Have you ever found yourself standing in front of your closet, feeling overwhelmed and uninspired? You're not alone. Many women face the challenge of finding outfits that make them feel confident and expressive. One recent story from a client beautifully illustrates this common struggle and offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to refine their personal style.
The Journey of Self-Discovery
"I have to confess I became dubious of your personality quiz halfway through because none of the images captured an outfit I would actually want to wear," she admitted. "But then the summary was spot on. I've always wanted to express my individuality in what I wear."
Her initial scepticism transformed into a revelation. The quiz identified her as a "Creative," a style personality that thrives on individuality and innovation. Despite her doubts, the summary resonated deeply, highlighting the importance of self-expression in her fashion choices.
What needs to be remembered when looking at the images is that they are just one expression from the possible millions of outfit options and combinations. They may not be your style, but if you look past the outfit to the concepts behind them you will discover what works for your personality.
The Struggle with Fit and Silhouettes
Like many of us, she faced the challenge of balancing the silhouettes she loved with those that flattered her body shape. "The challenge I face is fit," she explained. "It's a combination of finding that happy medium between the silhouettes that I'm drawn to and the ones that are flattering on my body shape."
After years of sewing, she had begun to narrow down the necessary alterations but still found it a struggle to pull out items from her closet that made her feel great. This struggle is familiar to many of us, especially those over 40 who want to maintain a stylish yet authentic look. Manufacturers just aren't making clothes that fit us well (and that's because it's cheaper not to, and fashion retail is all about you being dissatisfied with what you own so you'll keep coming back for more).
The Power of a Colour Palette
Her journey took a positive turn after a colour consultation. "I feel confident that this palette of swatches will help me choose the right colours," she shared. She realized that bold prints and colours she was drawn to often didn't make her feel great because they were fighting against her natural colouring.
One of the biggest revelations was the importance of a cohesive colour palette. When your closet contains every colour under the sun, it becomes difficult to mix and match items. A well-curated wardrobe based on a personalised colour palette ensures that the colours work together harmoniously, making it easier to create outfits that you love.
Plus the additional compliments you get when wearing your colours can really brighten your day. I notice every time I'm out and about and people comment on how much they love the colours I'm wearing and how well they work for me, it always lifts my spirits!
Embracing Your Body Shape
Understanding what suits your silhouette is crucial. Whether you have a straighter shape or a curvier, more defined waist, choosing clothes that harmonize with your body shape can transform your confidence. If you've got a straighter shape, then you're wanting straighter clothes. If you've got a curvier, more waisted shape, then you're wanting curvier, more waisted clothes.
This insight led her to a significant mindset shift. She realized that while she loved certain styles, they didn't necessarily love her back. By embracing clothes that suited her shape, she started feeling much better about herself.
I was the same, I spent years trying to wear fit and flare and waisted shape garments because that's what I loved the look of, yet after I learned about my shape and what really worked for my body, I realised just how much better I looked and felt in clothes that are in harmony with my shape rather than trying to fight against it!
The Value of a Style Education
A style education can be life-changing. Understanding the principles of coordination, such as balancing volume and refining proportions, makes putting together outfits much easier. When you know what works for you, you no longer have to try on countless garments before finding the right combination.
For example, for me as an H shape, I'm better with a more fitted/straight bottom with a more voluminous top.
Whilst if you are an A or X shape you'll be better in a top that defines your waist and a more voluminous bottom.
One of the things you could do is to look at your favourite outfits and notice what makes them work. By identifying the elements that create a cohesive look, you can apply those principles to other outfits, making the process of getting dressed more effortless and enjoyable.
Your Path to Effortless Style - Next Action Steps
So, what's the takeaway from this journey of self-discovery? Here are some actionable steps to help you refine your personal style and create a wardrobe that makes you feel confident and happy:
Discover Your Style Personality: Understanding your style personality can provide valuable insights into the types of clothes that resonate with you. What's your personality type combination? Are you a Creative, Classic, Dramatic, or another combination personality types? Knowing this can guide your fashion choices.
Curate a Colour Palette: Work with a colour consultant to identify a colour palette that complements your natural colouring. This will make it easier to create outfits that look harmonious and make you feel great. Over time your wardrobe will come to resemble your palette which makes creating more outfits from fewer garments easier and faster.
Embrace Your Body Shape: Learn what silhouettes work best for your body shape. This might involve some experimentation if you're stuck between deciding between two different shapes, but once you find the right silhouette, it will transform your confidence.
Invest in a Style Education: Understanding the principles of coordination, such as balancing volume and refining proportions, can make a significant difference in how you put together outfits. Consider taking a 7 Steps to Style, my comprehensive style program to gain this knowledge.
Reflect on Your Favorites: Analyze your favourite outfits and identify what makes them work. Apply those principles to other outfits to create a cohesive and stylish wardrobe.
By following these steps, you can transform your approach to fashion and create a closet full of clothes that you love and that love you back. Remember, style is not about following trends or fitting into a mold. It's about expressing your unique personality and feeling confident in what you wear.
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