It’s definitely a positive and healthy way of looking at things – and one recommended by stylist Naina Singla, too.

Speaking to Bustle, Singla says: “Definitely don’t panic if you show up and someone else has the same outfit — in fact, if nobody says anything I would just ignore and avoid it.

“If you run into the other person wearing it, I would suggest a nice compliment like ‘you have great style!’ or ‘Love your dress.’”

Of course, things are understandably different when it comes to chronic copycats: as Ludwig points out, it can feel like a “betrayal” when someone you know personally copies your look.

The psychotherapist asks us to remember, though, that “when someone copies you, it’s always a form of flattery” and many people “go through phases on the way to developing their own sense of who they are and who they want to be.”

If the copycat phase lasts too long, though, or you feel it’s jeopardising your friendship, then it’s OK to point out your observations to them. Just be aware, says Ludwig, that they may be having a “hard time trusting their own instincts” – so always begin with a calm conversation, making sure to point out what you like about their own personal style, and go from there.

And remember that the aim is to boost their confidence, not put them on the defensive.

Images: Getty

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