Have you ever bought new clothes, only to figure out afterward that it was the wrong outfit combinations for you? Or have you already been following a unique style in your closet for over a decade but don’t know where it came from? 

The key to looking great isn’t always following the latest trends from fashion magazines. It’s about maintaining your personal style and understanding why it matters to you. But, how do you really know what styles suit you best?

It’s not impossible to know, and we’re here to help! Here are some of the tips that will help you figure out your personal style and feel more confident about it.

What is a personal style?

Style. It’s such an infinitesimal word and yet, it holds so much weight. The way you style yourself is always going to be an indication of who you are as an individual.

Whether you’re putting together formal and casual outfits or wearing clothes with a unique color palette, you are creating an overall impression of yourself to the world. Basically, you tie all the clothing you wear in your current wardrobe, and that is your personal style.

Your personal style is more than just getting dressed up every day. It’s showing yourself off in a new light and feeling good in what you wear, even if that means going with a less fashionable look.

Why do you need to find your own personal style?

You’re probably asking yourself, “why do I need to find my personal style?” You may be thinking that after you have found your sense of style, there will be no room left for change. 

On the contrary, understanding your personal style helps you find what you need and want from life, and ultimately leads to contentment with whatever you have to wear.

By finding your personal style, you are avoiding impulse purchases to add to your wardrobe as you fix yourself in certain styles and clothing that works best for you. 

In addition, slow fashion is one of the fashion trends nowadays, and finding your personal style contributes to a more sustainable fashion industry. Style doesn’t have to be a lot of expensive clothes and accessories, but more about how you want to express and present yourself to the world.

How to find your personal style?

Style is timeless and everyone has a sense of style and fashion. Although it can be developed with experience, it is something you create for yourself. The best way to improve your personal style is to keep yourself updated on the fashion industry. Apart from that, you can always do the following to find your personal style and have your own style aspirations.

Evaluate your own wardrobe

It’s important to think about how you feel when you look in the mirror at the clothes you usually wear. After a deeper look, find out what’s your favorite pair of clothing. Do you prefer a dress or a pair of jeans? Are you a fan of neutral colors or muted ones?

If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I need more clothes,” or “I can’t find outfits in my own closet that make me feel comfortable,” it might be time to make a change.

Build a capsule wardrobe

One of the tips in styling a personal closet is to build a capsule wardrobe. This will help in organizing the clothes to wear according to your style. A capsule wardrobe can help you quickly find outfits that fit your mood and lifestyle at any time. By creating a capsule wardrobe, you can choose a signature piece that best describes you.

Shop the basics

Regardless of body types, basics are essential in the closet. A pair of jeans and tees are versatile pieces that complement every classic outfit you wear. From accessories to shoes, wearing these outfits always feel lighter than other pieces of clothing.

When shopping for a redefined wardrobe, make sure to check a good set of dresses, jeans, accessories, or shoes with a neutral color palette.

Use Pinterest for outfit ideas and mood board (or find a style inspiration!)

Pinterest has been around to show a picture of an outfit, but it is more than showing off different styles and clothes. This time around, Pinterest seems to be more focused on helping you find inspiration to identify a great addition to your closet.

You can use Pinterest as your mood board to collate the fashion styles that suit you best. Create a board and pin the outfits you like. You will eventually begin to see patterns in the pictures you are choosing. You can keep those pictures on your phone so that you can look at them when you’re shopping. Worry not, because Pinterest can be your own version of “personal stylist” that will serve as your fashion inspiration for your next shopping galore.

Reconsider trends

A new fashion trend starts with influential people. You can also find a new style you prefer from fashion bloggers or style icons to get a rough idea. You can also follow a fashion editor on social media. If the author posted a style idea that you prefer or fashion tips that you can follow, jot it down for your style inspiration. Here are some of the fashion trends to check as your reference:

1. Fun Floral Dress 

Floral prints are definitely in style, not just in the summer months.  Floral design trends are constantly evolving, that’s why there are many types of dresses available in the market.

2. Little Black Dress

A wardrobe full of black dresses may be classic and plain, but it does not really look dull and outworn. You could always rely on a dress as it can be worn in a casual or formal setup. A bonus trick would be wearing a black classy dress on a romantic date.

3. Denim Jacket 

A timeless classic, the denim jacket is making rounds again as a fashionable piece that complements almost all outfits.

4. Leather Tote Bag

Tote bags are rewriting history as one of the most fashionable bags on the market. A leather tote bag is a highly versatile bag that can be used for several purposes. With its sustainability and chic design, it definitely catches the attention of people regardless of age.

5. Slow Fashion

Slow fashion is about quality instead of quantity. This means that clothes can last for years or even a lifetime. You can get inspired by the idea of slow fashion as it advocates a more sustainable and respectable fashion industry. (You can also tell your friends about this, too!)

Experiment with different style choices

A key in finding your personal style is to check if you prefer to wear a certain outfit or not. Finding your personal style is an adventure, and it can also change over time. As we age, we develop different lifestyle changes, and so does our taste in fashion. It is good to explore your personality, including the clothes you wear. You can always mix and match your outfit to come up with something new. 

Final Note

No matter what you’re doing, staying true to your personal style is important. It doesn’t matter if you’re a business professional or just going out with friends, looking good has an impact on how people perceive your self-worth. You stand out best by just wearing your personal style.

Do not always follow the trends and try to fit in with everyone else. You create your unique style using your own signature pieces from your wardrobe that complements your body shape. You just need to know what makes you feel good when you look in the mirror.

Style can be a way of expressing your personality and uniqueness. Always remember that you wear your personal style and that’s how you present your identity to the world and to the people around you. Therefore, your style personality matters, and that’s who you are.

