Hello, my cute little readers! Buckle up because I’m about to take you on a throwback ride through my not-so-glamorous fashion past, full of funny trends, wild experiments, and some serious style evolution. Spoiler alert: it’s giving awkward-turned-awesome.

I used to be that super shy girl in class, the one who barely spoke, had rabbit teeth that everyone noticed (and not in a good way), and believed a big puff on her head topped with a white hairband was peak fashion. My daily outfit? Capri pants in wild colours and shiny tops that practically screamed for attention. And honestly? I thought I was slaying. But let’s just say, reality hit me hard later.

When I was around six or seven, I got my first pair of spectacles, purple, rectangular, and oh-so-trendy (or so I thought). They made me feel cool, and smart, like a mini fashion diva in the making. When they broke, I was heartbroken. I still have that frame tucked away like a tiny piece of my history. Yes, it was just a pair of glasses, but it marked the start of my fashion journey.

My teen years were all about copying the Bollywood vibe. Ankle-length jeans and local market sneakers were my everyday look. I thought I was keeping up with the trends, walking with confidence, even if I still struggled with my shy nature. Then came the eyeliner era in college, and wow, what a game-changer. That one stroke on my lids made me feel bold, awake, and suddenly more me. I wasn’t just hiding anymore, I was showing up.

But the real drama? My curly hair. Yep, those bouncy spirals had me in a constant love-hate relationship. While other girls flaunted sleek straight hair, I was battling frizz, and confusion. Then one day, my mom got her hair straightened, and that was it. I needed it too. When I finally got mine done, I felt transformed. Suddenly, I looked polished, different, almost like someone out of a shampoo ad.

For a while, it worked. I loved my new look. But eventually, the truth caught up, my hair was getting damaged, dry, and lost its natural charm. And then, during the last year of my bachelor’s or maybe early in my master’s, something beautiful happened. A few friends told me I looked amazing with my natural curls. That stuck with me. I started to wonder: why am I trying so hard to change something that’s already unique?

So I made the big decision, no more straightening. I embraced my curls, my natural self, and honestly, it felt freeing. I wasn’t just changing my hair, I was accepting who I really was. Now, let’s talk about my current vibe. My go-to look is comfy with a twist. Think high-waisted bell-bottom jeans (yes, they’re back), oversized shirts, crop tops, and my trusty white sneakers. Add some silver hoops, a tote bag, and a messy bun or open curls, and I’m good to go. I’ve learned to balance trends with comfort. I don’t chase fashion anymore, I make it work for me.

Over the years, I’ve tried everything, from neon tees to body sprays that could knock you out in one spritz. I’ve gone from side fringes and glitter clips to bare-faced confidence and soft lip tints. I’ve ditched heavy layers of makeup and loud accessories for soft glam and timeless pieces. Minimalism is my new best friend, and comfort is always the main character.

So here I am now, a curly-haired girl who once hid behind puffs and purple frames, now walking confidently in bell-bottoms and sneakers, loving every bit of who she’s becoming. And to all my Gen Z baddies reading this, never be afraid to cringe at your past. That awkward phase? It was just your runway rehearsal.