silhouettes, earthy tones, and delicate fabrics like linen, lace, and cotton make up the essence of this look. I always think of Nara Smith when I hear cottagecore — she’s literally the blueprint. Her entire aesthetic screams slow, intentional living and effortless grace.

Then there’s vintage fashion, which I absolutely adore. It’s like wearing time. To be considered vintage, a piece should be at least twenty years old but less than a hundred. It could be a 70s bell-bottom, an 80s power suit, or a 90s baby tee — and wearing it today means you’re carrying history with style. Zendaya, for example, has mastered the vintage red carpet look. She gives us 70s disco queen one moment and 90s minimalism the next. Her looks are not just fashionable — they’re cinematic.

We can’t talk fashion without diving into the luxurious subtlety of old money fashion, or what some now call quiet luxury. This style whispers elegance. It’s about quality over quantity — clean lines, structured tailoring, and timeless staples that never go out of fashion. The women who embody this best for me are Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle — women who keep it sleek, soft-spoken, yet powerful. Nothing flashy, but everything intentional.

On the flip side, we have streetwear — fashion that speaks loud, walks tall, and owns space unapologetically. Rooted in urban culture and shaped by music, streetwear is expressive and bold. Graphic tees, oversized hoodies, sneakers that cost more than rent, and a sense of individuality that can’t be boxed. In 2025, streetwear isn’t just a look — it’s a voice. And people like Rihanna, ASAP Rocky, and Kanye West are fluent in that language.

Now let’s touch on retro fashion, which I like to describe as vintage with a twist. It’s taking pieces from the past — think 90s chokers or 2000s denim skirts — and blending them with modern trends to create something fresh and nostalgic at once. Bella Hadid does this effortlessly, and honestly, so does Beyoncé when she’s in her fashion history bag. Retro lets you time-travel without leaving your mirror.

There’s also the beauty of traditional or cultural fashion — something very close to my heart. This isn’t just fashion; this is heritage. It’s the kente cloth from Ghana, the cheongsam from China, the Shona prints from Zimbabwe. It’s beadwork, patterns, textures, and symbolism passed down through generations. It tells your story before you even say a word. When I see women like Lupita Nyong’o or Yemi Alade step out in Afrocentric ensembles, it reminds me of the power of being deeply rooted and beautifully bold.

And speaking of bold, we have the rise of comfy fashion — or what they cool kids call athleisure. This is where comfort meets street chic. Picture joggers with a blazer, sweatpants paired with stilettos, or a sports bra layered under a leather jacket. It’s all about dressing like you’re going to the gym, brunch, and a casting call — all in one outfit. No one wears comfy-cool better than Kendall Jenner.

Lastly, but certainly not least, we have modest fashion — a style that embraces coverage, not as a limitation, but as a form of creative expression. Whether it’s for faith, personal preference, or cultural values, modest fashion is elegant, intentional, and fiercely stylish. Halima Aden remains such an icon in this space, showing the world that you can cover up and still make a powerful statement.

Now, are there more styles out there? Absolutely. Minimalist, maximalist, punk, edgy, avant-garde — the list is endless. But these are just a few that I personally connect with or know many of you have asked me about.

At the end of the day, my biggest advice is this: be true to yourself. Fashion is not about wearing what everyone else is wearing — it’s about feeling like your most powerful self in what you choose to put on. Some days you’ll feel vintage, other days streetwear, and sometimes a full cultural regalia. That’s okay. That’s the journey.

Here’s the truth I live by: "Fashion is what you buy. Style is what you do with it." — Unknown

So dress how you want to feel. Make your closet your canvas. And remember: confidence is the one thing that never goes out of style.

Till next time,

With style and soul,

Jez 🤎 #JezTheStylist