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TIPS FOR BEING FABULOUS
Jamie Windust is a non binary writer, activist and editor-in-chief of FRUITCAKE magazine , which Jamie founded after finding a lack of printed media created by and for the LGBTQIA+ community. Also a model and public speaker, Jamie regularly speaks at events and on panels about important topics like equality, non-binary identities and social responsibility.
Jamie’s iconic style is key to their self expression and identity, embracing the maximalist, ‘wear what you want’ aesthetic of G.E.M. Here, Jamie shares tips and trade secrets to how you can always be the most unapologetically fabulous version of yourself, why you should never ever just ‘save clothes for best’ and how fashion can be truly transformative and rebellious.
Jamie Windust is a non binary writer, activist and editor-in-chief of FRUITCAKE magazine , which Jamie founded after finding a lack of printed media created by and for the LGBTQIA+ community. Also a model and public speaker, Jamie regularly speaks at events and on panels about important topics like equality, non-binary identities and social responsibility.
Jamie’s iconic style is key to their self expression and identity, embracing the maximalist, ‘wear what you want’ aesthetic of G.E.M. Here, Jamie shares tips and trade secrets to how you can always be the most unapologetically fabulous version of yourself, why you should never ever just ‘save clothes for best’ and how fashion can be truly transformative and rebellious.
What fashion means to me:
Autumnal weather has always been my favourite when it comes to fashion, purely because i’m a layering feind, and adore statement coats and huge faux fur numbers partly for the warmth, and partly for the drama. My first notable purchase as a teenager was an ankle length faux fur black coat, and I remember the excellence I felt draped in all of its glory, and truth be told that feeling has only been exacerbated over the years. I’ve always loved the transformative nature of fashion, but also its ability to align people and allow them to share who they are with the world. So many people see fashion and beauty as tools to cover and hide their insecurities, but for me it's never been that. It’s always been a way for me to accentuate and empower myself into the most glorious, beautiful version of myself that I can create.
Stop saving clothes for best:
I’ve never been one to agree with the formalities of when we should wear certain pieces out and about, hence why these pictures show me just bobbing around London, or going for coffee, or having drinks with friends in full, iconic looks. We owe it to ourselves to feel our best, or at least try to feel our best, all the time, and for me that feeling comes hand in hand with adorning myself with fashions that make me feel just so. Going for coffee? Wear a yellow leopard print jumpsuit babes? Just going to a friends for drinks? Throw on your pearls and your new favourite winter coat. Who’s telling you that you can’t?
Tips for being as fabulous as me:
Count yourself lucky that i’m giving away my trade secrets (i’m joking I promise) on how to be as iconic and fabulous as me, but truly it’s more about our mentality when it comes to fashion than anything else. Not saving your clothes for best isn’t just a mentality that allows us to look more excellent, it’s also better for the environment as it stops us from continually buying fast fashion, and good for our bank balance, as we are really getting our money's worth from our garments. It’s about knowing that you’re never too much. Nothing is ever too much to wear somewhere, and if you’re surrounded by people who will tell you so, then they need to get on your level. For example, as i’m writing this, it’s a casual Sunday, but i’ve still gone out in a pearl necklace and 4 inch heel because I am worth that level of fabulosity. Sorry, not sorry. Many of us have contentious relationships with fashion and our bodies, however know that you are able to do anything you want to when it comes to style, there truly is no rule book. It comes from within, and it’s not always going to be easy, but finding that inner strength and confidence to know you’re worth looking however you wish is the most important first step.
What I want for the future of fashion:
We are in a climate emergency, and it’s important that we are really analysing our fast fashion habits, and who we are shopping with. It’s also important to look at the social ethics of fashion. I want to see more brands actually creating fashion lines that are truly gender inclusive. Showing femme bodies in all their glory, and allowing people of all gender identities to feel comfortable and able to thrive in their stores and their clothes. It’s not hard to allow everyone to feel beautiful and confident in whatever clothes they want to wear!
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