On a sunny afternoon, I sat down with Swati Rathi, the fashion influencer known for her unique take on modest style and sustainable fashion. We met at a cozy café, her relaxed and vibrant style blending seamlessly with her warm, approachable energy. As we started talking, Swati opened up about her journey in the fashion world, her inspirations, and her passion for staying true to her own sense of style.
Swati’s love for fashion began at an early age. She recalled spending countless hours experimenting with thrift finds and mixing different pieces to create fresh looks. What started as a personal hobby evolved into a social media presence that people instantly connected with, largely because of her authenticity. “Fashion was always my creative outlet,” she said. “It was my way of expressing who I was. I don’t just follow trends—I look for pieces with character, items that tell a story.” Over time, her personal, timeless approach to fashion garnered a loyal following, drawn to her emphasis on individuality and her resistance to fast, fleeting trends.
Staying true to herself while navigating an industry centered on what’s new has been a defining part of her journey. Swati explained that she doesn’t adopt trends just because they’re popular; she chooses only what aligns with her unique style. Known for her combination of modest fashion and traditional Indian wear, Swati brings bold colors, intricate embroidery, and fusion styles that keep her modern yet rooted in her cultural heritage. As she looks forward to upcoming trends in 2024, she’s particularly excited about sustainable fabrics and innovative styles that maintain tradition but with a modern flair.
When building a wardrobe, Swati believes in investing in a few versatile staples. Her top essentials include black trousers, a high-quality basic tee, and a pair of comfortable sneakers that can go with almost any outfit. Each piece, she explained, should be versatile enough to work across different occasions and, most importantly, reflect her personality. Her choices are always thoughtful, reflecting her commitment to mindful and sustainable fashion—a value she promotes within her social media content.
Swati’s creative process is driven by her love for authenticity. She explained that each post is crafted with a vision in mind, and she carefully styles each piece to reflect her genuine self. Rather than following what others are doing, she emphasized the importance of developing one’s own voice. “It’s tempting to copy,” she admitted, “but nothing is more powerful than finding your own way. That’s what people connect with.” She hopes to inspire others to find confidence by being genuine in their style and to focus on pieces that feel true to them.
A champion of sustainable fashion, Swati incorporates thrifted items and brands that align with her ethical beliefs, such as Virgio and House of Varda, into her wardrobe and haul videos. To her, sustainability isn’t just a trend but a lasting commitment to being more conscious about what we wear. Through her platform, she encourages her followers to make thoughtful choices and to see that fashion doesn’t have to come at the expense of ethics.
Swati Rathi ’s advice to aspiring creators is straightforward: “Confidence comes from being genuine.” For her, embracing her natural self, both in life and in fashion, has been the key to staying grounded. She believes that success lies in self-expression rather than fitting into anyone else’s expectations. As we wrapped up, it was clear that Swati Rathi is more than just a fashion influencer; she’s an advocate for individuality, conscious living, and the belief that true style is timeless.