Firstly, this isn't a blog to add any more New Years pressure. For those that have worked with me, pressure is the last thing I'm about. However I do want everyone this year to feel a little (or a lot) happier about themselves. You deserve that after the
rotten year we've all had. Maybe, like me, you've put on some lockdown lbs. That's fine and totally acceptable. Maybe you've embraced the home work outs and you're feeling mighty proud of yourself. That's also fine! And well done! Go you! I'm not going to write a cliched post about a 'New Year, New You.' What I do want to bring are some helpful pointers. We all like to feel our best and you'd be surprised at how much the clothes you wear can help with that. From knowing your own style to mindful dressing; these tips will hopefully help save you time and more importantly elevate your confidence.
Mindful dressing.
Think about your routine when you get ready in the morning. Are you a rusher? Is it a grab and go situation or do you carefully choose your outfit the night before? Opening your wardrobe and knowing what to wear can be one of the biggest challenges when it comes to styling. And we haven't put any clothes on yet! Yes
selecting your outfit the night before can save time. But what if we wake up and we're not feeling what we've chosen? Factors like the time of the month or not getting a good nights sleep can throw us off our style track.
My advice? Stay in bed 5 minutes longer. And purely have a moment to think about how you're feeling. How is your body feeling? Feeling bloated and fatigued? Go for comfort. Got a positive vibe about your day? Then reflect it! You can still dress for your mood and be stylish. Remember those mood enhancers which you add to an outfit are vital for lifting a look and giving you a boost in confidence. Checking in on your mood is vital for a good style day. Your clothing needs to be deliberate.
TIP: If you're short on time in the morning and you like feeling prepared in what to wear then there's no problem with that. Why not pick two choices out (physically or in your mind) - then in the morning you can assess which one you feel like wearing.
Avoid decision fatigue
This is something most of us have had over the years. Me included. Now I'm mindful of how I'm dressing it rarely happens. Mindful dressing will help eliminate 'decision fatigue.' Do you ever feel exhausted with getting ready in the mornings? You haven't even started your day and already you feel overwhelmed. Having too much choice in our wardrobe, feeling overwhelmed and not knowing what to wear is something called decision fatigue. We all know the saying 'I've got nothing to wear,' (as you look at a wardrobe full of clothes.) That's usually because you have TOO much choice and TOO much to wear. Having a wardrobe that's been detoxed will clear space not only in your closet but in your mind. This is why so many people yearn for a capsule wardrobe. Because it will help heighten style choices and so dissolve their decision fatigue.
(If you'd like to know more about how I can help with a wardrobe detox then why not book in a chat with me?)
Wear clothes that actually make you happy.
So how can we avoid decision fatigue and feel positive about the clothes in our wardrobe? Sounds simple but wear clothes that actually make you happy! Your clothes which amplify your mood will help you create some of your best work. Take time to look at each piece and think to yourself ' how does this make me feel?' 'Do I like myself when I wear it?' Maybe you like it but are limited by what it can be worn with. The benefit of having a wardrobe detox by a professional allows us to discuss how pieces you still love can be brought back to life. If you love wearing it but feel it limits you don't throw it out! Your clothes need to make you feel happy. Maybe
it's a case of looking at it with different items to see how it can be more adaptable for your every day style.
Clients that have worked with me will say I always tell them 'Your wardrobe should be like the VIP area. It has to earn it's place. ' Items that have be purchased on a whim while browsing and still have the tag in don't serve a purpose in this exclusive club. If you love it you would have worn it already. Don't say you're saving it for best. Clothes need to be worn. Not saved.
Beware of browsing. Shop consciously.
When I visit a client, I love hearing about the clothes that are telling me a story.
'Oh I love this jumper because it makes me feel special when I wear it.'
'I picked this up from a vintage online store as I was missing a bit of fun in my style. It makes me feel confident when I wear it. I wear it whenever I'm out with the girls and I always have the best nights because I'm feeling confident when I wear it.'
Very rarely do I hear:
'Oh I love this top I picked up from Tesco when I was out to get the milk and bread. It's just what I was looking for in my wardrobe.'
But often I do hear
' Oh I picked this up when I was getting the milk and bread from Tesco and I never wear it. It's still got the price tag in.'
If this sounds familiar then you could be guilty of unconscious shopping. I see and hear so many women do it on a daily basis. Take the fitting rooms for instance:
'I don't know what to wear it with but I think I should get it. It's a good price.'
We can be so lead by the price of something that we can forget what we've come shopping for in the first place. Conscious shopping starts with knowing why you're going shopping and what it is you're going shopping for. Remember ask yourself 'do I need it or do I want it?' If you shop mindfully you'll be aware of what it is your wardrobe is missing. Don't get distracted by sales and online fast fashion sites.
THE THREE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF WHEN SHOPPING:
'How can I wear this item three different ways?' '
'Is it worth being in my VIP wardrobe?'
'Is it something my wardrobe actually needs or is it something I want?'
Appreciate trends but remember your style.
It takes willpower at times not to be drawn into trends. The message 'being on trend' is everywhere. In magazines, on social media ads, there seems to be an abundance of chunky Balenciaga trainer look a likes on so many 'fashion influencers' feeds. Now
don't get me wrong, I can sit in the bath, read vogue and appreciate the trends - I even post about them. And sure I'll probably do a post about the trends for SS21. But does it mean you NEED to by these things? No. Ask yourself ' Does this go with my style?' And most importantly 'Will I still want to wear this in 2 years time?'' Just because you see something on people over and over again doesn't mean it belongs in your wardrobe. Appreciate the trends but value your own style more.
If you don't yet know your style then that's fine. If you feel like you want to experiment with colour then start small. Look at accessories. A bag, a shoe , some statement earrings. All of these will help lift an outfit. Remember those mood enhancers? If you've had a mindful morning and you've opted for comfort as your outfit of choice then throwing something bold into the mix will help lift not only your outfit but your mood.
Remember the goal.
Fashion is a trillion pound industry. It wants you to buy things. Retailers, stylists, magazines want you to buy things. Most people hate shopping because they feel overwhelmed. Maybe you don't know where to start when it comes to your wardrobe and style. I always encourage doing your research first. Pinterest is a great tool for looking at style inspiration. Create your own board either either in the app or save it on your phone. From this you can build your wardrobe gradually. You can look at items you already have in your wardrobe. Spend time thinking about how they make you feel and how you can reinvent them with some key pieces.
Most importantly...be kind to yourself.
If styling were easy then I would be out of a job so please be kind to yourself when it comes to creating a wardrobe you love and clothes which make you feel happy when you wear them. It can take some women and men years to change shopping habits. This may be habits that you've perhaps seen from a parent which you've carried forward into your adult life. Even if you try one of these tips you'll be making your style journey a little easier to navigate. And as you work on your conscious shopping each and EVERY time you online shop or step into a store you'll not only be saving yourself money but you'll be creating a wardrobe that you'll truly love.
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