Finding Your True Style

By Amber L'Estrange, Photo by Viviane Sassen

Have you ever felt that your style isn't quite doing justice to your authentic self and ideas? Here are 7 things to consider...

The way we dress can invoke strong feelings within us and has the power to move us in a direction that is in alignment with the life we wish to create, or away from it.

Understanding the powerful emotional and psychological effects color, shape and fabric have on people is the first step in using it to express yourself intentionally and attract the life you desire. This approach opens a therapeutic door into a life where your authentic self gets to be shamelessly declared. 

For me, it is an exciting idea to have the opportunity to express and explore different aspects of myself through conscious styling choices. 

1. Know Yourself
The first step to finding “your style” is knowing who you are at your core, who you want to be moving into, how you want to be seen by the world, and even what your soul purpose is (ex. motherhood/conscious business/film maker/chief/healer). Some ways to explore your core self may be:

• Meditation
• Stream of consciousness writing/journaling
• Embracing a spiritual quest (exploring concepts that challenge the ego and support looking within)
• Traveling, getting out of your comfort zone, and breaking away from your inherited reality about yourself and the world
• Figuring out your Heart Path 

Making styling choices from your core self, rather than what the trend is or what your peers are wearing is a far more effective place to create the life you want and feel fresh freedom in the process.

2. Magic of Mirroring

According to the Law of Attraction, you attract what you put out. So when you are clear about who you are as a person (or who you want to be moving into) you can align your style to ATTRACT all the things that will support the real you and the path you are carving. 

For example, if you feel like a goddess deep down, by making style choices that weave the goddess element into your clothing and accessories, you will be putting "goddess energy" out in the world. In return, people will sub-consciously start treating you like a goddess, you may attract goddess like women or a men who love the goddess in you. As like attracts like, you are also sure to call in opportunities that are in alignment with, and support your mission.

3. Consider your body shape and what physical attributes you want to Illuminate
On the practical side of things, be aware of what styles, cuts and colors look best on your body. 

We all usually have a physical feature that we like most and are confident about drawing attention to. Highlighting your favorite parts through color, shape, or accessories is a good way to grow the sense of confidence that we are all looking for.

Love your shoulders? Pick off the shoulder tops. Love your legs? Grab those short shorts and skirts. You should FEEL confident in each piece.

4. Closet Sweep
Only having items in your closet that you LOVE, is a smart way to always feel good in your clothes. This includes work out gear, loungewear and date night attire!

When sweeping your closet ask yourself...

• “Do I LOVE this?
• Do I feel GOOD in this?
• Does it make me feel aligned with my core self? 

if not…CHUCK it”.

For more on sweeping your closet (and your life), check out the book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up whose entire message is based around disregarding ANYTHING that is not lighting you up.

5. Style for Every Occasion
It is important to approach all areas of your style with equal love and attention. This supports creating balance in your life and feeling great during all parts of your day.
Think about optimizing your:

• Home wear
• Casual wear
• Evening wear
• Workout wear
• Job attire
• Cocktail attire

If you have a fresh pair of funky leggings and awesome workout shirt, perhaps you will be more inclined to work out? Or maybe a sexy lingerie number will inspire more intimate time with your lover? Remember, you are sending messages to not only yourself but the people around you!

6. Doing it on a Budget 
Having a killer wardrobe is always optimal, but sometimes you may find yourself saying “I just don't have the cash to make it happen”. Do not let this deter you! Here are some ideas to get the look you want on a budget. 

• Clothing swaps with girl friends over tea and cookies
• Sign up to be notified of sales at your favorite stores
• Yard sales in upscale neighborhoods 
• Thrift stores always have a few hidden gems if you have the patience to rummage
• Consignment stores have second hand items in great condition for a reduced cost
• Sell all the clothes you accumulated from “sweeping” your closet and any other items around the house that don't bring you joy. Perhaps even offer to help friends and family spring clean, and in return you get to sell the items and keep the profit. All money made from your sale can go straight to your new wardrobe!

7. Have Fun and Take Risks 
Life is short, don't be afraid to experiment and take some risks with ways in which you express yourself through personal styling. You never know what could come from having a little fun and being authentic and daring with the wardrobe choices you make. Your own original style statement could be what attracts the eye of your future husband, employer, best friend or business partner!

How would you define your personal style? Does it accurately represent who you are? Let us know in the comment box below!

For a more in depth peak into this topic listen to our podcast episode "Wardrobe Therapy" where Jenna and I analyze our own style and what that says about our inner world.