Got any fashion tips and tricks of your own?  Share it with us through the comment section!

Cat + Kai Handmade Jewelry

Juan & Maia

Founded by Gaby Asuncion and Jamo Baron, Juan & Maia aims to create a gender-neutral jewelry collection with a timeless twist. You’ll notice their pieces feature pearls of different sizes and designs; these freshwater pearls are sourced directly from Mindanao, instantly making any outfit classier. Our favorite is the elegant Mini Perlita necklace, one of the accessories that you just have to wear everyday because it goes with any ‘fit. You can find the brand on their Facebook and Instagram stores.

Penny Pairs

Speaking of classy, Penny Pairs is another brand that brings the art of fine jewelry to anyone and everyone. Want a minimal yet elegant twist to your OOTD? This is one of the brands that has got you covered. No matter who you are, you can sport their high-end earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets, all handcrafted and expertly designed. Their jewelry does favor pieces made from 18-karat gold and sterling silver, no big deal. Grab one of their photo-perfect designer pieces for your loved ones who want to feel like royalty everyday. 

Suki Jewelry

Suki Jewelry is another brand of fine jewelry targeting millennial audiences. Husband and wife Aaron and Charlene Cabigas founded the line in hopes of introducing style and simplicity to everyday accessories. Their super photo-friendly pieces feature fresh takes on classic designs, as seen in their Wiggle Hoops hoop earrings and geometric style. If you aren’t convinced, a seal of approval from their celebrity endorsers like Sarah Lahbati and Kathryn Bernardo might help!

Tali Ti Amianan

If you’ve been looking for a jewelry brand that offers products with a more handwoven and crafty feel, look no further than Tali Ti Amianan, a sustainable jewelry brand that creates handmade colorful pieces. What started as a hobby turned into a social media craze when after posting photos, comments immediately encouraged them to create more jewelry. A brand that is proudly La Union, Tali Ti Amianan has helped provide livelihoods to residents of San Juan, a feat that founders and married couple Miku and Mandy couldn’t be more proud of. Grab a piece of their products on Facebook and Instagram!

Bubba Doodles

Remember all the drawings on walls and scratch paper we did as kids? Imagine if our parents turned those into necklaces or bracelets; something that would last longer than our childhood years. That’s exactly the idea that hit mom-slash-entrepreneur Karen Ayala. Turning her kids’ artwork into statement pendants was something she had wanted to do in order to immortalize and preserve youthful memories, she shares, and the products became an instant hit. Each IG photo-perfect piece is fun, creative, and dainty; a great use of nostalgic artworks. You can use them to add a childlike flair to your looks!

Pulseras By Kim

If you want to feel empowered, there’s no better way than copping one of the unique accessories from Pulseras By Kim. Their necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more are golden minimalist pieces that provide an edgy twist to classic jewelry design. We absolutely adore their custom gold-filled bar bracelets; customization only takes 1-2 days, and you can select your preferred designs, message, and more. If you’re a fan of these things or have a friend who’s the type to love customized products, there’s no better place to look. You can use them to dress up any casual outfit. Get the best products on their Instagram or physical stores.

Nawa Jewelry Brand

If you’re a fan of more tribal-inspired jewelry pieces, you’ll love T’boli-produced jewelry from Nawa. Created by brass casters from Lake Sebu, the brand’s collection brings a unique twist to everyday wear. While they focus more on bangles and bracelets than necklaces and earrings, one is sure to adore their vision of a brand that focuses on preserving a community’s culture. 

Co-founder Jopie Sanchez shares that she fell in love with the craft after meeting a group of T’boli people in Lake Sebu, and since then, she has wanted to help them get the best experience in terms of a sustainable livelihood. Buy their jewelry from Facebook or Instagram.

Do you know any local jewelry brands? Share them with us below! If you want to keep reading about everything fashion, check out our blog for the latest tips!

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to keep reading all about different accessories and how to wear them? Perhaps you have a few questions on how to mix and match your favorite local pieces? Continue reading for more tips and tricks!

How can I wear different jewelry products?

First up, the key to investing in good jewelry is looking for simple pieces that go with almost anything: think of a necklace with a simple oval-shaped pendant or a pearl earring. These accessories go with almost any outfit without being too eye-catching.

The next thing you’ll want to consider is the neckline of your top. Beauty vlogger Audrey Coyne shares that a complementing neckline should be the first thing to pair with a necklace. A v-neck blouse will almost always complement a long, elegant necklace and create the illusion of a taller torso. 

You’ll also want to think of contrasting textures. Audrey shares that a smooth brass bangle goes well if you’re wearing busy patterns on a shirt and vice versa. This goes with other accessories, too! Next time you’re heading out, check to see if the material on your hat or sunnies complement or contrast each other. Speaking of contrast, don’t be afraid to dress up a t-shirt and jeans look with dangling earrings or fancier pieces.

Who is the most famous fashion influencer?

Who is the most popular blogger in the Philippines?

Of course, the Philippines is not behind the caliber of these international fashion influencers too. In fact, we have many bloggers, make up stylists, fashion gurus, lifestyle vloggers, and many others that are already making their mark in the fashion world.

In the Philippines, lifestyle and beauty blogger Kryz Uy is one of the top-ranking bloggers in the industry. Her blog and social media accounts are well-loved for documentation of her beauty tips and discoveries, her little day to day sartorial adventures, and her lifestyle now as a wife to Filipino TV personality Slater Young and new mom to their little boy Scottie.

