I want a Common App personal essay that explores my journey of self-discovery, using clothing as the lens through which I’ve understood and expressed myself. I want it to convey how my style has evolved from blending in to boldly standing out, showing how clothing became a tool for reflecting my identity, values, and emotions. The essay should illustrate specific moments that mark my growth, from experimenting with different styles to learning the power of self-expression. I want it to be about the personal transformation I’ve experienced and the lessons I’ve learned along the way, emphasizing how my choices in fashion have shaped the confident, self-aware person I am today.
It’s very important that the essay tells about me as a person using clothing, not just about my clothing journey. At the end of the day, it’s an essay about me as a person and who I am today, and I’m just choosing clothing to illustrate this. Something you could talk about is me first discovering a fascination with clothing in the 7th grade, and distinct clothing pieces like the first sweater I ever bought myself in freshman year, my first step into fashion being with a pair of Jordan 1 Lows in a red and black colorway, and my first pair of loafers I got in my sophomore year, which marked a transition into a more formal, less streetwear style. You could also add different clothing pieces that you believe fit the context. I’d like the essay to use descriptive language to really paint a scene and make it as intriguing as possible