The Art of Standing Out
Ever wondered if your outfits were too flashy? Too much orange? Too much pink? Skinny jeans with heels to the eye doctor? Really?
The term “standing out” often creates a sense of anxiety in people who have a fear being judged for it. Standing out could mean anything these days: you wore too much makeup, your heels are too high, or your outfits are too tight, so you must be craving “attention”, when in reality, all you are doing is being yourself. Standing out in a world like this can lead to instant criticism. No matter how good you look, how valid your point is, or how many people agree with you, it’s canon, and it will happen.
However, 'standing out' does not have to be a derogatory term. It can mean coming out of your shell—the very shell you’ve been desperately wanting to escape since childhood. It takes time, patience, and a great deal of creativity to actually understand the concept. The art of standing out represents individualism, and it can leave a lasting impression on those you surround yourself with. So how do we achieve such a big task for 2026?
Fashion
What you are is reflected in how you dress. You think like a tiger, you dress like one—and it can take any form, shape, or expression. This is called personal branding. But what exactly is it? “Personal branding is the practice of creating a public persona for an individual, designer, or business, primarily to establish influence, generate trust, and differentiate oneself within a specific industry or market.” (Interaction Design Foundation)
Personal branding is about understanding what makes you, you. What are you passionate about? What drives you so intensely that you want it that badly? Make it yours. As we move into the year ahead, understand the concept of branding your life—romanticising going out, getting ready, and choosing outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. The art of standing out can be difficult; at times, friends and family may never fully accept that this is who you are. That alone should motivate you to push further. Go beyond the basic expectations placed upon you, and be excellent at what you do. Standing out does not only mean opening your heart to endless opportunities in styling and lifestyle—it also allows you to experiment with different styles as well.
In conclusion, as we enter the new year, make it your resolution to enter it with a bang. So much so that you're stronger than a firework everywhere you go.