Style - at every stage

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about how style is so important at all stages of life. 

In the many years that I've been working as a stylist, a sentiment that has often come up with people inquiring about style services is that they feel they should wait until they have moved through whatever particular challenging point they are experiencing in their lives. Or, even worse, some feel that maybe they have aged out of style/fashion! Yet, the reason they are reaching out is because they aren't feeling good in the everyday. I strongly believe that it is during those times when focusing on style is exactly what is needed.

Life isn't always easy. But, if we can show up feeling amazing in or excited about what we are wearing, and learn to align our clothing to reflect our true selves with confidence - it's one less thing to worry about. That's huge - and...why wait?

This has all been forefront of my mind as I have been experiencing a range of symptoms connected to menopause over the past couple of years - which can make one feel pretty crappy at times (as many of you well know). Feeling good in what I am wearing is definitely a bright light and allows me to continue to feel like myself. If you looked at my book shelf at the moment, you'd see a few books about navigating this stage (like the one above by actor and menopause advocate Naomi Watts). I love the bold image on the front cover!

Whenever we experience a challenging life stage that doesn't make us feel our best, it can be so tempting to want to hide or shrink away - to wait it out. Or, at the more extreme end of the spectrum...convince oneself of a "that ship has sailed" mentality. Usually that just makes things feel worse. While focusing on style isn't going to remedy it all, feeling good about how we show up in the world can have such a positive impact.

I'm sharing some of my tips for getting dressed with more confidence when you don't feel your best no matter the life stage you may be in - I hope they help!

1) Dress strategically:

When we get dressed, we have the power to direct attention where we want it to go. If there is a zone that you feel particularly good about, you can guide focus there through colour, print, texture or a well placed favourite accessory. Areas that you aren't feeling quite so good about at the moment? You can easily downplay them with darker colours or pieces with less visual interest. This may seem counterintuitive, but if you love prints and patterns, you can absolutely wear them on the areas you are feeling less confident in as they actually keep the eye moving rather than causing the eye to rest in one place.

2) Wear what makes YOU happy:

When we aren't feeling our best, it can be tempting to want to blend in to our surroundings. This is the time to find those pieces you love and make you feel your best...and pull them out! Or, if nothing is feeling like it is working at the moment, treat yourself to something you do feel fabulous in...that would definitely count as a gap in the wardrobe that should be added to a strategic shopping list and filled ASAP! Have you heard about the power of dopamine dressing? It doesn't have to be bold colours, but feeling confident in your outfit can take a little of the sting away. It's kind of that...fake it till you make it mentality. So, it's time to figure out what pieces make you happy - and wear them...NOW.

3) Remember the magic of accessories:

Accessories tell a story. They add visual interest to a look and often hold an emotional connection or memory. If there are times when nothing in the wardrobe seems to feel quite right, it's time to lean in to accessories to bring personality and joy - especially while you work strategically to catch your wardrobe up to where you are at today. Be it a statement earring, stacked bracelets or necklaces, a pop of interest in a shoe or bag or playing with scarves - there are so many ways to have fun with style through accessories.

I'd love to know if you've ever leaned in on any of these strategies to help you feel a little better, particularly in those times when you may feel a little lost, down, or frustrated. If not, I'd recommend giving them a try - let me know how it goes!