Kryz Uy is well known as one of the top-ranked bloggers in the Philippines. Her lifestyle and travel blog is full of her daily sartorial adventures, beauty discoveries, and inspirations.  

Here are 10 Fashion Influencers You Need to Follow on Social Media

Ready to spruce up your IG timeline? Check out these must-follow influencers for your daily fashion needs!

Solenn Heussaff

Manila based actress, model, artist, author, make-up artist, and all-around-cool-girl Solenn is a Jill of all trades and master of all of them too. What most people don’t know about Solenn is that she studied fashion design in Paris for college before moving back to the Philippines and entering the life of show business in Manila. You could say she is an authority herself in the fashion scene.

She has previously worked in the Philippines with local fashion brands including Manila based fashion designer Lulu Tan-Gan, before paving her own way in the show business world. For the multi-hyphenate that she is, Solenn knows how to keep her blogging site interesting and exciting for her followers. From her personalized embroidered bomber jacket collection to her latest clothing brand for breastfeeding mommas, now that she is adding “hot mama” to her long list of #coolgirl things! 

You can definitely see so much authenticity in Solenn’s personal style, nothing less from the fashion designer that she is. She also combines her foreign influences with her roots in the Philippines. Without a doubt, what sets Solenn apart from other fashion bloggers is the way she stays authentic to herself and to her style through her fashion. 

She puts the same authenticity on her fashion as she does with her lifestyle by juggling her showbiz career, lifestyle blogging, artistic projects, and many others. An all-around cool girl, for sure!

Tricia Gosingtian

In her blog, Tricia Will Go Places, Tricia Gosingtian will take you on a picturesque journey of her lifestyle, her travels, her love for photography, and her fashion taste. Her blog is a compilation of the inspiration she draws from the places she visits, her food ventures, and many others that will make you keep on coming back for the next one she will be blogging! Definitely a content creator with taste and class.

David Guison

Manila based David Guison is the fashion god behind menswear blog DG MANILA. Guison’s blog details his ventures on many topics ranging from food, menswear fashion, fitness, travel across the Philippines and everywhere else, lifestyle content, and others. Whether it’s knowing how to grow a beautiful beard or a simple yet underrated thing such as shoe care, he’s the guy.

Ida Anduyan

Her IG bio says it all: art over hype.

Lifestyle influencer and graphic designer Ida Anduyan paints pinterest-worthy inspos with her Instagram posts. Her aesthetic has a lounge-y Manila millennial vibe that is all about comfort but highlighting the fashionista and graphic designer in her at once. She has a pattern of playing with monotones of shades black, white, and other muted hues. 

Scrolling over her IG page has a cozy vibe that reminds you of a rainy afternoon or an overcast morning that will make you wanna snuggle into your comfiest set of lounge wear. Her inspiration for fashion and graphic design are manifested in her imagery.

Kim Jones

Fashion stylist, model, and creative director, Miss Jones is taking the fashion scene by the horns. She is a top fashion asset and multiple-threat digital creative both here in the Philippines and abroad. Wife to Filipino actor Jericho Rosales, Kim is a celebrity in her own right too. Blogger, stylist, photographer, and fashion influencer, Kimberly Camilla Jones-Rosales is a blazing one among fashion leaders in her industry.

Her modeling career spans many top fashion international brands such as Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Tommy Hilfiger, IWC Schaffhausen and Shoes Of Prey. Back in 2016, Kim made her mark as a fashion designer by launching a five piece capsule shoe collection with US-based label Shoes of Prey. In her work and fashion site, KIM JONES, she curates her dedication towards film, design, and photography.

Sarah Lahbati

First gaining popularity on GMA Network’s talent show Starstruck in Manila, the Filipina-Moroccan actress has come a long way. With over 7 million followers on her Instagram, it’s easy to see why Sarah could garner a following on social media as big as that. As a fashion blogger, every look she wears is such a serve. Sarah has this timeless look that brings any fashion beauty look to a whole new level.

Sarah is one among fashion influencers not afraid to experiment with their fashion style. More recently, the actress has been having fun serving her Instagram followers with looks drawing inspiration from classic 50s and 60s, such as an Audrey Hepburn-inspired getup. 

Laureen Uy

½ of the Manila-based jet-setter Uy sisters, Laureen takes her followers across and over the world. Scrolling through her blog and reading on all her travel adventures will make you wanna start planning your next trip right after the pandemic ends, whenever that might be! 

As both a fashion blogger and a travel enthusiast, Laureen sure knows how to match fashion and travel really well to make it a treat for her followers. Laureen’s blog Break My Style showcases the fashion influencer’s unique and refreshing take on strutting the world in a fashionable sense.

Catriona Gray

The Filipino-Australian Miss Universe 2018 knows how to catwalk her way not only on the pageantry stage but also to our hearts. Cat captures the interest of her audience by the way she uses her platform on Instagram and other social media, be it as a queen or a social media influencer, to forward her advocacies and promote her love for her country.

Cat, as a fashion blogger, proudly wears the beauty of the Philippines with her. She is passionate about endorsing the beauty of the country and the Filipino culture by every fashion piece she dons. In her #RaiseYourFlag passion project, Cat brings her followers along her journey in reacquainting herself with the diversity of the Philippines and her culture. 

One way she does is through researching about many different kinds of textiles each Filipino tribes produce, some of which is incorporated in her many fashion pieces as she promotes to #supportlocalph on her Instagram account. Everywhere she goes in the world, a piece of her beloved Philippines is always with her. A full-time queen indeed.

Want to nab her style? Check out our guide to dressing like a celebrity fashion icon.

