Walking into class, your eyes gaze across the room as you notice that everyone is wearing their same usual outfit. They all appear to be conformed to dressing without taking any risks. You begin to wonder if we are truly afraid to express our own fashion senses.

Then you realize you are afraid yourself. Secretly, you question every outfit you pick out for school. You sit in your room vacillating between your clothing choices each morning. You even catch yourself contemplating whether or not you should sport a regular pair of denim jeans with that same long-sleeved shirt, or your new distressed leather jacket and brightly colored jeans, an outfit you have been dying to wear. Despite the fact that you think the edgy clothing you just purchased is so cool, you play it safe and wear what everyone else does.

Those commonplace outfits may fit other people’s tastes, but you just aren’t interested. You don’t believe in always dressing mainstream. But, this doesn’t mean that sometimes wearing something that other people like is out of the question. Truly, you just don’t want to get stuck in the habit of refusing to wear something that you love, because you are scared that other people will not accept it.

You’re the type of person who lives to buy an offbeat pair of shoes, or a charming lace blouse. But the problem is that you hardly ever find a time to wear what you will feel comfortable enough in, and you never wear new clothing because you can never decide the right place for it. You know that you are meant to march to the beat of your own drum, but you can’t help getting caught up in trying to fit in.

The truth is, many people are often afraid to wear what they want, just like you. This is because they may feel uncomfortable expressing themselves. But, it’s important that you don’t feel discouraged. Do not be scared to receive some form of “a look” in the hallway or an obnoxious comment in class. Stand up for who you are, and dress in what makes you happy. Most people even feel good wearing what they like, and in the end, all that matters is your own opinion, not anyone else’s.

So, why not embrace who you are from the start? One of the nicest attributes in a person is confidence. Now, whip out those shiny black boots with pointed toes, or that beaded-fringe satchel that you adore. It’s time to embrace your own taste; dress to impress yourself.