If you love fashion like I do, nothing is more admirable than seeing a person wear their clothing with confidence. No matter what that looks like to you, the feeling is mutual – when you’re rocking something that speaks to your personality, mood, or energy, your self-awareness shines through. Maybe it’s because you bought your accessories sustainably or in purchasing them, you discovered a small-owned brand that values inclusivity and social justice. Maybe that slogan printed on your graphic tee or cozy sweat set is one you want to scream from the hilltops. Or maybe it’s just the colour combination you chose that’s brightening your aura.
Whatever the case, I’m more inspired to curate an outfit like this from the ground up when I learn how others approach their own method of feel-good dressing. That’s why I asked some industry creatives and friends with bold but different senses of style to weigh in. What do they wear when they want to send good vibes? I wanted to know. From fashion designer Victor Glemaud’s mixed prints to ALOK’s multicolour, candy-stripe Versace minidress, the looks ahead all brought a smile to my face, and that’s why they’re now on my mood board – because in seeing others feel good, I feel good, too. If we start with that intention every time we get dressed, the world will no doubt be a happier place.
Related: Fashion Is For Everyone, So Why Am I Still Downloading Runway Looks For “Men” or “Women”?
BFA / Sansho Scott/BFA.com
Victor Glemaud
Above: Victor wears a Victor Glemaud cardigan, an ERL polo, Paco Rabanne trousers, and Hermès boots at the Tory Burch Mercer Store.
“From an early age, I enjoyed the act of dressing. Mixing colours and patterns always makes me feel stylishly different.” – Victor Glemaud, creative director of Victor Glemaud
Isa Dimaranan / Justin Pham
Emily Barker
“The T-shirt is one that I’ve helped design, which reads ‘accessibility is utopia.'”
“I feel most myself in this Hot Lava look right now by a chronically ill designer, badass mother, and friend of mine, Rachael Finley. These flattering, comfy, edgy pants, red heeled boots, and T-shirt make me feel sexy popping a wheelie. The T-shirt is one that I’ve helped design, which reads ‘accessibility is utopia’ with a wheelchair crushing two trucks! Seeing as the world is inaccessible and wheelchair users live in segregation, this message is important to me, my art, and my advocacy.” – Emily Barker, Instagram creator and activist
Courtesy of Zerina Akers
Zerina Akers
“I’m wearing the Black Owned Everything sweatsuit in black. I spent a lot of time developing the perfect hoodie alongside Nadiyah Spencer, who handles our product development. It’s the warmest, most comfortable sweatsuit I own! With glow-in-the-dark graphics and our smiley-face logo large on the back, it just makes me happy! Sweatsuits overall have become my uniform since 2020.” – Zerina Akers, fashion stylist and costume designer
Kohl Murdock
ALOK
“I’m wearing a Versace Jeans body-con dress and Kat Maconie heels. For a long time, I felt like I had to cover up my body because it was something to be ashamed of. Now, I accept all of me. This look is about finding power in the places where I was taught shame, a celebration of claiming public space as a gender-nonconforming person.” – ALOK, author, performer, speaker, and fashionist@
Jamie Magnifico
Katie Sturino
“I don’t walk in this outfit. I STRUT! I’m wearing my LaDoubleJ silk shirt (one of many) and my Marina Rinaldi faux-leather pants (though you’d never know they’re faux). I love the look of a flowy top that’s colourful, and I love how I transitioned it into fall with the pants and Nine West booties.” – Katie Sturino, founder of Megababe, author of Body Talk, and body-acceptance advocate
Owen Kolasinski
Kellie Brown and Blair Imani
“Here I’m wearing an ASOS dress. I feel confident in whatever I’m wearing because I wear what brings me joy. I also love that Blair and I happened to match, even though we didn’t plan it that way!” – Kellie Brown, writer, designer, and content creator
“I learned so much about how to rock a look with confidence from style icons like Kellie B.”
“I’m wearing this super-comfy upcycled Loti dress that my mum modified to make it more modest. Loti is a sustainable line, and I wanted to showcase them at my first influencer event in my hometown of LA. I feel most confident when I am able to express my modesty and passion for fashion simultaneously. I learned so much about how to rock a look with confidence from style icons like Kellie B. And being able to become friends with her has been a gift and a blessing.” – Blair Imani, educator, historian, and author of Read This to Get Smarter
Courtesy of Autumn Adeigbo
Autumn Adeigbo
“This is our Freyda jumpsuit from fall/winter 2021. We re-created our beloved Maisie jumpsuit in a fall fabric for the colder seasons. I love this jumpsuit because it’s still modern and sexy, with a rose embroidery at the shoulder and pant hem, but the wool jacquard makes it warm and comfortable. Comfort is really important to me. I’m also wearing Autumn Adeigbo shoes and handbags, which are new for the brand this season. We are launching this style at Neiman Marcus for fall in their advanced contemporary department.” – Autumn Adeigbo, founder, CEO, and designer of Autumn Adeigbo
Courtesy of Malone Souliers / GABE-MEDIA
Mary Alice Malone
“I love quirky suits. I feel very confident wearing them, and I find them very versatile. I wear them with either a Malone Souliers stiletto or a flat, depending on the occasion, but this is certainly a ‘feeling-good fit’ for me.” – Mary Alice Malone, founder and creative director of Malone Souliers
