As I have progressed through maturity, I have found my style has been ever-fluctuating. As I reach a more “mature” adulthood, I am finding my previous shopping tactics to be lacking. Currently, as I become surer of who I am as a woman, I am looking for a personal style that will reflect that confidence and stability. In my early 20s, my personality was evolving constantly, so my style was as well. Now, in my early 30s, I want my style to be wholly me.
When I get dressed in the mornings, I want the world to know that I am ready for it. I want my clothing to feel like it is a part of me. Most importantly, I want to feel confident and secure in every outfit I wear. Shopping for “me” has always been a huge problem when finding my style. I never knew where to go, and when I got into a store, I felt overwhelmed and would panic shop.
Shopping for clothes doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. If you are like me and love to plan, here is the shopping plan I created to help the process go smoothly.
Find YOUR Style
If you are ready for a complete overhaul, it can be a lot to know where to start. I found it helpful to create a Pinterest board. You can use other social media platforms, such as Instagram, as well.
While using outside inspiration is helpful, it can be equally helpful to go through your closet. Purging your closet can be a helpful step in making space for your new items, but also deciding what pieces you already have that bring you that sense of self. As you go through your closet, you might already have items that are distinctly you. You can use those pieces as a starting point.
When making your style guide, keep in mind-body shape, and practicality. If your work requires a more formal work attire, don’t plan on finding a casual work look. You want to make sure your style can be moved through all aspects of your daily life with ease.
Plan YOUR Style
Before I even step foot in a store, I like to take inventory of what pieces I need. If I feel like I need a new pair of pants, I start with that. Think about it like making a grocery shopping list. If I know I need something, I put it on the list and do some style research. Be specific with your needs. I don’t want to go into the store with “pants” on the list because I will wander around stressed about whether I want jeans, leggings, slacks, or joggers.
Once I know exactly what item I am looking for, I go to my style guide or Pinterest board. Make sure when you are researching, you don’t get hung up on super trendy items. While it is geared toward college students, I found an article that covers some good research ideas here. While some trendy items may be a part of your overall aesthetic, it might be just a passing phase that in a few months you regret. Each item in your closet should be there to last.
When you find looks that you like, deconstruct them and decide what pieces will work with your body type, skin tone, and overall style. You don’t want to copy a look exactly from the magazine or influencer, make it your own. If you don’t like carrying purses, don’t buy the purse. If you only wear necklaces, don’t try and put on a bunch of rings. Think of these looks as a basis or idea, and then make it your own by adding what you like, and subtracting what you don’t.
Find YOUR Shop
You want to find a shop that is accessible, friendly, and within your budget. There is no point in walking into a store and not being able to purchase anything. It will add to the stress if the shop you frequent has insincere staff or lack of service. When you walk into your shop, you want it to be a comfortable experience.
Looking for the right shop isn’t as easy as walking in and liking what you see. You want to find a boutique that appeals to your style, but also who you are as a person. I also find it helpful to find a shop that I know has a purpose similar to mine. Find a shop that has an “about me” section, like this clothing boutique shop, that resonates with who you are. While it may seem silly, the place you buy your clothes can have a direct impact on how you view yourself. If you don’t feel at home in the shop, you won’t feel at home in the clothes.
If you can find a shop that shares a similar identity as you, finding your specific pieces will be easier. Some shops don’t have an identity themselves, so their pieces won’t either. Find a shop with an identity. This will help keep you focused on the items you know you will love and want to wear.
Be Yourself
Wearing the clothes, you have personally picked out can be a great experience. When you look in your closet and find only items that make you feel like yourself, starting the day will be easier and more exciting. The best part about finding your style is the ability to pick an outfit out with confidence.
When you have found that personal style, each item in your closet will feel like it was designed just for you, and that confidence will rub off in other aspects of your life. Fine-tuning and finding your style may feel overwhelming at first but creating your unique look will help you create a more effective “you” in all aspects of your life. Being confident in your clothes is an important factor in feeling confident in yourself.
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