It’s always so amazing to see somebody find their personal style, and the look on their face when they see themselves in a stylish outfit for the first time.
There’s this big, huge smile, and usually a lot of squeals and laughter. It’s something seen here time and time again, in many closets and wardrobes.
Fashion and style often get a negative, frivolous connotation. That putting time and effort into what we wear is silly, or superficial.
Certainly, some people are that way about it. Some put a higher priority on clothes, shoes and accessories, some feel it’s a badge of status or value. But it doesn’t change that everybody needs to get dressed in something everyday, and there’s an extra, real power when it’s in something that makes you feel incredible.
Our lives and bodies change throughout life, and at every stage it can be a challenge to figure out what works and what doesn’t. Don’t assume that just because someone’s young that it automatically falls into place. We all have body types and shapes. It can be just as hard to know what to wear, and find what fits well, for everyone.
But, it’s worth at least a small effort and investment regardless of what age or place in life you’re at. A great wardrobe that meets your needs, fits you well and fits what you need to get dressed for everyday is a powerful tool to making you look and feel good. It also makes it easier to get ready and out the door. We’ve seen it time and time again, in many closets here.
Some people assume they don’t have style, or aren’t stylish. But that’s entirely untrue. We’ve seen women (and men!) who struggled with dressing for years — often in tears about how their bodies don’t fit into clothes properly, how they can’t find what they need to feel comfortable. Yet with a little guidance, a little understanding of how to dress and shop for their body type, and help finding the items they need, they’re utterly transformed.
Today, those same people shop and style themselves, and are loving every minute of it. They’re dialed into their own personal style, what they need, love and want to wear. They’re more confident, they love themselves a little more. They feel powerful and strong when they go to meetings, or events.
The transformation is truly incredible. If you’re thinking about how you’d like to revamp your style, or just trying to figure out how to dress for your life and body today, here are a few tips to help:
It’s The Clothes, Not Your Body
Fashion items are cut for the most common body types out of sheer business metrics. It has nothing to do with your body being wrong, or unattractive. It’s just that the largest pool of body types is the one that brands and designers tend to create for. It’s all about sales.
But rest assured, there are brands and designers that will work for you. Your mission is to find them. It all begins with understanding your body type. Take a minute to think about yours — the length of your arms, legs and torso. Where you put weight on if you’re carrying any extra. What about your overall shape, etc.
There are a lot of resources online about finding your body type, including charts that can help. Do a quick search and get to know your body. It’s unique, one of a kind and special.
What’s Your Lifestyle? What Do You Dress For The Most?
All too often, we buy things on autopilot. We don’t think about what we actually need to wear, or what we need to wear a lot of. Instead, it’s just a grab-and-go. Avoid this! Spend a little time asking yourself what you do everyday that you have to dress for the most.
If that’s chasing a toddler while working from home, you’ll likely need durable, comfortable basic items that allow you to move around and endure. If it’s to hustle to and from meetings and an office, you need to put most of your time and investment into work appropriate attire that can withstand long wear, weather and climate conditions, and still look sharp and good.
Find What You Like To Wear, And The Look You Want To Have
A lot of what we like to wear is wired when we’re small children. If your mom put you in cozy rompers and playsuits as a baby, chances are you’re going to reach for what’s comfortable and easy to wear as an adult. Just the same, if you were a girly girl as a child, you’re probably one as an adult. There is no real wrong style, or wrong way to dress — as long as it’s appropriate for whatever you’re doing, and fits well. So take a little time and think about what you actually like to wear. What you reach for the most, or feel drawn to. That’s the first part of your stylish equation.
Next, think about how you want to look. It is entirely different and varies from everyone — as it should! Your unique taste and style should be drawn out, fed, celebrated and enjoyed. If you love how brightly colored items look, or lots of frills and detail, take note. Or if you prefer to look polished, stylish, cool, whatever. Anything can work.
Draw from outside inspiration if you’re not sure, or need to learn what appeals to you — take a walk around the mall and see what leaps out at you. Or grab a stack of fashion magazines and tear out the pages of looks you like. You can also look online, check out celebrities to get a sense. Just be sure to take some time to get acquainted with your personal taste whatever way works for you to do so.
Don’t get discouraged if it takes a little time! And most of all — have fun! You’re an entirely unique, one of a kind being. There was no other like you in the past, and there won’t be anyone like you in the future. Draw whatever that is to you and in you. You’re an original article.
Condiment offers personal style concierge services. You can learn about it here.
Originally published at medium.com