Vern & Verniece Enciso

No, they’re not twins but they’re double the fashion and beauty goals anyway. Vern & Verniece are travel, lifestyle, and fashion bloggers that make their followers swoon over the dreamy, picture-perfect content they produce.

The sisters love matching outfits in their jet-setting travel photos with their chic, dainty, and smart aesthetic. Their blog, Vern & Verniece, details over 30+ countries they visited, which was in their bucket list to do before they were 25 and 24. What’s the most ultimate #sistergoals than working and living your dream with your sister, right?

Lissa Kahayon

In her blog, Lissa tags along her followers into her fashion, fitness, and travel journey. Lissa is a blogger from Manila and is the brains behind Scene Stealer, a blog site that will leave its readers with a massive inspiration for all things fitness, fashion, and wanderlust!

Other note-worthy influencers to check out:

• Seph Cham – Seph Cham or Joseph Cham is a fashion, health, lifestyle, and tech blogger from Manila
• Bea Marin – Bea Marin has made a name for herself in the Philippines by sharing her love for fashion and style. She has previously worked with brands like Keds and Tresemmé.
• The Gibbs Sisters – Daughters of Manila actor/musician/comedian Janno Gibbs, sisters Alyssa and Gabby are social media influencers turned musicians. A totally familiar region to them though, given that both their parents are known singers in the Philippines. No doubt, it runs in the blood!
• Camille Co – After graduating with flying colors from Ateneo de Manila with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Management, Camille dove head on into the world of fashion, which eventually did with flying colors too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the famous fashion designers in the Philippines?

1. MICHAEL CINCO

Well known for his stunning couture gowns, Michael Cinco’s designs are all about class and sophistication. His work is on high demand both in the Philippines and abroad.

2. RAJO LAUREL

Rajo Laurel is a Filipino stylist famed for his work Rags2Riches, a line of designer bags made from upcycled and indigenous materials sourced from fashion designers from the Philippines.

Rags2Riches is a line of designer bags made with upcycled cloth and indigenous materials, by Philippine fashion designers.

3. KERMIT TESORO

Avant Garde shoe designer Kermit Tesoro rose to fame for his brave and out-of-this-world designs. His brand of design has a wide range of style that emphasizes on telling stories when installation art meets body art. Among his clients is no less than queen of all things crazy, Lady G.

How much do influencers charge in the Philippines?

Influencers in the Philippines have varying rates depending on the scope of work a deal requires of them. Usually, budding influencers and bloggers in Manila usually charge a standard rate of P1,000 (20$) up to P5,000 (100$) for content such as static videos or video posts cross-posted with other media.

Other factors such as the engagement rate over following, the influencer’s social media followers, and the working budget or requirements that the agency or the brand want from the influencer. With this, if you’re a blogger, make up artist, fashion celebrity, or a social media personality in the Philippines then you can easily nab a hundred or couple hundred dollars working for a single deal with a brand.

How do celebrities influence fashion?

International Fashion Icons

The best international celebrities have made a name for themselves with their unique style and trendsetting choices. Plus, some of the best and biggest fashion brands come from all over the globe. But that doesn’t mean Filipina gals like us can’t take a few fashion and style cues from them. Find out how to dress like your celebrity fashion icons from all over the world!

Meghan Markle

One of the most famous personalities in recent years, Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle has been making waves recently, and her top-notch fashion sense is just one of the many things that make her an icon. Looking at her wardrobe, anyone can see that she carries an aura of true royalty, even when she stepped away from the Royal Family. Plus, she isn’t just a celebrity, but a philanthropist, too. 

The Meghan Markle style can be described as high-end and chic. Her looks favor plain-colored pieces that say feminine and strong at the same time. With a memorable sense of style, she’s someone who can be classified as a fashion icon.

To recreate a classic Meghan Markle look the next time you’re out and about, pair some dark-wash skinny jeans with your best black turtleneck. Add a blazer over your shoulders, some cigarette heels, and voila!

If you want to take it a step further, add a trench coat (ukay-ukay has some super cheap yet stylish finds). You’ll feel like royalty in no time, and Duchess Meghan Markle herself would be proud.

Jennie from BLACKPINK

Korea’s influence over us Filipinas ranges from skin care to music to fashion. We can’t help it, we all just love their cute-yet-sassy sense of style! Plus, it’s a lot easier to find affordable dupes for Asian style icons vs. Western ones. And Jennie from Kpop girl group sensation BLACKPINK is just one of the many fashion icons of SoKo who inspire us.

With her superstar off-duty look, Jennie’s casual street style favors muted pastel, branded handbags, and crop tops that show off a gorgeous waistline. She is also a brand ambassador for Chanel, so it makes sense that her outfits tend to revolve around Chanel bags or a Chanel blouse. But don’t you worry if you don’t have luxury items in your closet, because it’s still super easy to recreate some of her iconic looks without them.

Some combinations Ms. Kim tends to wear are:

• Simple jeans, a fitted t-shirt, and a black handbag with metallic accents
• Cropped top and baggy jeans
• Cropped cardigan and plaid skirt

Look for feminine crop tops with a lace detail or a comfy cropped cardigan. If you don’t have a crop top, take an old t-shirt and cut it yourself! The top will look perfect with a plaid skirt or baggy jeans, and you would have saved a little, too. Pair these with sneakers or heels and add a peachy lip tint, and you’re basically an off-duty K-pop megastar.

RIHANNA

Rihanna might be best known for her music and hit cosmetics label, but she also knows the best way to turn heads. From the streets of LA to the red carpet, her looks are never second best. That’s why she is one of our top fashionistas from this decade. 

