Burnout in Style: My Journey Through Sneakers, Fashion, and Sensory Self-Care

How Sneaker head and streetwear lover Steph Manages Burnout with Safe Fits and Sensory-Friendly Fashion

Yo, I’m Steph, better known as @stephm8 on IG, sharing my combination of love and passion for fashion, sneakers and photography. I’m at the forefront of the sneaker community, advocating for the Asian community. I've worked with names such as Nike, Footpatrol and Offspring. My articles will provide inspiration, tips & tricks, sneaker lingo and my experience as a neurodivergent, late diagnosed Autistic at age 23.

stephm8

A post shared by @stephm8

This edition’s theme is burnout, I’ll be sharing how this affects me and reflects through my style, as well as sharing some easy tips to keep you looking stylish during it. 

---

Most days, I plan out my outfit the night before and lay everything out, so I’m not panicking on the day, to prevent anxiety and a meltdown if I can’t find a certain piece I want to wear. I dress bottom up, starting with the sneakers, unless there's a specific piece I have in mind. Adding textures, colours and accessories to add depth to elevate the outfit. As well as experimenting with various styles and new garments; I’m constantly evolving my style. 

However, when I’m burnt out, I’m drained with heightened senses, paired with low mood and energy, resulting in a change of routine and style, signalling a warning. My biggest indicator that I’m heading into burnout and low mood is how I feel about planning my outfits. Usually it fills me with joy and excitement, instead I’m flooded with dread and anxiety, no longer planning my fits. I turn to my ‘safe fits’. 

Safe Fits

Routine is an important factor of my life as a neurodivergent. However, sometimes it’s difficult to achieve when burnt out and feeling low. Instead of trying to carry it out, I substitute it for a simpler one. My style switches to a minimalistic approach putting my sensory needs first. Here’s a breakdown of what my safe fits consists of:

Colours 

My colour palette changes to dark tones, such as black, navy and grey. I gravitate toward these because they are easy colours to match, when I don’t have the energy to put a fit together. Also, I don’t like wearing bright colours when I’m not feeling myself, as my self-esteem and confidence is lower than usual and prefer to blend in with the crowd. I wear various dark shades to break up the fit. My go-to during burnout is triple black, it looks clean and sleek with minimum effort. If I do wear a pop of colour, it’s colours like red, blue and earth tones etc. My favourite combination is red & black. 

Jackets 

My biggest factor when picking a jacket to wear is that it’s warm and weatherproof, especially in the colder seasons, because the uncertainty of the weather gives me anxiety, as well as being hypersensitive to temperature during burnout feeling the cold a lot more. I try to select a jacket that compliments or is a statement piece to enhance the outfit. For example, graphic prints and patterns. Also, subtle colours that match with the kicks.

Hoodies & Crewnecks

During the colder seasons, a hoodie is an essential in building my safe fits. I usually wear single colours that are plain or small print with a logo to add depth. My favourite I have is a black Jordan hoodie, it’s heavy, soft touch and fits nicely. Most of the time I have my hood up during burnout, because it feels cosy and becomes a safe space, providing me comfort in social situations. If a hoodie can’t be worn due to dress codes, I lean towards plain crewnecks, still following the minimalist approach. 

Accessories 

Accessories are a must in creating my safe fits, because they help me manage and achieve my sensory needs. These consist of: caps and sunglasses to help with the light sensitivity and eye contact. Loop earplugs to filter out the noise during social situations. A watch for time management. Rings and fidget toys to stim with. And a bag to carry it all. Each accessory plays a part in managing my sensory overload, especially during burnout. 

Pants

What pants I decide to wear follow the same rules as the other items. I lean towards cargos due to the multiple zipped pockets, making sure all my items are secure, as I tend to misplace things as a symptom of burnout. 

Sneakers

The sneakers usually dictate the direction of my outfit. However when putting together my safe fits, the priority isn’t always there. I gravitate towards my go-to pairs, ones I’ve worn before, due to the comfort and familiarity, which usually are black and dark in colour, unless I’m matching the colourway with a piece of garment. 

Comfortability is the main objective for my outfits when I’m in burnout because I’m overstimulated, experiencing sensory overload. Due to this, my tolerance to materials and fabrics can vary. For example, I have started wearing relaxed jeans, however the material can feel too rough at times, so I turn to an alternative. I try to avoid wearing knitwear and anything with a label at the back, as well as down to what socks I wear during burnout. 

Steph’s Top Tips

1. Wear pieces that you are comfortable in. This could be your favourite item or brand. By wearing this piece you are bringing familiarity and comfort, making it your safe fit. Your sensory needs come first. 

2. Pick any colour you love and can be yourself in. I tend to pick colours that reflect my mood, as a way of expressing how I feel. Neutral colours are easier to match. 

3. Have a simpler routine to switch to, so it doesn’t cause additional stress and anxiety during burnout. This then becomes a safety plan for your outfits when you aren’t feeling like yourself. 

4. Use accessories to your advantage to both elevate your style and outfits and to help manage your hypersensitivities and sensory needs. 

5. Get a second opinion. Ask friends and family to help you out. This then helps with the decision making, which can be harder at times and boost self-confidence in what you wear.