Styled Essence

The other day, while picking out new white shoes for myself, I found myself in a debate. Should I get the Nike shoes or the simple white ones that perfectly matched what I was looking for? In that moment, I realized that the only reason I wanted the Nike shoes was because of the checkmark on them, everything else about them didn’t feel right or suit my interests. The shoes I ended up getting had no platform, just as I wanted, and they were white… what more did I need?

This internal conflict made me think about how branded clothes are often perceived as cooler or more stylish and how they can also create a sense of belonging to a larger community. The only reason I wanted those Nike Air Maxes was either to impress someone or to add more value to my outfit.

I ended up getting white petite cheer shoes, yes, actual cheer shoes, because they were exactly what I was looking for. So why not? There’s no rulebook after all.

The beauty of the fashion world is that there are no strict rules about what is considered fashionable, because everything is. Yes, there’s probably a reason why they’re labeled as cheer shoes, but if you let go of people’s judgment and focus on what you truly like, it doesn’t matter.

You might ask, Why wear something for a purpose it wasn’t designed for? I thought about that too, but of course, there’s always a limit. My point is that sometimes, letting go of expectations and choosing something unbranded (or at least not widely known, famous, or ridiculously expensive) can be refreshing. It’s also a great way to step outside your comfort zone and, honestly, experiment with different brands.

They’re just shoes, after all, they wear out in about a year, maybe less, maybe more. And when it comes to white shoes, they constantly get dirty, meaning you’ll need new ones anyway. So don’t be afraid to go for the cheaper, less-known version just because it’s not a famous brand like Nike or Adidas.

I love those brands myself, and most of my shoes are from them, but this realization felt important to share.

This applies not just to shoes but to clothing in general. As humans, we tend to gravitate toward things that have either served us well in the past or feel familiar. Brands don’t become famous for no reason, so I don’t blame the world for being obsessed with mainstream labels.

I’ve mentioned this before, but thrifting also allows you to explore a variety of brands and add more uniqueness to your outfits. However, finding a vintage Nike tennis skirt while thrifting feels incredibly rewarding, almost like an immediate sign (in my head) to buy it and make it my own.

Beyond just it being familiar , branding plays a huge role in how we perceive clothing. A logo can make something feel more valuable, even if a similar, unbranded item offers the same quality, comfort, or style. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, fashion is, in many ways, about self-expression, and if a brand makes you feel more confident, there’s nothing wrong with that. But it’s also important to recognize when we’re drawn to a piece because we truly love it versus when we just want the status that comes with a name.

That’s why experimenting outside of mainstream brands can be so refreshing. Whether it’s thrifting, shopping from small businesses, or even picking out something random, like my cheer shoes, it allows you to redefine your style on your own terms. Fashion is about creativity, and breaking away from the idea that only big-name brands define style can be a great way to develop a more personal, unique wardrobe.

Although fashion has always been about brands, as far back as we can remember, it has always been the famous ones featured on runways or promoted. What allows us to be more open-minded today is that we live in a time where the world doesn’t revolve around status as much anymore.

At the end of the day, what matters most is wearing what makes you feel good. Whether it’s a high-end designer piece or a pair of unbranded shoes that happen to be exactly what you’re looking for. Fashion should be about personal choice, not just brand recognition. So don’t be afraid to step outside the norm, because style isn’t about the label, it’s about how you make it your own.