When We Lose Our Identity Can Style Save You?
Sometimes in life, we run off course. We can even feel like we’ve lost our identity.
You see, our self-esteem is very much connected to our identity; who we are, how we feel, the image we project and how others see us.
In today’s blog post I’m exploring a simple, perhaps superficial way (according to some) to help improve the way you look and feel about yourself.
I’m discussing whether style can indeed save you – well – at least your momentary lapse in identity. Yes, it’s not forever.
Contrary to what they tell you, beginning on the outside can do wonders for your self esteem and confidence.
In my rewarding role as a personal fashion stylist, I’m met daily with people who have recognised they need help.
This is the first step and it’s certainly not a vanity thing.
Now my consultations are not all drab to fab makeovers and I don’t have an abundance of clients who greet me in tracksuits or who have no idea of style. Instead, it’s people from all walks of life who realise that for whatever reason, their appearance needs some assistance.
Becoming stuck with our identity is commonly linked to what life tends to throw at us.
For many it’s the challenges that come with weight loss/gain and for others it’s simply growing up or getting older and needing to find their style.
Post baby, many mothers feel a complete loss of identity – this is extremely common. And for others, they just genuinely haven’t discovered their personal style. They’re not sure where to shop or know what suits them.
Now I’ve been conducting style consultations for years and it never ceases to amaze me the confidence that someone exudes once they realise their style. It’s a light bulb moment and it’s wonderful to watch.
Like I said, it’s not full blown transformations, it can be the simplest thing: a pair of jeans that actually fits, a colour that brings their facial features to life or a beautiful accessory they’ve purchased just for them.
We live in such a materialistic, picture perfect world these days where our appearance really does matter.
Our faces are saturated online, employees are Google-ing interviewees, dating applications are completely visual and the seconds we have to make a first impression are dwindling.
It’s a mere seven seconds according to Forbes.
So how do you feel about the way you look? Or the way you may be perceived by others? E.g. Your manager and that possible promotion or perhaps even at home with your partner?
In my opinion, the smallest improvements can make big changes. Let’s look at five ways:
- A new hair cut/style
- Understanding how to dress for your shape
- Knowing what colours suit you
- Changing your make-up look
- Looking at what you like and being game enough to try it
Let’s tackle these:
- A new hair cut: When is the last time you actually changed your hairstyle? Think cut, colour, bangs/fringes or embracing your natural curl.
- Dressing for your particular body shape: How would that feel? Imagine actually knowing what cuts you should wear and feeling comfortable and confident while wearing them.
- Complementing colours : Do you wear white, red grey, black, black and black? There is an enormous colour palette out there, why limit yourself?
- Changing your make-up look: Are you still doing your eyes exactly as you did in high school?
- Looking at what you like and being game enough to try it: You love what you see on mannequins, on your friends and in the magazines, yet you continue to wear the same old thing. Brave it!
Yes, now it’s over to you. It’s this week’s challenge!
If you have read this post and anything has resonated with you, please do something about it.
I beg you not to accept that you’re not fashionable or “stylish enough, pretty enough, thin/curvy enough”.
You are more than enough. As I always say, “you have one life to live in this body!”
I’d also like to finish off with a beautiful quote from Anna Wintour:
Create your own style. Let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others.
Thoughts? Are you in an identify crisis or feeling that your appearance could do with an update? Perhaps you’ve had your own light bulb moment.
I know we’ve all been there so will be great to share our experiences.
