You’ve probably heard it before — in newsletters, ads, Instagram captions — it’s “The Perfect Tee,” “The Only Pair of Jeans You’ll Ever Need” or “We Finally Found the Perfect Pants.” And every time I read something like that, I roll my eyes. Not because I hate a staple — I love a good staple. But because there’s no such thing as a universal “perfect” anything in fashion. Not the perfect tee, not the perfect jeans, not even the perfect white sneaker.
What actually matters — and what many argue is the most important when it comes to style — is the fit. The way something interacts with you and looks on your own body.
Let’s talk jeans. Baggy jeans seem to be everywhere right now. People love their relaxed vibe, their throwback energy and that feeling that you could wear them to a party or to the supermarket and still look cool. But here’s the thing: Baggy jeans don’t look good on everyone. Finding a pair that has just the right amount of baggy can be difficult. And that’s not shade. It’s just the truth.
On some people, they hang just right. On others, they look like a denim parachute. The same goes for ultra-slim fits or aggressively cropped pairs. None of them are bad, but they’re also not universally right.
Trying on jeans (or pants in general) is both a humbling and an essential experience. In an era of endless online shopping, it’s tempting to scroll, add to cart and hope for the best. But jeans are one of those things you have to try on. Waist-to-hip ratios, inseams and rise lengths vary wildly between brands, even between washes of the same style. If you can’t try them on in the store, become a professional order-and-return person. I do it all the time. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the only way to figure out what actually works on your body.
Same goes for tees. I can’t count the number of “perfect white tee” lists I’ve read, only to end up completely disappointed. A tee might be perfect for whoever wrote the piece, but if it hits you at the wrong spot or clings weirdly at the sleeves, it’s not the one.
This isn’t meant to be depressing — if anything, it should feel freeing. Once you let go of the idea that there’s a single piece out there that everyone should own, you get to start dressing for your proportions, your vibe, your life and yourself. Fashion becomes less about chasing and more about curating.
So next time you’re shopping, forget the myth of the “perfect” piece. Style isn’t about finding something flawless — it’s about finding something that fits. Finding a piece that works with your body, your proportions and your energy gives it longevity. That’s what makes it yours.
