Hashtag This Look

Photo by Yuliya Strizhkina Cartier on Unsplash

Style, Aesthetic, and the Algorithm: Oh My. This week on Wisdom from the Wardrobe, the style squad dives headfirst into the ever-blurring line between personal style and curated aesthetics. Are we really dressing for ourselves… or just for the ’gram?

Algorithms shape so much of modern life—from the feeds we scroll to the outfits that suddenly “everyone” is wearing. The team gets real about how digital trends influence our wardrobes, and whether our closets truly reflect who we are or if they’ve become a reflection of what the internet wants us to be.

Style vs. Aesthetic: Where’s the Line?

It’s easy to confuse style with aesthetic. A personal style is about identity and consistency—it’s the unique fingerprint of your wardrobe. An aesthetic, on the other hand, is often curated for display. Instagram feeds, TikTok trends, and Pinterest boards all sell an idea of what fashion should look like. The crew unpacks the pressure of chasing these visuals and asks an important question: Does your style still feel like yours when it’s filtered through an algorithm?

Dressing for You vs. Dressing for the ’Gram

We’ve all been there—choosing an outfit not because it feels great, but because it will photograph well. The team shares candid fashion confessions and “been there, wore that” moments, highlighting how often we compromise comfort and authenticity for content. From buying pieces that only ever see the light of social media, to struggling with the fear of repeating outfits online, the conversation is refreshingly honest.

Trend-Chasing: Fun or Fatigue?

Hot takes abound as the team debates whether trend-chasing is a form of play or just plain exhausting. While it’s fun to dip into what’s new, trying to keep up with microtrends is a recipe for fatigue. The advice? Build a foundation of timeless pieces you love and let trends be the seasoning, not the main dish.

In the News: A Permanent Style Icon

This week’s In the News segment features Maud Wagner—circus performer turned trailblazer, and the first known American female tattoo artist circa 1877. Her story is more than history—it’s a reminder that true style has always been about self-expression and daring to stand apart. Tattoos, like fashion, tell a story about identity and courage.

Key Takeaways from Episode 31

Audit your closet: Separate the pieces that feel like you from the ones you bought for the feed.
Reframe “outfit repeating”: In real life, repeating a great look is a sign of personal style, not failure.
Balance trends and identity: Add trend-driven accents, but let your identity anchor your wardrobe.
Remember permanence: Like Maud Wagner’s tattoos, authentic style endures beyond algorithms.

Why This Conversation Matters

Episode 31 is part one of a larger dialogue about fashion, identity, and the algorithm’s invisible hand. It’s a style identity check-in that pushes listeners to ask: Am I wearing this because I love it, or because I want likes?

Final Wrap-Up

Authenticity is the ultimate luxury. Whether you’re leaning into trends, rejecting them entirely, or finding your balance, Episode 31 reminds us that the best outfits tell our story—not the algorithm’s. Tune in, laugh along, and maybe rethink that next “for the ’gram” purchase.

Happy listening!

Season 7 Ep 31: Hashtag This Look