“I Don't Follow Trends”: The Most Popular Stylist on the Internet Discusses How to Rediscover the Joy of Dressing Up

      Caroline Vazzana, an author, stylist, fashion editor, and influencer, has had a lifelong passion for fashion. After Project Runway aired when she was just 14, she realized she wanted to pursue a similar path. Following her graduation in 2014 with a degree in fashion design and marketing, she kicked off her career at Teen Vogue and InStyle, aspiring to be a magazine editor. However, the buzz around social media being the next big trend prompted her to share her daily outfits on Instagram.

      If Caroline's name doesn't sound familiar, her social media presence certainly will. Since committing to social media full-time in 2016, her vibrant TikTok videos showcasing her colorful, maximalist style have gone viral repeatedly. Currently, she boasts 1.1 million followers on TikTok and 584k on Instagram.

      Caroline’s content acts as a vibrant reminder that fashion should be enjoyable. Her unique style stands out distinctly; amidst the trend of “quiet luxury” neutrals, she refreshes the feed with bold yellow fur coats and sequins layered with more sequins. I spoke with Caroline about personal style—from discovering it to refining it in a world where new microtrends emerge daily.

      Here are her tips for mastering your personal style and making the dressing process enjoyable once again.

      1. Styling is like a muscle—you need to exercise it to improve.

      After years of wearing uniforms in school, college was the first opportunity for Caroline to truly explore her style. “Every day, I was dressing up for class. That’s when I started experimenting because I had never done it consistently before,” she shares. “Like anything great in fashion and styling, it’s like a muscle—you have to exercise it to develop it and improve.”

      Trying different combinations in your closet, such as experimenting with color pairings or patterns you typically wouldn’t mix, will strengthen your styling skills and help you discover what resonates with you.

      2. Try styling what you have before purchasing new items.

      During the process of defining personal style, acquiring new pieces can often be counterproductive. “Don’t rush out to buy a bunch of things; it can lead to feeling overwhelmed and may hinder your progress,” Caroline advises.

      Before making new purchases, take the time to experiment with your existing wardrobe. Refreshing how you style your current garments can make them feel brand new and assist you in understanding what you truly love to wear. For instance, if you find yourself frequently opting for a bright pink coat, it might indicate that you feel best in vibrant colors and should prioritize adding more bold pieces in the future, rather than sticking to neutrals.

      3. Hold off on TikTok for now.

      While platforms like TikTok and Instagram can provide fashion inspiration, Caroline points out that in the initial stages of developing your personal style, they can influence your preferences negatively. “You can scroll through TikTok, but you might end up feeling defeated,” she explains. “They might tell you not to wear yellow, claiming it’s out forever. So it may be better to wait until you’re a bit more confident.”

      If you need inspiration for a specific item, Caroline suggests starting with Pinterest. “Say you own a yellow blouse and feel stuck—search ‘yellow blouse outfit inspiration’ on Pinterest,” she recommends. “Look at the results and ask yourself, ‘What do I already have that’s similar?’”

      With terms like “mobe wife” and “balletcore” circulating on social media, trends and “aesthetics” are emerging faster than anyone can keep up with. “You even see videos saying, ‘These are the five trends to avoid this season,’” Caroline notes. “Nothing is truly ‘out’ unless I simply don’t want to wear it anymore.”

      Instead of relying solely on social media for style guidance, Caroline suggests seeking inspiration from fashion-focused movies and TV shows to discover what resonates with you. “I enjoy watching fashion-centric films because they evoke feelings,” she shares. “They can remind you of moments in your life tied to clothing and styling.”

      “Watch engaging movies and shows centered around fashion, flip through magazines, explore Pinterest—conduct thorough research,” Caroline advises. Next time you’re scrolling through social media in the evening, consider watching a series featuring styles you admire in the background; you might find unexpected inspiration.

      5. Allow yourself to ignore trends.

      It might be easy to think someone like Caroline lives by seasonal trends, but she credits her personal style to a mindful approach toward them. “I don’t conform to trends or aesthetics,” she states. “I’m not into the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic, and I never will be.”

      Rather than fully embracing every trend and aesthetic, Caroline suggests incorporating elements you enjoy in moderation, avoiding significant investments in microtrends. “I’m not opposed to trends, but I don’t allow them to dictate my entire identity.”

      “When it comes to any aesthetic or trend, if I like a part of it