Favoring edgy pieces and large statement clothing choices, one element ties Riri’s sense of style together: confidence! She’s not afraid to go for out-of-the-box pieces, because the self-proclaimed bad gal knows that feeling good in your own skin is the most important part of fashion. She also has a recently launched, all-inclusive lingerie line, Savage x Fenty which prides itself on making sexy pieces for all body types and genders.

Riri tends to go for street-style inspired pieces that still look put-together. A great way to do this is to go for a monochrome casual fit. Pair that extra-large beige hoodie with some beige shorts, a matching cap, and matching beige sneakers. Add hoop earrings and you’re going to be feeling like the only girl in the world.

Of course, part of her shine is her radiant skin. If you, too, want to have naturally glowing skin, go ahead and check out our guide.

Filipina Fashion Icons

As Filipinas, expressing ourselves through fashion is practically second nature. From feminine to edgy, flamboyant to understated, our sense of style and fashion is always a form of art! However, Western clothing brands tend to tailor to a physique that’s not the same as ours.

That’s why it’s important to gain inspo from the country’s very own group of influencers. Let’s find out about some of the best, most stylish icons in the Philippines and what wardrobe essentials you need to recreate their style. Read some tips on how to dress like your celebrity fashion icons from the Philippines here.

Nadine Lustre

Nothing screams millennial queen like Nadine Lustre. She’s young, fab, carefree, and completely in tune with the newest, most stylish trends in the fashion world. And we love her for it! 

When she’s not on the TV screen, fresh from the stage, or with the who’s who of showbiz, Nadine can be found flaunting her unique clothing pieces. The 27-year-old talent can usually be found wearing sultry pieces that highlight her physique.

To emulate her style, try experimenting with athleisure. Grab a sports bra and jogger pants, then pair them with a colorful windbreaker. Next, style your hair into space buns and pop on some winged liner. Perfect for that next IG shoot!

For a more dressed up attire, switch the sports bra for a sparkly bralette or cropped spaghetti-strap top. Contrast the tight-fitting silhouette with some low-waist baggy pants, chunky sneakers, and you’ve got her signature Y2K-inspired look down pat. Her makeup is part of her look, and if you wanna sport the same perfect winged eye, read our guide here.

HEART EVANGELISTA

Crazy rich Asian Heart Evangelista is not only a stylish celebrity, but a philanthropist and known animal lover, too. She has gone to international fashion weeks, served as the creative director of Kamiseta, and even has her own clothing line now. While her looks may seem intimidating because of all that Louis V, fear not! Her chic and classy wardrobe can best be recreated with just a few closet essentials that are more accessible than you think.

To emulate her clean, classy, and vibrant looks, you’ll need a plain white button-down shirt mixed with a pair of dress shorts in a muted color. Bring out the artist in you with a jacket that shows off a bright floral pattern or geometric shapes.

Catriona Gray

Our favorite Miss Universe and human rights advocate Catriona Gray definitely knows the way to our hearts, fashion-wise. One of the country’s most well-loved beauty queens and stylish activists, she’s a fashion icon through and through. After her famous lava walk on the big stage, she’s quickly proven that she also knows a thing or two about style! Feminine and powerful, every Filipina can carry a bit of Catriona in them.

She tends to sport bright colors such as red and pink. To recreate her fashion style, all you need to do is pair a dark leather knee-length skirt with a pink blouse. For a more casual fit, grab your best pair of skinny jeans, a t-shirt, and some kitten heels for the model-off-duty look. Contrast the dressed-down look with some elegant dangling earrings and a high ponytail.

I’m a firm believer that we all have it in us to be as stylish as these fashion influencers. All it takes is figuring out the best styles, silhouettes, and cuts that complement our individual bodies and then wearing them with confidence! If there’s one thing we could learn from all these icons, it’s that loving ourselves is one of the most important accessories to wear.

Fashion trends come and go, but as long as we know which pieces accentuate our best features and highlight our personality, we’ll have our signature style to stick with through time. Actually, finding our own fashion and style is a lifelong process, because we’re always going to evolve and change! In the meantime, the best thing to do is enjoy and have fun with what we wear. 

At long last, summer is finally over! I think we all have a love-hate relationship with the season. We love the sun but HATE the extreme heat.

Though we only experience two seasons in the Philippines, we’re still lucky enough to get a little bit of cold during what we call the ‘ber’ months, which usually starts in September.

Now’s the time to bring out those sweaters and boots you’ve been stocking in your cabinets all summer long, because outfits should change with the weather! Here are some wardrobe must-haves to stay stylish during the ‘ber’ months.

Coats

Yes, even in a tropical country like ours, we can actually rock a coat! The ‘ber’ months are all about layers. So spice up your wardrobe with a thin coat or jacket!

Pro tip: go easy on the fur. It will still be a little hot outside during the ‘ber’ months, after all.

Long Sleeves

Tank tops and spaghetti straps are out. Longsleeves and sweaters are in! Weather can be very unpredictable in the Philippines. Just remember that time you thought it was hot outside only to get soaked in the rain later in the day.

But you can never go wrong with long sleeves clothing, perfect for rain, cozy enough for cold, and bearable even during hot days.

Pro tip: Get creative with how you sport your long sleeves! You can wear them with jeans or a playful skirt.

Stylish Umbrella

The ‘ber’ months hold an arsenal of rainy days, so make sure you’re always prepared! Umbrellas come in handy during this season, but the last thing we want is to lug an umbrella around.

Pro tip: Get a collapsible or foldable umbrella that can fit in your purse to minimize the hassle.

Cardigan

Cue: Taylor Swift’s folklore album! Now you can get the ultimate folklore feals with a knitted cardigan during sweater weather.

