Your Personal Style

Picture women of every age, size, shape, and color and talk about clothes that people like us-without scads of money-could buy. We’re also the kind of people who wouldn’t spend a thousand dollars on a purse even if we could afford it. Its not that we don’t appreciate the beauty of high fashion, but our whole philosophy is do-it-yourself. If we love that Marc Jacobs we might make a cheaper version or find it at a thrift store.

No matter what your shape, career, and budget and what other people say about how you should look, you can be yourself. Find your comfort zone and maybe stretch it a little for your one-of-a-kind-strengths, and work that look. Forget those rules about hiding “flaws.” because that kind of logic is flawed. Stop being self conscious and show the world what you are working with. If lifting barbells or babies has given you powerful arms-show them off. If you run around a lot and have strong legs-work that skirt.

Your most prevalent fashion question is; do your clothes match your life style? Start by comparing your wardrobe and your life style. Take a photo of yourself as you are right now; regular hair, regular make-up, everyday hair, and put it away in a style file as a point of reference.

Think through a day, a week, a year in terms of where you actually spend your time. Do you work at home, the office, enjoy opera, hiking, dating, or ferry kids around to activities? Write down your major activities.

Check your closet to make sure you have clothes to match each activity that feels good and fits. A good fit is one that follows the curves of your body without swamping you with extra fabric, but isn’t so tight that you fear the seams might pop out at any extra movement. Note which activities aren’t reflected in your closet. List the items you need to match those activities. Add this to your style file.

Now is time to explore your fashion fantasies. Changing your personal style can be scary, but it is also fun. Its time to consider the possibilities. You probably already know of several people whose fashion style you admire. Take a good look at those mentors the next time you see them. Make a note in your style file about what you like in particular. Look through a few fashion magazines. See what catches your eye. Try to isolate the elements that make a look work. By the time you’re done you should have a style file full of ideas to try on for size.

Now it’s time to go through your closet. With each item, ask yourself; if you had to pay for the item again, would you? Then take action accordingly. If yes take a good look at it and note in your style file what you like about the item; the color, the fabric, the way it drapes-these will be your personal dos. Move these items to the front of your closet so you can reach them easily. If not put the item in a big box or bag. Be sure to note what you didn’t like so you won’t make the same mistake twice.

Now you have your clothes sorted and know what to leave in your closet. You can donate the rest to a Thrift Store, have a yard sale, or a swap party with your friends.