I Overthink Every Outfit, So You Don't Have To | 12

Joining the ‘Propaganda I’m Not Falling For’ Trend with My Twist: Real Talk on Style, Self-Care, Summer Fashion I’m Falling For, Plus What I Wore This Week

May 27, 2025

Propaganda I am NOT falling for

There’s a trend floating around social media called “Propaganda I’m Not Falling For.”
If you don’t think of the Boston Massacre every time you hear the word “propaganda,” then your 7th grade teachers did you dirty. Don’t worry — your resident U.S. History teacher/Fashionista is here to save the day.

Engraved, printed and sold by Paul Revere Jr. | The Boston Massacre, or, The Bloody Massacre perpetrated in King Street, Boston on March 5, 1770 by a party of the 29th Regiment | — Boston Massacre engraving by Paul Revere - When your ‘artistic license’ turns a scuffle into a full-on blockbuster — propaganda, 1770 edition.

Propaganda is information that’s biased or misleading, used to promote a particular cause, ideology, or point of view. It’s when someone pushes a message by appealing to emotions rather than facts.

The trend has users call out popular ideas, aesthetics, or lifestyle habits that feel overhyped or simply not for them. You name a widely accepted trend and reject it as “propaganda.” The whole thing is lighthearted, and I laughed way too hard scrolling through the rabbit hole.

So I decided to try it — but flipped it to: “Propaganda I AM Falling For.”
AKA: I’ve been influenced. I’ve been targeted. The marketing worked. And I have no regrets (yet).

Personal style > trends - Wearing what I actually like over what’s trendy in the moment.
Not apologizing for who I am (AND for my kids) - Especially the “kids” part. I catch myself over-apologizing for completely normal things (missing a text, asking a question, being human).
Posting even when the algorithm ghosts me- It is what it is. I’m just posting what I like, when I like. No analysis.
Ice cream everynight is a form of self care- Alec’s ice cream + Issa’s crushed pita chips = my nighttime joy. SELF CARE IS NOT SELFISH.
Teaching my kiddos that self-worth isn’t up for public comment- What you believe about yourself > what anyone else says.
People are allowed to and able to evolve
My dogs should receive copays for emotional support.
I’ll take a handful of real ones over a crowd any day
I shouldn’t be ashamed to openly dislike Burno Mars - I know it’s niche, but I feel unwell when his music comes on. Needed to be said. Please don’t unsubscribe.
Unorganized chaos is low-key creativity- Maybe my buzzing brain, messy piles, and hot-mess energy are part of my superpower. (I’m an Aquarius, after all.)
JOMO > FOMO- Missing out is underrated. Saying no can be sacred.
💌 Reading along and nodding? Tap the ❤️ so I know you’re here—it helps more than you think!

Propaganda I AM falling for (Spring & Summer Fashion/Style that aligns with my personal style)

Monochromatic outfits- Matching sets and white-on-white forever.
Ballet slippers- I now wear them with shorts. Traditional, woven, jelly— I’m in.
Long shorts- Thank God, because I’ve fully given up on a thigh gap.
Layering for a look not funcitonality- No, I don’t plan to wear the sweater. But yes, it will live on my shoulders all day.ay to complete the look.
Button-downs are so powerful- Winter, spring, summer, fall… they never let me down.
Chunky gold earrings
Neutrals are great, but colors are FUN- Pastels, florals, pinks, reds, oranges, sunset tones… I’m trying!
Summer plaid- Gingham forever.
Chunky beaded necklaces- I was skeptical (flashbacks to J.Crew baubles), but with an earthy tone + white tank or button-up = chef’s kiss.
Prep school style- I’m public school through and through, but I can dress like a first-year at [insert elite prep school]. Think linen, stripes, lobster graphics, navy, cable knits, espadrilles.
Athleisure doesn’t have to mean “headed to a workout”
G.O.T. (going out tops)- Do I go out? Rarely. But a flirty, fun top with jeans? A nostalgic classic.

Full Disclosure: This was a funky week. I didn’t have a full work week for various reasons, so I spent many days in sweats and a sweatshirt. Yes… on MDW… it was sadly ridiculously cold here in the Northeast.

Sunday

The usual sport mom Sunday. I can already tell this red Polo hat is going to be my favorite accessory of the summer. I went with comfort over style this time.

Polo red hat, Grey tee-shirt (similar), Old Navy black shorts (similar), Amazon socks, Nike sneakers, Gucci sunglasses

Monday

DNGD (Did Not Get Dressed) - I wore clothing, but nothing anyone would want to emulate. Here’s a fun picture from our trip to the lake instead!

Snapped this picutre of a guy rocking the most authentic and legitimate fisherman aesthetic while fishing on the docks. Beard and all!

Tuesday

I had an event at my daughter’s school. I wanted to look put-together but still casual. I love all things linen, but this linen blazer has been a real “W” this spring. I paired it with a basic white tee, super wide-leg denim, and some OG platform Converses.

H&M Blazer, (another option here!) GAP white tee, Madewell super-wide denim, Amazon shell earrings, Converse white platform sneakers, Ray-ban sunglasses

Celebrating my daughter’s poetry at her school’s *Poetry Cafe*!

Wednesday

To play on the ruffle trend I mentioned above, I loved this adorable top! I was actually convinced I’d return it when it arrived—it reminded me of something I wore on literal repeat in 7th grade. However, once I put it on, I realized why it’s so good… and why it’s conveniently not part of Madewell’s MDW sale.

Madewell ruffle neck top, Madewell white denim (similar— these are wide leg but same brand), Straight-leg white denim (not pictured), J.Crew sandals, Amazon apple watch band, Nordstrom faux diamond earrings, SaltyCali necklace (similar)

Thursday

We headed off to our family lake house. I was so excited to whip out some “lake looks”… however, it was 50 degrees, cloudy, and rainy. Athleisure and layers it was!

Patagonia vest, J.Crew sweatshirt, Lululemon leggings, Amazon socks, New Balance sneakers

THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN AT THE END OF MAY! UGH. Patagonia vest, Lululemon leggings, Amazon socks, New Balance sneakers

Friday

DNGD (Did Not Get Dressed) - I wore clothing, but nothing anyone would want to emulate.

Here’s another fun lake photo instead. I kid you not when I say it rained every.single.day — but after a rain comes a beautiful rainbow!

After rain comes the rainbow! Such a great metaphor in life…I felt so happy after seeing this!

Saturday

Athleisure strikes again. It’s not my most stylish moment, but for relaxing with the kids by the pool, it got the job done. I love these shorts because the length makes me feel comfortable wearing them around town or during a workout. This great J.Crew sweatshirt came in handy when the weather decided to act weird—honestly, I’m really impressed with how many times I’ve worn it since getting it!