A cardigan or cover-up is perfect if you still want to wear your tank tops and crop tops during the ‘ber’ months. That way, you’re prepared whether it’s hot or cold outside!

Pro tip: tie your cardigan or cover-up around your waist when you don’t need it. This will make for a sexy, laid-back, and girly look!

The ‘ber’ months give us the perfect opportunity to dress with class and sophistication. So if I were you, I’d take advantage of it!

How much time do you spend commuting to and from your office?

With the craziness of Manila traffic, you probably average at an hour or two, maybe more if you live in the outskirts of the Metro. Sure, there’s the option of taking a car, may that be your own, a friend’s or a Grab car, but it’s definitely not the most cost-effective solution. Not everyone can afford to spend 250 pesos each way every day. So we take public transportation, even if it means more walking, lining up, and riding various modes of transport. You do what you have to do.

There are little things you can do to make your daily commute bearable, such as carrying a fan, having a water bottle, listening to your music, etc. But perhaps the one most important thing you can do that will dial down the crankiness on the way to the office is the right kind of shoes.

We all have different preferences of footwear. Some are actually pretty comfortable (or at least have gotten used to) wearing heels to and from work, while others can’t walk in anything taller than two inches. Whether you’re a heel girl all the way or they type to wear flat shoes for every occasion, we’ve got some tips to share to keep your feet happy on your daily commute.

Change into Your Work Shoes at the Office

What’s the simplest way of keeping your trotters comfy when walking to the MRT? Obviously, it’s by carrying your work shoes in your bag so you can switch into them once you’re at your desk. The only thing about this is that you might have to carry an extra canvas bag, or bring a bag big enough to stuff your heels into. Of course, there are foldable flats that take up very little room in a tote, but some might not enjoy the thought of carrying shoes in the same bag as their everyday items like makeup and such.

Explore Your Options of Flat Shoes

When it comes to flat footwear that’s both office and commute friendly, people immediately think of ballet flats. The reality is that there are a bunch of other shoes out there that can cater to both, such as penny loafers, Mary Jane shoes, and various heights of boots. There are even some sandals and slides that you could get away with, if your office is more laid back in their work attire.

Invest in Work-Friendly Sneakers

Does your office do Casual Friday’s? Is the workplace dress code more on the smart casual side? Either way, you should really look into buying elevated sneakers, namely leather ones in black, white, or any neutral color that will match the rest of your workwear. Plus, it saves you from changing footwear before and after office hours, leaving your feet cushioned all day.

Kicks like the Leather Sneakers from Universal are classic and can be paired with dresses, separates, and even pantsuits.

If you want to explore beyond the minimalist black or white leather sneakers, feel free to go for metallic designs, such as the Casual Sneakers from Qing Shui. The key is to find shoes that are too fancy for the gym and understated but sleek enough to match your office capsule wardrobe.

Something that you should keep in mind when wearing these sneakers to the office is to not wear them other casual items, especially if your office is more on the dressier side. Thus, in order to dress up sneakers, don’t wear them with jeans or a plain tee.

Consider Low Wedges and Chunky Heels

While ballet flats feel amazing after a long day in four-inch heels, they’re not exactly healthy for your feet and pretty bad for your posture. Besides, nobody wants flat feet. If you prefer not to carry an extra pair of shoes in your heavy tote and are also not a huge fan of wearing sneakers in the office, opt for two- or three-inch heels, specifically wedges and block heels. They keep your feet slightly arched without having to put all your weight on your toes, and they offer more stability than skinnier heels.

Have you planned your next beach getaway yet? If not, you better do it soon! If you ask me, the only way to survive the unbearable summer sun is by being on the sand with as little clothing as possible. Or at least, plan for those beach holidays so you’ve got something to look forward to.

A beach getaway is not complete without an array of swimsuits that can be mixed and matched with other separates, as well as your normal clothes to make full use of your swimwear. And if you’re looking to update your swimsuit collection, I suggest that you go for something that may by a little more revealing than what you’re used to. You up for showing off your booty?

Sexier than your average bikini, thong swimwear is perfect for tanning and eliminating awkward panty lines when worn underneath shorts, skirts, or whatever clothing you choose to wear it under. Of course, cheeky swimsuits might be slightly uncomfortable for you to wear if you’ve never worn a thong in your life. They also might not be appropriate in public beaches or areas where foreigners don’t frequent. If that is the case, stick with modest swimwear and save your thong bikinis for private resorts and pools.

If you’re completely new to the whole “exposing almost all of your butt” type of swimwear, a Leopard Print High Cut One-piece is a great place to start. A beginner’s thong swimsuit, if you will, it shows less than the traditional bikini cut but more than your regular thong. Because it is a one-piece, it offers a sense of comfort that even though you are revealing more of your butt than usual, you’re covered up everywhere else to balance everything out.

To take things up a notch, there’s the OEM Thong Swimsuit. In terms of your bottom half, it has the same amount of coverage as the one-piece from earlier, but as for the rest of the swimsuit, it does expose a bit more skin (although not by much). If you really want to draw more attention to your back and your butt, this criss-cross design will do the trick. It’s also perfect for any smaller chested ladies that want to take the focus off the front part of their body.

A step up from the near backless one-piece above is the Amart High Cut Thong Swimsuit. With the blue and white stripes, button clasps and breast pocket mimicking the childhood staple known as overalls, the thong cut is least interesting part of the design, although something you should be aware of is the low sides, thus there will be a side boob situation on top of your butt being on display. You can always wear a bandeau underneath, like you might with regular overalls. Just be careful of strange tan lines.

