Fashion & Flat Whites: Stephanie Duffy
Stephanie looking joyful (and so cool!) in this fabulous, fluffy statement coat!
How would you describe your style?
Eclectic! I have been thrifting since my teens and integrate new and old pieces in almost every outfit. These days, I am often in an office-friendly mix of preppy and trendy, with a dash of punk thrown in. Outside of the office, I am almost always wearing a t-shirt that represents my interests in music or social activism—I love a graphic tee, and I love a statement! I am also almost always wearing jewelry (fine and costume) and accessories that I've inherited from family. Those deeply personal touches mean the world to me.
How long have you been interested in fashion, and what inspired your interest?
As a creative person on a budget, I've always had an interest in accessible fashion. As a plus-sized person, it's been tough to figure out what "works" for my body and what doesn't. Both budget and size constraints require creativity, and figuring out my own fashion sense was a natural extension of that problem-solving. I think I really began exploring my fashion sense when I was in my 20s.
Can you tell us about your journey to body confidence?
Body confidence is a never ending journey. For me particularly over the past decade, marked by motherhood and a dramatically changing body, was particularly challenging. I lost agency with not only my body (what it looked like, how it functioned) but also my identity as an independent person. Fashion became my tool for reclaiming myself. As I've aged, I've realized the importance of self-worth and wearing what makes me feel good. I will always welcome outfit compliments, but ultimately I am no longer dressing to please anyone else. It's incredibly empowering to prioritize my own style, personal expression, and comfort.
Stephanie mixing golds (this fabulous skirt!) with silvers (the studs in her heels) in a very cool look!
What's your profession, and how does what you wear impact your profession?
I'm a mix of creative professions! Creative director, graphic designer, copywriter, illustrator, and everything in between. I now manage a team of graphic designers for a home goods company. I love working with other creatives, and I love the fashion inspiration I get from being in the office with them. It allows me to approach my closet in a different way and come up with something new without buying something new. I will definitely dress a little more authoritatively if I'm giving a presentation or have a big meeting, namely for that little additional confidence boost.
How did you find out about Mys Tyler?
“Some mornings when I feel like I’m in a rut, I’ll pop into the app to not only look at my own past fits, but also get inspired by others’.”
How has using Mys Tyler impacted you?
I love seeing how other women with similar body types dress, and the fact that the app is so international (I'm in the US) offers even more inspiration diversity. While the internet and social media have allowed trends to spread so much further and faster than before, there are still styles that are unique to regions and it's a delight to come across them in Mys Tyler. Also documenting my own outfits is a great way to remember some of them! Some mornings when I feel like I'm in a rut, I'll pop into the app to not only look at my own past fits, but also get inspired by others'.
What’s your favorite fashion hack?
A good moto jacket and Doc Martens make any outfit instantly so much more fun.
Sophisticated and edgy! Stephanie showcasing her personality with a graphic-tee paired with trousers, a Navy blazer, Doc Martens, a belt, and jewelry!
What do you hope the future of fashion will look like?
More intentional and sustainable. Fast fashion is the second largest polluting industry on the planet, and our perceived need to chase every trend is fueling that. Between thrifting and investing in a few quality pieces, almost everyone can find a way to help alleviate that burden. Supporting small makers is huge too! Personally, I'm also learning to repair the clothes that I have, or reuse them in some way if I can't.
If you could tell your younger self anything, what would you say?
To my younger self, I'd say, "Let go of the static noise of others' judgments and instead, tune into the melody of your own joy."
Stephanie is one of Mys Tyler’s Contributors, inspiring women across the world with her cool, comfortable, and playful style. You can follow Stephanie on Mys Tyler to be inspired below!