TEN TO TWENTY

By Prerna Arora

When I was 10, most kids were into shiny things—glittery shoes, sequin tops, sparkly hair clips. But I never liked any of that. I didn’t want to wear anything loud or over-the-top. I preferred plain colours and simple outfits. I was drawn to clean, subtle style before I even knew what that meant.

There were times I questioned if my clothes were too basic. Maybe I should try something brighter, maybe add a bit of shimmer. But deep down, I knew being flashy wasn’t me. I wouldn’t feel like myself, and the funny thing is, even on my most laid-back days, people still noticed. I remember my cousins asking where I shopped.

As I grew up, I figured out what haircut suits my face, how to dress my 5ft frame with balance, layer outfits well, and choose jewellery that flatters my skin tone.
Even after all this time, my style has stayed simple, but my understanding of it has deepened. One thing that’s never changed? My obsession with black. From the black tees I wore as a kid to the black dresses I wear now, it’s always been my go-to. I just knew I could always count on black.

Now at 20, I know what makes me feel like myself. I don’t jump on trends just to blend in. I wear what feels right—clean, confident. I don’t need glitter to shine. I’ve learned that personal style isn’t about turning heads—it’s about understanding what works for you. And honestly, I think I’ve had a sense of that since I was 10.

---