If you’re more comfortable in your own skin, or just not a fan of one-piece swimsuits, then try out something like the OEM Thong Bikini. It looks just like your average triangle bikini that can be knotted at the front. The only difference is the thong cut, but if anything, these swim separates appear more cute rather than sexy with the floral design. Plus, that lace-like finish makes the swimsuit look like an adorably feminine bra and panty set from your favorite lingerie brand.

This last one is definitely not for the faint-hearted. If you really want to avoid tan lines and are extremely comfortable with your body and revealing swimsuits in general, then the OEM Micro Thong Bikini is definitely for you. With less coverage than most triangle bikinis and g-string bottoms, this two-piece covers just enough so that your privates aren’t exposed. While I do encourage body positivity and the idea that every body is a beach body, this swimsuit might be best reserved for private resorts and hotel pools in the Philippines and other swimsuit-conservative nations, just so you don’t attract unwanted attention. If you do end up traveling to a country that’s bikini friendly, by all means, show off that beautiful figure of yours!

The humble flip flop has played an essential role in everyday living, though you have to admit, they’re not exactly what you would call tres chic. They’re great for after pedicures and quick trips to the store, not so much as the final touch for an outfit. For beach and poolside ensembles, yes, but not for weekends in the city.

If your excuse of wearing flip flops all the time is that it’s too hot to wear other kinds of shoes and they’re easy to put on, have I got news for you. There are so many types of sandals out there that are just as effortless to slip into that are way more fashionable than flip flops. And the best part about these sandals is that they won’t give you any blisters between your big and second toes!

And have you noticed that every time you choose to wear your flip flops, the rest of the ensemble seems to match the lackluster quality of your footwear?

So let your flip flops take the back seat for a change, and try on these comfy, contemporary sandals to keep your outfits on point this summer!

1. Bow Slides

Forget those blister inducing bow ballet flats; bow slides are where it’s at. With shoes like Bow Slides from KW, you can still look sophisticated while wearing what are essentially slippers. You can dress these slides up with wide leg pants, or wear them in a more casual manner with some jeans (skinny or loose, the choice is yours) and a feminine blouse. Whatever you do, don’t go for any ripped or distressed jeans, since they’ll clash with the aesthetic of the bow slides.

2. Cork Sandals

More elevated than flip flops and more down-to-earth and cooler than your average strappy sandals, these cork sandals are as easy going as they get without resorting to ill-favored tsinelas. Cork Sandals from OEM and from an assortment of other brands give your outfit that beachy vibe that’s still appropriate for the metropolitan setting.

3. Espadrille Sandals

The canvas on espadrille sandals feel so good against your feet. Plus, they are much more breathable than leather and materials normally used on sandals, and they’re certainly more comfortable than the rubber on flip flops. They come in all different styles, but Espadrille Sandals from Audestore are almost like your alternative to ballet flats. Because the fish mouth style opening and the heel strap, it’s best to wear shorter bottoms, or at least cropped, fitted pants so that you can show off those small details.

4. Flat Mules

In need of work shoes that keep your feet comfortable all day but still says you’re a professional? Shoes like Flat Mules from OTHER are designed to pair with your work separates, such as palazzo pants, pencil skirts, and black jeans. With flat mules, you’ll never get that achy feeling that you normally do with heels, and you can easily slip out of your shoes when you’re sitting at your desk, in case you want to stretch those feet or let them breathe a little.

5. Platform Sandals

Everyone has been completely infatuated with 90’s fashion trends over the the last couple of years, and with good reason! Remember the iconic platform shoes made famous by the Spice Girls? Not saying to go too crazy with 6-inch platforms, but Platform Sandals from Kleinshop would do just fine. Match these with any casual getup featuring jeans, regardless if you’re channeling the decade with a frayed denim skirt or mixing fashion eras with mom jeans. Whichever jeans outfit you decide on, these platform sandals will maintain the cool and casual nature of it, without making it too dressed down like lounge wear.

6. Slide Sandals

Last but not least, there are sandal slides. Similar to the bow slides, these are made for those that aren’t too fond of little feminine details, but rather enjoy sleek slipper sandals that look nothing like the ones you use at hotel pools, such as Sandal Slides from KW. The key is to avoid sandal slides with a thick, rectangular strap. You want to go for ones with interesting shapes in a muted tone, so that they can be treated as nude flats. You can also opt for silver or metallic pink if you feel like the nude sandal slides are a little too flat, in terms of color.

Ah, bike shorts, a warm weather favorite among celebrities and off-duty models. It’s been on the fashion circuit for a couple years now, but the trend really took off last summer when the likes of the Hadids wore oversized hoodies for the athleisure aesthetic and the Kardashians wore men’s shirts for a more sophisticated look. And now, it’s forecasted that cycling shorts are going to be the shorts of the summer, as fashion houses like Chanel, Roberto Cavalli and Fendi had their models strut down the runway in their unique interpretations of the stretchy shorts rage.

Any thoughts on the garment? What’s your take on bike shorts?

To be honest, at first the cycling shorts trend seemed a little strange, but as more celebrities embraced the stretchy shorts in their weekend wear, the more the item made sense for the spring/summer season. If you think about it, they’re pretty similar to how we treat yoga pants or leggings. When jeans are way too rigid, tight and hot for the 30-degree weather, we spring for stretchy leggings, so are bike shorts our substitute for jean shorts? Apparently so.

Thus, it’s time to say goodbye to thigh chaffing, muffin tops and jeans riding up your crotch. While denim cutoffs and other jean shorts will forever remain a staple for your summer wardrobe, feel free to switch things up with this comfy alternative.

