Fashion and style are powerful yet extremely underrated tools for self-expression. Even though we might say that fashion is superficial, clothes make a huge impact on how we feel and the impression we leave on others. On top of that, we wear them every day.
Despite that, I often see women lose themselves in social expectations and other people’s opinions and advice when it comes to style. This leaves no room for authentic self-expression. And we often end up feeling less than we are. And sometimes, all it takes to make us feel better is to change the outfit.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to re-assess your style by analyzing your closet and shopping patterns. Before you start searching the stores and shopping guides for new wardrobe ideas, start with yourself. What makes you feel like the best and most powerful version of you? Once you answer these 7 simple questions, you’ll know what items to purchase and what items to leave at the store.
1. What pieces do I wear the most? Why?
Some pieces of clothing get worn more than the others. The clothes you most often wear (and wash) are probably the most functional pieces you feel good in. Pull those pieces out of your closet and analyze what do they have in common. This will most likely tell you what’s working for you.
2. What colours do I feel the best in?
If a colour dominates your closet, most likely this is your go-to colour. Does this colour make you feel the best and the most powerful you? If not, it’s time for a change.
Your palette should consist of neutrals, accents, patterns and prints you feel best in. Most of your clothes are going to be in neutral colours because these colours are easy to match with anything. You break the monotony of neutrals by adding accent colours, patterns and prints.
Accents should be your “power colours”. Choose colours and tones that match your personality. Is your palette bright or dark? Balanced or with a lot of contrast? Do you prefer gentle or strong tones? You don’t need every single colour in your closet. Pick a few that make you feel fabulous and adjust your wardrobe, so you have enough items in those colours.
3. What fabrics do I feel the best in?
Fabrics are a matter of feeling. Many synthetic fabrics, although they might look nice, feel dreadful on your skin. You should avoid itchy fabrics, the ones that make you sweat, irritate your skin or create any other kind of unpleasant sensation. The clothes you buy should be wearable. If you can’t spend a day in an outfit feeling lovely, it doesn’t belong in your closet. Think about the materials that your favourite pieces are made from. What fabrics do you enjoy wearing the entire day? The material the garment is made is probably the most important factor when it comes to comfort and feeling great.
4. How do I spend my time?
Your clothes should match your lifestyle. You should pick pieces that are appropriate for the activities you spend your time on. What situations do you need outfits for? Work, social situations, gym, outdoor activities, activities with children and/or pets where you’re likely to get dirty or torn? Visualize your best self being a part of those activities and think about what are you likely wearing. Then go manifest those (or better) pieces in your closet.
5. What pieces excite me?
Is there something that you always wanted to wear but never did because _________________ (add your favourite excuse)? If you find yourself completely nuts about a piece or look, it should have a special place in your closet. Just make sure that once you buy it, you will wear it.
Perhaps you like unusual hats, perhaps you want to try a vintage style dress, or perhaps you want to copy the look of your favourite celebrity. If it makes you excited, try it! And if you like it, keep it.
When you experiment with new pieces, start with one. If it can fit your lifestyle and you absolutely enjoy wearing it, buy more. If not, it’s not your “thing”. Have fun with the one you bought, but stop there. You don’t need clothes that you won’t enjoy wearing.
6. What pieces do I regularly buy?
What are the pieces you can’t live without? Good jeans? Comfortable shoes? Pencil skirt? Cotton shirts? White blouse? Trench coat?
If there is a piece of clothing that you always replace with the same or similar item every season, it is your core item. Core items are those that you always have in your wardrobe, no matter what trends are in. They are the most functional items in your closet. Always invest with extra care in your core items as they are your most important go-to pieces.
7. What rules I want to break?
If you aren’t happy with your current style, maybe it’s time to shake it up.
Fashion experts offer tips, but the truth is that fashion is rebellion. Follow tips you find helpful, but be free to bend the rules. After all, it’s about you, not what others say.
It’s okay to wear untrendy items, it’s okay to mismatch colours and styles, and it’s okay to stand out, as long as you feel good. Fashion is less about clothes and more about attitude. Clothes should express who you are. And sometimes they should get out of the way. (This is the reason I love all-black outfits. Black doesn’t distract and that it puts the spotlight on me.)
No matter how wild or how boring your style is, the important thing is whether you feel good about your self. Each and every item you have should make you feel empowered. What others say and whether they like it is not the thing to stress about.
If your closet is not filled with items that make you feel happy and radiant, you should do your best to purchase as much as these items as you can. This also includes getting rid of everything else. If you have a tight budget, replace your old items one by one.
Once your closet is filled only with items that you love and enjoy wearing, congratulations, you found your unique style! Finding your style is a process, and your style will evolve with time. You will for sure need to change accent colours and styles and you might want to indulge in new trends. Changes keep us feeling fresh. Knowing yourself and your preferences will help you easily navigate those changes while always feeling your best.
I hope you find these tips helpful.
What insights did you get by answering these questions? Share in the comments and feel free to share your style with other boss ladies for inspiration.
Love! ❤❤❤
Lady Boss Style Essentials 