Fashion may speak in seasons, but style? That’s personal.
It’s how we show the world who we are—quietly or boldly, with structure or spontaneity. And it’s rarely dictated by the runway, because we are so much more than a passing trend.
More than ever, we’re choosing quality over quantity. Local over mass-produced. Crafted over disposable. We’re asking deeper questions—where was this made, who made it and will it still feel like me a year or even a decade from now?
Gone are the days of chasing every new drop. Instead, curating with intention—building wardrobes that fit well, feel good and mean something.
At the heart of this shift are the makers, creatives and curators redefining what it means to get dressed. For them, personal style isn’t something to follow—it’s something to claim with confidence, care and a deep respect for the stories we choose to wear.
Aj Naylor / Made By FRED / @Madebyfred1745
What inspired you to start your brand?
Back in the early to mid-2000s, I became a buyer for a local streetwear store in downtown Frederick. As I started working with different brands, I noticed something—almost everything we carried came out of either New York or LA. There was nothing that truly represented Maryland, especially not in the way I envisioned. That realization sparked something in me. I wanted to fill that void and create something that spoke to Maryland, specifically Frederick. That’s what inspired me to start my own brand.
What’s your fashion philosophy in one sentence?
Classic and effortless.
Describe your style using a movie, song or fictional character.
If I had to describe my style, I would say check out the movie “Wild Style” that came out in 1983 and portrays true street fashion in NYC.
What’s one fashion trend you’re loving right now—and one you hope never comes back?
I’m not big on fashion trends—I’m more drawn to timeless style than fleeting fashion.
What are three wardrobe staples you believe are worth investing in?
A well-fitted blazer that pairs effortlessly with both jeans and trousers, styled with a crisp white Oxford shirt and a great pair of loafers.
What’s one simple style tip that can instantly elevate an everyday outfit?
Layers! Add a button up, keeping it unbuttoned on top of your white tee.
What’s the most surprising or fun item in your wardrobe or studio?
The most surprising item in my wardrobe would probably be my camo Crocs, lol!
Where in the DMV area do you love to shop or get inspired?
I’ve always had a deep appreciation for thrift and antique stores. Discovering Made in the USA apparel is especially meaningful to me, as many of the techniques and machinery once used to craft items like T-shirts and jackets are no longer in use. There’s a distinct level of craftsmanship and history in those pieces that’s increasingly rare today.
Hillary Davis / That’s Sew Hillary / @thats.sew.hillary
What inspired you to start your brand or platform?
In 2018, I realized I needed sewing friends—so I posted on Nextdoor. A few lovely locals responded and we started stitching together. Then COVID hit.
To keep the spirit alive, I launched a Facebook group (“Frederick Sewing”) and created the “traveling box”—a heavy bin of unwanted supplies that rotated from house to house like a crafty Santa drop.
In May 2020, I had my COVID baby, hit a breaking point and quit my career without a plan—just the gut feeling that I wanted to teach sewing and somehow make it sustainable. I started with kitchen-table classes, then moved into a tiny Pepto-pink room in Frederick MADE and eventually landed inside Give Rise Studio, where things really took off after one 5 a.m. Facebook post sold out my classes in a day.
Thanks to community support (and a few happy tears), I now have my own dream studio and a growing team of amazing instructors. It hasn’t been without hard lessons as money doesn’t always money—but I keep going.
My advice? Define your values early and stick to them. Put your real self out there—your people will find you.
What’s your fashion philosophy in one sentence?
Trends are totally made up and confidence comes from finding your own personal style—so wear fewer, high-quality pieces on repeat that feel good, fit well and show off your favorite version of you!
Describe your style using a movie, song or fictional character.
Ms. Frizzle’s slightly more laid back weekend wardrobe.
What’s one fashion trend you’re loving right now—and one you hope never comes back?
I love seeing more of us investing in higher-quality clothing and starting to think twice about the true cost of buying cheap pieces we’ll only wear once—or grabbing something just because 'it’s too cheap not to buy.
Also, I hope ultra low rise jeans solidly stay in the late 90s/early 2000s.
What are three wardrobe staples you believe are worth investing in?
Good quality denim! It will last you so much longer and won’t stretch out and get weird over time.
