Walk a mile in my shoes, and your feet might hurt, unless you also wear a women’s size 9. Shoes are my favorite accessory, just ahead of handbags and statement earrings. My personal style has changed quite a bit since my days of wearing boys’ cargo shorts, sports tanks and Crocs.

Walk a mile in my shoes, and you will realize that developing a personal style, just as any creative outlet, takes time – more time than it takes to walk a mile. Style is refined through trial-and-error, but it is never consistently defined. Style changes, but it always remains yours. I do not believe in following trends unless they are consistent with my style, but I do follow personal style guidelines. I know what fits my body best, I know what I absolutely cannot wear, and I know what will be comfortable. I know what colors and patterns will pair well together, I know what shoes I have to wear with certain pants and I know what pants I have to wear with certain jackets.

Walk a mile in my shoes, and you will get tired of how analytical I am about one piece of clothing. I rarely go shopping with a specific piece of clothing in mind, and I do not look for certain brands. Wearing a certain brand does not make someone “stylish.” I am drawn to pieces of clothing with unique details like stitching, button-work or embellishments, and I keep an eye out for pieces that are unusual. Once something catches my eye (and the price is right), I analyze it based on several factors: material, color, pattern, texture, structure and fit.

Walk a mile in my shoes, and then take them off for just a moment because you start to worry what people are thinking about you. I have moments when I wish I dressed more “normal.” I sometimes worry that people think I am materialistic, trying too hard or seeking attention. In reality, styling clothes is my favorite creative outlet. I dress to express, not to impress. Put the shoes back on. Strut your stuff.

Walk a mile in your own shoes, and be confident about it. If you feel confident dressing sporty, throw on some sneakers and run that mile. I dress the way I do because it gives me confidence. I do not dress the way I do in hopes of people following my style, but I wish for more people to find confidence in being different.

Walk a mile in anyone’s shoes before you judge them based on the clothes they wear, no matter how simple or eccentric. Clothes are necessary for public decency, but not for eternal salvation. Less concern with clothes, more concern with virtue! Colossians 3:12-14 says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”