TRANSFORMING YOUR STYLE, BUSINESS AND LIFE: THE POWER OF INTENTIONAL FASHION CHOICES
By adopting a mindful and purposeful approach to your wardrobe, you can create a positive impact on your self-confidence, personal brand, and the environment.
Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by your personal style? You've probably stumbled upon countless articles claiming to have the ultimate solution to looking more expensive, upgrading your wardrobe instantly, or providing you with the top 5 tips for XYZ. While these tips may be helpful, I'm here to tell you that there's one thing that will make all the difference — being intentional with your style.
The idea of curating your wardrobe intentionally may sound appealing to many, especially if you've always wanted your closet to resemble a high-end boutique. Not to mention, being sustainable is a bonus that comes along with intentional dressing. However, being intentional goes far beyond just sustainability. Many people shy away from this idea because they believe that getting dressed should be a simple and straightforward task. After all, we've been doing it since we were kids, and our moms stopped tying our shoelaces. So we should know how to do it, right?
But for many of my clients, intentional dressing is a major pain point. They struggle with it because they see other people doing it so effortlessly and wonder why they can't seem to get it right. They ask themselves, "Why can't I look well-dressed and polished while feeling confident and comfortable?" And the truth is, most of us just haven’t taken the time to learn and build the skills, which in term will make it easy and effortless in the long run.
So today, I want to give you five tips to become more intentional with your wardrobe choices, which will ultimately help you to elevate your image and everything else in your life.
1. Learn more about yourself.
The first step of being more intentional with your wardrobe is to get to know yourself better. There is no shame in not knowing how to put together outfits that flatter your body type or fit your lifestyle — it's not something that comes naturally to everyone, and most of us have just never asked ourselves which colors we are naturally drawn to or what body parts we would like to enhance and why.
Learning more about ourselves is the best way to become more intentional with our style. In fact, I believe style to be one of the most effective self-discovery and self-development tools out there because it forces you to delve deep and build the woman you want to become.
This holds especially true for women in business and entrepreneurs who want their style to align with their personal brand and goals. Our style is linked to our mindset and performance and the impact we make. Numerous studies have proven this, so don't underestimate the power of enclothed cognition.
The good news is that style is a skill you can learn. The more you learn, the more clarity you'll gain, and the more informed purchases you can make to enhance your wardrobe and image. So, if your style doesn't make you feel fulfilled or energized, ask yourself, "What do I truly need? What do I want to express through my style?" Don't worry if the answers don’t come immediately. Contrary to what some YouTube videos might tell you, developing your signature style is a process that takes time, patience, and dedication.
2. Invest in the highest quality you can afford.
The second step in becoming more intentional with your style is to invest in high-quality clothing whenever possible, especially those made from natural fibers. While some fashion labels promote recycled polyester as sustainable, the truth is that it will eventually end up in a landfill and is not as environmentally friendly as they claim. On the other hand, natural fibers are the most sustainable option in fashion and offer a unique energy that can elevate your overall look.
Not only do natural fibers have a better fit and drape, but they also feel more comfortable on your body. When it comes time to retire your clothes (which will happen eventually), natural fibers will decompose more easily than synthetic fabrics. By opting for high-quality and natural fibers, you'll not only get more wear out of your clothes, but you'll also radiate a more elevated image.
Investing in quality pieces may require a higher upfront cost, but the longevity of the item and the elevated energy it brings makes it worth it in the long run. So, when you're making fashion choices, opt for natural fibers whenever possible and always choose the highest quality available within your budget.
3. Be mindful of impulsive purchases.
Becoming more intentional with your fashion choices requires being mindful of what triggers you to make purchases impulsively. We've all been there — seeing a great sale, being influenced by an influencer's discount link, or buying something just to make ourselves feel better. As humans, we have an innate desire to buy things, but it's important to make informed decisions that align with our goals, body type, and personal style.
While quick purchases may provide instant gratification, they often don't add long-term value to our wardrobes or help us elevate our image, impact, and income. Don't beat yourself up for making these purchases, as it's happened to all of us. Instead, take a moment to reflect on what might be triggering these impulses and consider whether each purchase truly aligns with your intentions and values. By being mindful of these triggers and making intentional choices, you can build a wardrobe that truly reflects who you are and supports your goals.
4. Get clear on your style vision.
To become truly intentional with your style, it's important to have a clear vision of where you want to go. Upgrading your style or even just cleaning out your closet without a clear idea of your end goal won't give you the results you desire. It's essential to set a specific goal so that you know which questions to ask yourself when making purchases. Otherwise, you might find yourself aimlessly shopping without any direction or purpose, which can lead to making purchases that don't serve you.
This links back to the previous tip about identifying the triggers that cause you to make unintentional purchases. By having a clear vision for your style, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions that align with your personal brand and goals.
5. Ask yourself if it creates the energy you desire.
The final step I want to share with you for becoming more intentional with your fashion choices is to ask yourself, "Does this outfit give me the energy I aspire to in my life?" Your clothing should make you feel energized, not just by choosing the right colors, but also by wearing outfits that make you feel comfortable, confident, and supported in your daily life. You might think this concept sounds a bit "woo-woo," but try observing how different outfits make you feel and the impact they have on the people around you. You'll see that different outfits can give off different vibes and energies. So, the next time you're deciding what to wear, ask yourself if it aligns with the energy you want to radiate.
Are you ready to create a Style Vision to help you guide your fashion choices and elevate your image, impact and income?
Download The Aligned Self Workbook: 5 Steps to Create your Style Vision and use it as a Tool for Aligned Action to get you started.
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