An easy-to-wear top that goes with any bra (or braless) that you know you can throw on and feel great in when decision fatigue is taking over!
A fairly neutral dress or jumpsuit that can be dressed up or down.
What’s one simple style tip that can instantly elevate an everyday outfit?
Don’t be scared to be loud or mix and match items in a way you never have before. Just grab what’s clean and throw it on and wear it with confidence! Also, dry shampoo.
What’s your advice for someone trying to develop confidence in their style?
Stop looking at what everyone else is wearing. You don’t want to be them, you want to be you.
What fits, fabrics or colors make you feel genuinely happy when you look in the mirror? What styles do you actually feel comfortable in. If a store doesn’t have anything that speaks to you, maybe your taste is just better than the buyer’s. (Because honestly? It probably is.)
If you need to get a little cocky and remind yourself that you’re above the trends—go for it. You totally are. Make your own vibe.
Barnette Holston / The DC Fashion Fool / @dcfashionfool
What inspired you to start your brand or platform?
My parents are my biggest influences. My dad was meticulous—he polished his shoes every Saturday and invested in just a few timeless pieces. My mom was a true fashionista with sayings like, “Don’t buy it if there is a lot on the rack, everyone will have it,” and “Cheap shoes ruin a fit.” She loved dressing up and accessorizing—I get a lot of my style from her, though she’d deny it.
What’s your fashion philosophy in one sentence?
You too can be a fool for fashion!
Describe your style using a movie, song or fictional character.
I like to think my style is that of Stanley Tucci in Devil Wears Prada mixed with James Bond.
What’s one fashion trend you’re loving right now—and one you hope never comes back?
I love wide legged pants and hope skinny jeans never come back!
What are three wardrobe staples you believe are worth investing in?
A good watch, a crisp white shirt and an excellent tailor.
What’s one simple style tip that can instantly elevate an everyday outfit?
Make sure your clothes are well tailored. A good tailor can make even the most inexpensive clothes look terrific.
Where in the DMV area do you love to shop or get inspired?
Relish in Georgetown, Suit Supply and Ron David.
What’s the most surprising or fun item in your wardrobe or studio?
The Hector dog bag from Thom Browne. He gets a lot of love.
What’s next for you or your brand?
I’m excited to explore more of the intersections between fashion and other spaces—like fashion and sports or fashion and the restaurant scene. I also want to spotlight how fashion is evolving here in the DMV. And of course, I can’t wait to see all the Fall and Winter looks dropping soon!
Maree Sye / A Little Bit etc. blog / @alittlebitetc
What inspired you to start your brand or platform?
I had worked in the retail makeup industry in NYC for most of my career and then took a job working for a luxury baby skincare company. I missed being around all the makeup and fashion everyday so I began my blog as a creative outlet. I wanted to talk about these things and find others who were just as obsessed as I am!
What’s your fashion philosophy in one sentence?
Dress for yourself.
Describe your style using a fictional character.
A mix of all the Sex and the City characters in one.
What’s one fashion trend you’re loving right now—and one you hope never comes back?
I’m loving the jelly sandal trend! So fun and takes me back to my childhood. Sadly, barrel leg jeans are a hard no for me.
What are three wardrobe staples you believe are worth investing in?
A great pair of jeans that you feel confident in, a simple but well made button down blouse and neutral ballet flats.
What’s one simple style tip that can instantly elevate an everyday outfit?
Do your hair or your makeup. You don’t necessarily have to do both but do at least one to always look put together.
What’s your advice for someone trying to develop confidence in their style?
Focus less on trends and more on classic pieces.
What’s your go-to outfit when you want to feel unstoppable?
All black with bold accessories.
Who is your biggest style icon or creative influence—and how has their style shaped yours?
It’s not a single person, but I lived in NYC for 15 years right out of college and that completely shaped my entire sense of self and style.
Where in the DMV area do you love to shop or get inspired?
If I’m in the mood for a drive, walking around the shops in Georgetown will always be the best!
What’s one timeless piece every closet needs—no matter the season?
A great structured blazer.
What’s the most surprising or fun item in your wardrobe or studio?
I love my high top converse sneakers.
What’s next for you or your brand?
I’ve been shifting my content to focus more on my fellow mature ladies and really sharing my makeup and fashion tips for how to feel your best in your 40’s and beyond.