Regardless of the size of your wardrobe, how stylish you are, how busy or free your schedule is, how recently you went shopping, or how many designer labels you own, you can likely agree that finding the right outfit can be a struggle at times.
I recently had one of those days where NOTHING was right. I wasn’t inspired, felt bored with my clothes, nothing seemed to fit properly, and I got in my head, doubting every single choice. I ended up in an outfit I liked, but by the end of it, I was sweaty, annoyed, and wanted to buy a whole new wardrobe.
Has this ever happened to you?
This is obviously a rhetorical question because I know the answer. I work with many women (and men!) who go through this situation regularly. As a fashion stylist, I am usually confident with my choices and know what I want to wear. I pre-plan if I can or have formulas in my head that I know work every time. But sometimes, all of these go out the window, and my inner critic takes over, so I end up feeling deflated and bored, just like you might.
After this little episode of questioning my whole existence, style, and wardrobe, I decided to put together this post. It's to help people who struggle more regularly, but also so I can go back to it and remind myself that fashion should be fun, and no matter what I wear, if I feel confident, I will look good too.
1. Breathe
Just like in any situation where you feel like you are losing control, it's important to breathe. Don’t panic - it’s easy to start hyperventilating, specially if you have somewhere to go, take a deep breath have a sip of water (or wine!) and start again.
2. Be kind to yourself
Tell your inner critic to shut up. You don’t have to lose weight, you don’t have to buy new clothes, you are gorgeous and enough. You just have to regain control of the situation.
3. Look for inspiration
If you have time, check your source of inspiration—whether it's a favourite influencer, photos of past outfits saved on your phone, or a Pinterest board.
Personally, I keep my Pinterest board open on my iPad, filled with looks I've collected over the years that resonate with my style. Sometimes, I even browse my own Instagram content to find inspiration from outfits I already know look good on me.
4. Try on an outfit that always makes you smile
Even if it’s not the appropriate thing to wear! Maybe is too dressy, or you have worn it recently, if you always feel amazing when you wear it, go for it!
5. How do you want to feel?
Consider how you want to feel. Do you want to be comfortable, look cool, or feel sexy and feminine? Understanding this can help you narrow down your choices to just a few pieces.
6. What's your colour?
Perhaps there's a colour that always makes you feel good, or one you're currently drawn to because it's trending. Choose something in that colour and build the rest of your outfit around it.
7. Always consider
The weather outside, or where you are going. Are you going to be indoors or outdoors? What are people going to be wearing? Are you going to be sitting down, are you going to be eating? If that's the case, you might want to wear clothes that don't put pressure on your stomach when you are sitting. Are you going to be standing up, or dancing? Think of the shoes!
A good idea is to ask a friend that is also going what they are wearing to get some inspiration.
8. Don’t underestimate the power of accessories!
When everything fails, wear your favourite basics and elevate the outfit with a gorgeous pair of shoes, a statement piece of jewellery, a cute bag, or whatever makes you feel you!