Not sure how to wear them? Here’s what we suggest:

1.Wear them with a short dress

Got a couple of dresses hanging in your closet that are a little too short to be worn on their own? Instead of opting for spanks that still remain hidden when you pull on the frock, pair it with bike shorts. Evidently, the cycling shorts look won’t fair well with all styles of dresses. You mainly want to go for basic, simple styles, such as t-shirt dresses, shirt dresses, shift dresses, generally nothing too structured. You could also wear them with fitted dresses if they’re casual enough. Definitely avoid bandage dresses.

2. Wear them with a blazer

Might seem silly pairing the classic dinner jacket with essentially sports gear, but hey, if it’s possible to dress up yoga pants, then the same can be done with Bike Shorts from OEM. A fitted blazer creates a feminine silhouette, while a boyfriend or oversized blazer plays to the menswear vibe of the entire look. You have several options of what you can wear underneath. If you’re not a fan of revealing too much or want a daytime appropriate look, go with a cami. If you’re a fan of crop tops, wear the blazer unbuttoned. Now if you’d like a sexier evening look, wear the blazer buttoned with a bralette, or dare to wear nothing underneath.

3. Wear them with a hoodie or loose long-sleeve tee

Experience ultimate comfort with a pullover or a loose long-sleeve tee and bike shorts. The sporty vibe is all well and good, but if you want to look a little more chic, sling a waist bag (previously known as a fanny pack) over your neck and shoulder. You can also spring for a designer or sleek crossbody to elevate the outfit. While sneakers may be the obvious choice of footwear for an ensemble like this, feel free to change things up with chunky Mary Janes or two-strap sandals.

4. Wear them with an oversized shirt

Perhaps the most popular way of wearing coveted bike shorts are with men’s shirts, or an oversized shirt. It’s a long way from the morning-after look as you let the shorts peek out from the hem of the shirt, although you can choose to knot it at the waist if you want to showcase the shorts as well. Then, finish the ensemble with barely there heels. If you’re leaving the shirt down, you can wear a waist belt or waist bag to create more shape, but if you’re wearing Bike Shorts with Pockets from OEM, best to keep the shirt loose. To finish that outfit, go for white sneakers or cool slides.

Have your opinions changed on bike shorts? Ours certainly have. If you have any other style tips or would like to share your outfits with us, remember to leave us a comment below!

If you could name five wardrobe items that you cannot live without in the summer?

Obviously, no two wardrobes are the same, however there are some things that every girl and woman could benefit from this time of year, fashion wise.

Summer is the season we want to wear as little (or at least breathable) clothing as possible, but as you know, no outfit is complete without its accessories. After all, every single detail counts.

Whether you’re going for resort chic, island vibes or sporty casual, there are several accessories that are important for surviving the season.

Summer Essential #1: A fun crossbody bag

Summer may be a great time to be wearing bright colors, but how often can you get away with neon? Doesn’t exactly fit in with the office environment, does it? Vibrant hues are much easier to work with on a daily basis when it’s on a crossbody bag, like a PU Leather Crossbody from AMOG. Bags like these then serve as a pop of color on an outfit of muted shades, though it also works to streamline an ensemble with matching or similar tones. Wear it out to a club or to the office, a brightly colored crossbody is absolutely necessary this season.

Summer Essential #2: Comfy yet sophisticated slides

Flip flops are always the easy choice when you’re feeling blah about your outfit and just need something no-fuss to slip you feet into. No hate towards the humble flip flop, but it doesn’t do much to elevate an ensemble. For something equally as breathable, just as comfy and way more stylish, best to go for slides. And we’re not talking about the furry slipper kind or the designer ones that are often seen on celebrities when they’re at the airport that look like they were taken from a hotel pool or spa. The summer essential we had in mind are almost like elegant slippers, if you will. You want a pair of shoes that will match easily with a tank and jeans, a tee and culottes, and a shirt dress, like sleek Korean Sandals from KW. Who knew that sophisticated and comfy could work in the same sentence?

Summer Essential #3: A functional, carryall tote

Summer is all about traveling, beach trips and weekend excursions, and when you’re away from home, it’s important to have a bag that will fit everything that you need. There are loads of tote bags you can choose from, and you want to pick one that’s sturdy and spacious enough to hold more than just your wallet and phone, such as a water bottle, sunscreen, a sunglasses case, and other stuff you might need to bring with you. It might be worth getting a tote like a Travel Tote from Victoria’s Secret, which is big enough to fit a towel, flip flops and a swimsuit if you’re headed to a resort.

Summer Essential #4: Crisp white sneakers that go with everything

There’s nothing quite as versatile as white sneakers. Even nontraditional brides are opting to wear white kicks with their wedding dress, thus you can wear white sneakers with pretty much everything. Don’t believe me? Take a look at Springfield Walker White Sneakers from Wilton.
With the exception of black tie gowns, there’s nothing you can’t wear with this, from playsuits and midi dresses to a tee with denim cutoffs. They have this fresh and minimalistic look that make them a must-have for the summer.

Summer Essential #5: The right sunglasses for your face shape

Last but definitely not least, sunglasses complete this list of essentials. There are hundreds of styles out there, and unfortunately, they haven’t been made to suit every face shape, unless you’ve been blessed with an oval face as it works with everything. It’s up to you to do research on the best styles for you. For example, anyone with a heart or square shaped face would look best in round or cat-eye frames, like Cool Sunglasses from MFSunnies. Round faces, on the other hand, would look best with wide, rectangular shades. As for oval face shapes, oversized is the way to go.

Did your essentials match ours? Let us know in the comments below if you have any other summer accessories that you can’t live without!