Shea Dixon brings her unique style to fashion
Published:Friday | November 24, 2023 | 12:08 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
“My outfit speaks before I do.” These powerful words of wisdom come from fashionista and stylist, Shea Dixon.
Always one to find beauty, magic and show-stopping moments in couture, Dixon has been strutting into this world with confidence, receiving her roses as a trendsetting star.
“The way I dress is my outlet of expression. I don’t say a lot in words, but I speak boldly in the way I dress. Fashion is not just about the clothing, but everything that influences the clothing. Fashion is my confidence, it is my armour, and it tells people the kind of person I am before I even say a word,” she told Living.
She appreciates the compliments on her unique style, expressing satisfaction in knowing that others appreciate looks beyond the typical form-fitting or revealing outfits.
“I started to gain recognition as a fashionista in college. I would wear the opposite of what was trending; I always liked to experiment with my outfits. I did not want to look like everybody else. Soon that recognition moved to friends asking my opinion on outfits, so I started out styling my friends and a few family members. The journey has been great, having the opportunity to work with different people learning their style preferences, and helping them to step outside of that,” she shared.
Dixon recalled her love for fashion stemming from her mother, “My mother loved getting me dressed for school parties and outings; getting dressed in my household is a big event. A lot of thought and preparation goes into it. And this created a bond between us because we have similar styles. We often would dress each other, and share ideas and style tips.”
This passion seamlessly translated into her primary school years. She distinctly recalls a classmate expressing anticipation about seeing what she would wear on special occasions like the fair. It was in that moment that she realised her approach to fashion was truly distinctive.
Focusing on brand-name clothing growing up, her style evolved to a deeper level of comfort and versatility, “I started to see clothing for what it was and not the name on the tag. And my style changes based on my mood. I would describe my style as edgy, comfortable, chic, urban and experimental.”
Dixon is big on thrifting and recycled fashion. Despite the fact that many Jamaicans shy away from second-hand clothing, she finds style solace in vintage and unique pieces found in a thrift store.
“Recycled fashion is not only better for the environment, but it saves you money and allows you to experiment with what is in your closet. You can take an old pair of jeans and turn it into a whole new outfit. Also, you get more out of clothing when it is a few sizes larger than you, it allows you to get creative and show your true sense of style,” Dixon revealed.
Recently, she had the opportunity to style a client, and her quick thinking came into play when the zipper on the dress suddenly broke. Being a prepared stylist, she always carries safety pins, and skilfully used them to create an ‘X’ design at the back of the dress, saving the day, “It added an extra edge to the outfit honestly. I think it worked out much better that way.”
Listing Zara as one of her favourite ready-to-wear brands, and Louis Vuitton as one of her favourite luxury brands, she revealed that her style icon is Rihanna, “She is such a trendsetter. She is not afraid to wear anything and she is confident in everything she steps out in.”
She also made mention of the iconic Carrie Bradshaw character in the series, Sex in the City, “Even though she was a fictional character, to me, she was the epitome of expressing yourself in the way you dress and being creative.”
In her wardrobe essentials, Shea Dixon includes oversized men’s white button-down shirts, baggy jeans, Jordan 1s, neutral-coloured pieces, and dresses.
Her advice to aspiring fashionistas and stylists is to start with what makes you feel comfortable, then slowly include pieces you would not normally wear.
“The key is to experiment. As long as you feel comfortable and confident, it doesn’t matter what anybody else thinks. You may not have 10,000 followers or get 500 likes but people are watching and they will give you the recognition you deserve so just continue showing up.”