What Even is My Style Anymore?

After writing my reflections about fashion versus style, I began thinking about something many women, including myself, quietly struggle with: “What even is my style anymore?”

After decades of dressing for work, motherhood, practicality, comfort, body changes, or simply trying not to stand out, many of us lose touch with what genuinely feels like us.

But perhaps the answer is already hanging in our closets.

Here we go. Call to action. Are you willing?

Step 1. Pull Out Your Favorite Pieces

Not the expensive ones. Not the aspirational ones. And definitely not the “someday when I lose 10 lbs.” pieces.

Nope. I am talking your real go-tos, your favorites, your dailies.

Ya know the ones:

• The pieces you reach for and actually wear repeatedly.
• The ones that make you feel fabulous.
• The ones that make you feel energized.
• The pieces that shout out, “This is the authentic me.”
• The special pieces you stand taller in.

Step 2. Look For Patterns

This becomes fun and insightful. Try asking yourself these questions as you root around and through your accumulated but rarely worn pieces.

• Do you gravitate toward structure or softness?
• Simple or artistic?
• Neutral or colorful?
• Relaxed or polished?
• Bold jewelry or minimal?
• Flowing or tailored?
• Sneakers or boots?
• Denim or linen?

Guess what? Your style is hiding in the repetition.

Step 3. Identify Feeling Words

Instead of “What should I wear?” dare to ask, “How do I want to feel?”

• Confident
• Creative
• Grounded
• Playful
• Elegant
• Rebellious
• Vibrant
• Relaxed
• Artistic
• Effortless

Step 4. Notice What No Longer Fits Your Identity

Think about:

• Guilt clothing
• Fantasy clothing
• Outdated identities
• Clothes purchased for another version of ourselves

Sometimes the hardest part of discovering our style is admitting we have outgrown or aged out of parts of ourselves.

Step 5. Build Around Alignment, Not Rules

Here you will discover your signature philosophy. Own the following:

• No rigid style system.
• No “women over 60 should or should not.”
• Instead embrace authenticity, energy, comfort, expression, joy, and visibility.

Soooooooooo, personal style is not something we create from scratch. It is something we uncover by paying attention to what already makes us feel alive.

One favorite piece at a time.

Perhaps our favorite pieces have been trying to tell us something all along.

Suz