YES, i showed up to class in tall leather boots.

I’ve decided to wear all my clothes this time.

I’m no longer saving certain pieces for special occasions — I wear all my nice outfits even when I’m just going to university (and I’m glad I do).

My confidence has gotten a boost. As strange as it may sound, feeling good in your own skin really helps your mood. Clothes are like an extension of yourself: when they reflect who you are, your confidence grows.

My socio analysis:

Women have always been taught not to take up too much space. To be pretty, but not provocative. To exist without making waves. To shine but only just enough, never too brightly. For Black women, this pressure is even more intense. They’re expected to be “strong,” but quietly. Elegant, but never in an exaggerated way. Respectable, but never too visible. Hypersexualization and racial stigma mean that something as simple as bold lipstick or a striking hairstyle becomes a “political statement” or worse, a “provocation.” So, out of instinct or inheritance, we learn to tone ourselves down. To not make too many waves. To not shine too brightly.

It’s against that that I dress.

Because everything is a little bit political, isn’t it?

I also decided to stop saving my nice clothes “for later”… simply because those occasions usually never come, or when they do, I end up wearing something else. And I realized we do that with many other things too. I remember, both back in Congo and even here, my mom had these beautiful crystal glasses she only took out when we had guests. One time, when she brought them out, I remember asking her, “Mom, why do you only bring out the nice glasses for guests and not for us?”

And since then, there’s been no more distinction everyone drinks juice from the nice glasses, we deserve nice things too!

This idea of “saving for later” is a habit we learn early. Saving fancy clothes for big events. Porcelain plates for visitors. Kind words for another time. Saying “I love you,” giving gifts, dancing… all postponed. But that “later” often never comes or comes too late.

This logic comes from a culture of scarcity, where everything must be earned, justified, kept under control. It teaches us to live half-lives, always waiting (for what? for who?).

But if we flip the logic: why not celebrate the ordinary?!

Why not treat ourselves like stars every day?

Because at the end of the day, we deserve it. Wear your best clothes. Use your crystal glasses. Say “I love you” when your heart feels it. Text when you feel like it. Buy yourself flowers. Maybe that’s real luxury — not waiting.

I’m a very discreet person. I don’t like disturbing others. I’m shy too.

But I’m also someone creative. I like expressing myself ; through my nails, my bags, my blog, my paintings, and of course: my clothes.

My nails — sometimes 2000s-inspired, sometimes round, square, or lipstick-shaped. I switch from gold to spring colors, no rules except one: have FUN.

I wear the top I had saved for a wedding, the skirt meant for a date. Every design, every shape, every color represents me. I express myself through them.

Of course, I still fear being “too much”. Sometimes I worry about being judged, about looking ridiculous. But ridiculous according to who? For who?

We are the stars, the muses, the art and the artist of our own lives.

Being ridiculous never killed anyone — and honestly, there are way too many of us, with way too many problems, for someone to remember that Sarah showed up to class in tall leather boots.

Now’s the time to explore your tastes, your style, your art, your voice — and let us admire you.

If my clothes speak too loudly,

it’s because I’ve been silent for far too long.