Finding My Style
At 26, I thought I’d have my style figured out. You know, chic capsule wardrobe, timeless blazers, maybe a go-to “signature look” like those women in coffee commercials who always seem perfectly put together. Instead, I’m caught somewhere between “cute college girl at brunch” and “trying to look like I have a 401(k).”
Living in a small town like Texarkana makes the style struggle even more real. We don’t exactly have Zara on every corner or a stylist waiting in Neiman Marcus to guide us through the racks. Most of us young women are figuring it out piece by piece, literally. However, we are fortunate to have amazing local boutiques, such as Apricot Lane, Gables, Labels, and Lindsay Kate, as well as many others, where you can find pieces that feel stylish and personal.
Some days I want to wear trendy sneakers with flowy skirts. Other days, I feel like I should invest in a good pair of slacks and finally learn what “business casual” really means (spoiler: I’m still not sure). And then there are the moments when I raid Target, as if it were New York Fashion Week, hoping a $28 sweater will give me my whole personality. The truth is, finding your style in your 20s and, honestly, at any age, is less about looking perfect and more about experimenting. In a small town, your closet might not scream “runway-ready,” but it does tell your story. For me, that story is equal parts “I’m growing up” and “I still want to have fun with fashion.” And let’s be real…this isn’t just a 20-something thing. I’ve talked to women in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s who say they’re still figuring it out. Our styles evolve as our lives do. What felt perfect at 25 might not fit who you are at 45, and that’s not a bad thing.
Here is where it gets even trickier in Texarkana: there’s so much to do that requires a whole new outfit… and somehow nothing at all at the same time. One weekend you might be going to a black-tie gala, the next it’s a country-themed banquet, then a backyard barbecue, and before you can blink, somebody’s wedding. Finding that sweet spot of how a 26-year-old is expected to dress at each of those events? Nearly impossible. And let’s not even get started if you happen to have a chest. Suddenly, the top that looked chic and effortless on the mannequin looks like a whole different situation on you. Certain necklines just do more when you’re not flat-chested, and in a small town, that can earn you a side-eye from the “hometown grandma to everyone.” It’s not that you’re trying to be scandalous, it’s just physics.
I have such a respect for my friends and mentors who seem to have it all figured out, who pop up at every event looking like their style just effortlessly matches the moment. I’m sure there’s something so freeing about having that confidence and consistency, and truly, it feels like a gift. However…that is not me. Lately, I’ve been feeling so stuck in my style that I’ve considered tossing my entire closet and starting fresh. If I were rich, I would hire a stylist tomorrow…but for now, Pinterest will have to do. So maybe the real goal isn’t nailing one “forever” style but learning to enjoy the process. Whether it’s thrifting in Texarkana, scrolling Pinterest at 2 a.m., or daring to wear that bold jacket to Walmart just because, it’s about having fun while figuring yourself out. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: fashion doesn’t come with a deadline. And thank goodness, because at 26, I’m still mixing crop tops with cardigans and hoping no one notices.
