Finding Your Fashion Flair After a Style Hiatus

Have you ever found yourself gazing into your closet, surrounded by clothes that don't quite feel like you?

Your wardrobe is boring or it feels like it's from another lifetime?

Do you yearn to recapture the spark of your personal style that seems to have dimmed over time?

If you're nodding along, feeling like your fashion mojo has taken an extended vacation, you're not alone. It's time to reignite the flame and embark on a journey to embrace your midlife uniqueness and revitalize your fashion sense.

Unveiling Your Authentic Style

Let's address the concern that's probably been echoing in your mind - the feeling of losing your style amidst the whirlwind of life changes. Whether it's embracing the comfort of casual wear after having kids or the daily uniform of scrubs as a theater nurse, these shifts can sometimes make us feel like our once-vibrant style has been tucked away in a forgotten corner.

It's time to redefine your style compass. Start by asking yourself: Who am I today? Our personalities evolve as we navigate different phases of life, and your style should reflect this journey. What once may have worked, may not be you anymore. It's OK to let those clothes go as you make space for the woman you are today and the one you're growing into.

Embrace your body - its changes and its midlife uniqueness - and recognize that the skin you're in is a beautiful testament to the life you've lived. Times such as having kids and menopause are two that often change your body shape and what fits. Styles that worked in the past may no longer be the ones that make you feel most flattered. This is where doing a reassessment and figuring out what works now is so important.

Exploring your style is akin to embarking on a journey of self-discovery. For more insights on this fascinating journey, you can read my piece Style Is a Journey, Not a Destination: 7 Ways to Define Your Personal Style

Embrace Your Current Uniqueness

Our style isn't limited to a single snapshot in time; it's a dynamic representation of who you are today. Remember, dressing in a way that you feel is appropriate for you and who you are today definitely doesn't mean dull or frumpy. The idea of "mutton dressed as lamb" is an outdated notion that no longer applies in the modern fashion landscape.

Dispelling this myth empowers you to explore a spectrum of options that align with your comfort level, body, and personality. So, no more fearing the latest trends or feeling like you have to don a specific style to fit in. Your style journey is about finding pieces that enhance your unique beauty and project the confidence you possess.

Whether you've had kids, changed jobs, or industries, moved to a different climate or location, or retired, all these life changes can mean wardrobe changes are necessary as you work out work out who you are today and what you need in your wardrobe to support this current version of you.

It could be that something has piqued your interest that you've never thought of before and you want to try it. Finding Your Fashion Flair After a Style Hiatus

Something I discovered in the past year is the Japanese art of mending - called Sashiko and Boro and have spent time having fun decoratively mending jeans like the ones above.

I've also spent time remaking existing items in my wardrobe that I wasn't wearing because I felt that they were too exposing or unflattering in some way for the body I have today. I loved the fabric but didn't like the style of dress so changed it. We renovate houses yet rarely think we can renovate clothing (or that it's not worth the expense or hassle) but if there is something you love about the garment and it's in good condition, it's much better to renovate than to turn it into landfill.

Experimentation: Your Path to Revitalization

The key to recapturing your style essence lies in experimentation. It's time to venture out of your comfort zone and rekindle your excitement for fashion. Begin with small steps - visit stores, try on different pieces, and embrace the mirror as your ally. Snap photos of yourself wearing different outfits, not for immediate purchases, but for reflection and evaluation.

Reflect on these images later, noticing what resonates with you. Do certain colors make you feel invigorated? Are there specific silhouettes that enhance your confidence? This is where personal anecdotes come into play.

Just like I discovered that certain styles flatter my body shape, you too can find those magical pieces that make you feel extraordinary.

Knowledge really is power when it comes to finding your style. The more you know the easier those choices become and the less frustrating and stressful time in the changing room is, as you only take what has some chance of working in there, instead of aimlessly picking up garments that you have no idea if they are going to work for you or not, or picking up clones of what you already own (and may bore you to death).

Redefining Your Style Vision

As you navigate this journey, consider enrolling in courses like "Visualize Your Style." This invaluable resource offers step-by-step guidance to refine your style and identify what truly resonates with your present self. Think of it as a treasure map guiding you to rediscover your unique aesthetic.

Remember, style is a personal expression, and there's no one-size-fits-all formula. Your style should echo your inner vibrancy, reflect your aspirations, and pay homage to your life's chapters. Think of it as curating a wardrobe that tells your story, speaks volumes about your confidence, and celebrates the beautiful person you've become.