The Second Assistant Syndrome: When You Stop Dressing for Others' Approval
You know the scene in The Devil Wears Prada where Andy finally stops impressing Miranda and just owns who she is? That energy and moment is everything! When I get dressed, I’m not performing for anyone else’s approval. I want my style to communicate that I’m effortless but intentional, with clean, timeless pieces, and subtle details that show my personality: self-confidence with ease.
I call these moments of doubt the ‘Second Assistant Syndrome’, when you’re busy dressing for everyone else that you forget what makes YOU powerful.
And to be completely honest, even when I know my style, there are moments of self-doubt. Standing in front of my closet, second-guessing whether my outfit choice is "enough" for whatever the day might bring. The biggest shift came when I realized I needed pieces that could handle every mood and moment without losing who I am. That's when I found my three go-to styling formulas.
The Lookbook: My Go-To Styling Formula
For Clean Girl Casual - Top Square Fusion
The formula is honestly so elevated it's genius: that white crop top with the teardrop cutout and subtle ruching paired with leopard print maxi skirt, then let the havaianas Top Square Fusion do their thing. They give me that energy of those effortlessly chic girls who throw on flip-flops and still look like they own the room. It's that minimal, polished, effortlessly clean girl energy that's completely laid-back but still looks intentional - perfect for chill city days when you wanna stay comfy but put-together.
on feet: Top Square Fusion
For Color Pop Baddie Moments - havaianas Soleil Matcha Green
Here's the move: off-shoulder white top that's giving major "I didn't try but I'm stunning" energy paired with a deeper matcha colored mini that's bold but not too loud, then let these havaianas matcha green sandals be your entire personality. Think golden hour lighting hitting concrete and glass, a black structured bag that means business, maybe some delicate gold jewelry that catches the light just right. Picture this: Saturday afternoon farmer's market run with your bestie or that rooftop bar you've been wanting to try, wearing these sandals that add that unexpected pop of color, making everyone stop and ask where you got them. Suddenly you're not just wearing an outfit, you're creating a whole vibe.
on feet: Soleil Sandals
For Cool Girl Energy - havaianas High Platform
The styling here is all about that elevated casual approach: a black long-sleeve onepiece bodysuit that's giving "cool girl" energy, a statement belt that cinches everything perfectly, maybe some oversized glasses that add that intellectual cool girl touch. Think relaxed silhouettes that still look intentional, comfortable fabrics with clean lines. The key is letting your platform flip flops anchor the look while keeping everything effortlessly chic. These platforms give you that literal and metaphorical boost whether you're grabbing that iced matcha or stepping into that gallery opening. It's powerful, confident energy that's completely relaxed but still commanding.
on feet: High Platform
The real breakthrough happened when I stopped asking "Will this impress them?" and started asking "Does this feel like me?" My daily style's all about comfort with a bit of personality, and each pair in my rotation fits right in. I usually start with the basics, then feel it out—if I'm in the mood, I'll add some fun details, but I always want to feel like me in whatever I wear. Whether I'm keeping things chill but never boring, or throwing in a pop of color to keep the energy up, these are my no-brainer choices with havaianas.
Finding My Signature Power
At the end of the day, I want to communicate that I'm someone who's comfortable in her own skin. Self-aware, confident, and completely unapologetic about choosing pieces that make me feel good instead of pieces that make me look like someone else's version of success. That confidence Miranda Priestly has, but makes it accessible and real. My style journey taught me that authenticity isn't about having the perfect wardrobe or following every trend—it's about finding what makes you feel most like yourself and then wearing it with complete confidence.
The beauty is in finding pieces that become extensions of who you are, ones that adapt to your different moods and moments without losing that core sense of self. When you have that foundation, whether it's the clean sophistication for casual days, the bold confidence for color moments, or the elevated comfort for structured occasions, you stop second-guessing and start owning your choices. That's when you know you've found your signature power—and honestly, that's worth every investment in the pieces that make you feel like home.
ry’s top picks
perfect styles for city walks or beach strolls
