Style Mindset 3 Step Process
Updated: Dec 7, 2021
Having a style mindset will allow you to have the wardrobe of your dreams.
Follow these three simple steps, to create a personal style that aligns with who you are and fills you with joy every time you put it on.
Why do I need a style mindset?
A style mindset will help you create the wardrobe of your dreams.
Imagine waking up and going to get dressed with excitement.
Feeling great in what you are wearing all day.
Detaching from what other people think about you, and what you're wearing.
Loving shopping, loving your clothes, and loving yourself.
There are so many more reasons, but these are my favourite.
1. Knowing (Trial & Error)
"The first step to having a style mindset is knowing what you like and what you don't like, using your emotions as a guide."
This step is all about figuring out what you like, what you don't like, and why.
This step is really easy!
Go into your closet, and try on each piece of clothing you own.
Look at each piece on you in a mirror, and notice if you like it or don't like it.
If you're unsure, your emotions are going to be your best friend.
Your emotions are going to tell you if you really like it or not.
If you notice feelings of joy, excitement, or even comfort you'll know right away that regardless of societal norms, other people, or sometimes even your own critical judgement, that you really like it. When you notice those lovely feelings, acknowledge what it is about the piece that you like, this will help anchor all the good things you want in your wardrobe in your mind.
On the other hand, if you put something on and notice negative feelings like disgust, annoyance, frustration, or even comfort (the kind of comfort that doesn't actually feel like it's lending to your well-being, it's comfortable, but doesn't actually feel good). Consider why those feelings are coming up for you. What are you thinking about? Any negative thoughts you are having about your clothes or yourself in that moment will lend to that piece being undesirable to you to wear.
Noticing this is great for two reasons:
1. You now know why you aren't reaching for/wearing it and can decide if you want to change the way you think about it (ultimately changing the way you feel about it) in order to keep it.
OR if you don't want to place energy into changing your mind about it, and you know why you don't like it, you can let it go (donate it with ease).
Don't keep things that you don't love to wear. Keep the things that evoke powerful positive emotion within you, that's your whole self telling you that something is right for you.
2. Knowing what you don't like is important because it keeps you from spending anymore time, money, and energy on it. It doesn't mean you can never try things again, it just means you'll stop a negative cycle.
You'll return to this step many times as you and your wardrobe evolves, which is great because it means you and your wardrobe are expanding and evolving.
The first step to having a style mindset is knowing what you like and what you don't like, using your emotions as a guide.
2. Creating
The second step is about creating a wardrobe you love from a place of knowing (step one).
This means finding YOUR staples, and favourite things you actually love to wear, using the knowledge you have from step one.
This step requires some patience, because creating a wardrobe you love takes time. Certain things will click instantly, and some may take a while longer. Which is great because the process of creating your personal style is fun if you allow it to be!
For me when it comes to jeans, and dresses I know what I love, and what I want, and have no problem finding it. But it took me a very long time to find a denim jacket that I feel the same way about. And I am still on a journey to find the faux leather jacket I have imagined for myself after trying on many and not finding quite the right one.
This is why step 1 is so important, because now I know what I like and what I don't like, and if it's new to me I know how to tell if I actually like it for myself or not.
I don't need to beat myself up or get upset that I haven't found the right jacket yet, or get discouraged when I try another one on that isn't right for me, because I know that I want to create a wardrobe I love, and that I won't settle for any piece of clothing that I know deep down I won't love wearing.
The same goes for you if you're still looking for the right pair of jeans, or a dress you love to wear. Trying to create a wardrobe you love involves the mastering the first step, knowing what you like and don't like, and is how you get closer to finding the things you love.
Ever notice the thing you bought when you felt horrible probably doesn’t ever feel good to wear - and you don’t wear it?
The same goes for when you’re humming and ha-ing over whether you do like something or not - and then you don’t wear it, or second guess it every time you put it on.
Don’t buy these things! Don't create a wardrobe full of these things.
Focus on how you feel when you are shopping and trying on clothes and create a wardrobe full of things that you feel great about putting on.
The second step to having a style mindset is creating a wardrobe you love, by focusing on your knowledge of who you are, what you like, and how you feel when you shop, try on clothes, and get dressed.
3. Expand & Explore
Worrying about trends, and what you "should" be wearing every season is not worth your energy.
That's why step 3 is last and is all about expanding your style and having fun exploring trends.
You already have your own personal style foundation under you from step 1 and 2, and at this point beautiful thoughts and emotions are guiding you and your personal style, not brands, influencers, or even friends or family.
This step is all about you experiencing trends, and outfit creativity through your own lens; your very own personal style. It's about you playing and experimenting with what you love, and you being excited about seeing what else is out there for you to try.
You will still experience things that you don’t like, and things that don’t fit, but you'll know that those things allow you to appreciate all of the things that are working out for you. The things that don't fit and the things you don't like won't bother you as much, because you'll know you are simply having fun experimenting within your wardrobe.
Step 3 is all about you having mastered steps 1 and 2, and enjoying how your wardrobe expands as you change and try new things that at one point may have even been scary or unthinkable for you to try, but now excite you.
Personal style is yours, have fun and enjoy it!
THROUGH IT ALL, LOVE AND TRUST YOURSELF.