TikToker Caro Gurdian Captures the Joy of Getting Ready — Here's What She Wore This Week
Fashion has always been my shield. Growing up in a town in Costa Rica where there wasn't a lot of room to be different, I always stood out as a very eccentric, smiley, and loud human.
My body type growing up was bigger than the standard around me. It was hard to go to stores and not have clothes in my size — or go to my friends house and never have anything fit. So, I made it my mission to stand out in other ways so my weight wouldn't even be a factor.
At the start of the pandemic, I started making Get Ready With Me videos on TikTok at the recommendation of my therapist. I was having trouble waking up every day to work from home. Since fashion was so important to me, they suggested I wake up and get dressed as if I was going to the office.
I started recording myself to hold myself accountable — and boom! Suddenly, I gained a massive audience experiencing the same thing. Now I have a beautiful community of people on this journey of self-expression through fashion.
Here's a look at how I've expressed myself through clothes lately.
Rooftop Reading
Rooftop reading during the summer is one of my favorite activities. There's nothing better than slapping on a bathing suit, some comfy pants or a summer dress and heading to the roof to soak up the sun. It's even better when I have company from my fur baby.
I tend not to listen to others when it comes to how I dress. I love when people around me say I look weird — I embrace it! If I like what I'm wearing, that's good enough for me — and it should be good enough for you too!
Hot Summer Snacking
I love a midday snack on a hot summer afternoon after lounging around the house — fruit for the tummy and comfort for the soul. Wearing my Knix Essential Modal T-Shirt feels like a cloud on skin on days when it's so hot you need to stand by the fridge.
My fashion philosophy is: dress how you feel. That includes wearing your favorite comfort outfit for an entire week. For me, it makes such a difference when I can feel myself in whatever it is I'm wearing.
If you go out in an outfit you don't feel comfortable in, fashion could ruin your day or night. Allow yourself to feel, and then dress accordingly.
Farmer's Market Fashion
This outfit is the epitome of a Saturday farmer's market visit: a summery dress with lots of color. It's comfy but cute and, as always, it's the accessories that make it a great farmer's market look, including a hat to shield me from the sun and comfy shoes so I can walk around with ease.
The essence of my fashion sense has always been there but it's also about embracing the freedom to explore and try new things. If I see an outfit from a couple years ago that I'm still obsessing over, then I check to see if I got stuck somewhere in my creativity process.
In those moments, I draw and create things to make sure I can get out of my static moments.
Venice Beach Babe
Let’s walk and paddle around Venice on a sunny day with flowers everywhere. Here, I'm matching the scenery with some flowery prints.
It's the perfect spot for people watching, which is a great way to get fashion inspiration. I'm always that person saying "I love your shoes" or "if you wake up and can't find this shirt, please know it was me." But, lately, I've been feeling inspired by color and flowers.
Summer is a joyful, adventurous time and my outfits are reflecting that lately.
Looks With a Side of Lunch
Comfy jeans and a tucked in button-down for a casual lunch with friends, including a frozen mint lemonade from my favorite restaurant in LA. It's a go-to look for having some laughs and enjoying a delicious (and healthy) meal.
My sister, Adela, has always been my number one fashion inspiration. She's been my best friend since the day I was born. Even though she has a VERY different style, she taught me how to feel comfortable with myself.
Though, I will add, Amy Roiland, Zoe Kravitz, Maggie Gyllenhall, and YOU (a person walking around LA with amazing taste) to my list of fashion idols.
Comfy Meets Cute
I'm in heaven reading (a really good book I can't stop thinking about) in my comfy Knix Essentials Modal Rib Bodysuit and Shorts. Soft and smooth fabric is key — this set is everything.
I would describe my style as comfy but cute, always with a pinch of uniqueness. My style has definitely evolved — I would be scared if it didn't. When I was younger, I used to wear tight garments and body shapers to make myself smaller. I even used to avoid certain styles to hide parts of my body, but now I embrace all parts of my body.
Downtown Dressing
What better place to overdo accessories than an artist market in downtown LA? This is an all white, simple look with a splash of colorful accessories to create a contrast.
My outfits always have unique elements. I think this is my child-self asking for a seat at the table. I always encourage my child-self to bring ideas forth because I never want to lose my sense of wonder when it comes to fashion.