Have you ever come across an item in your closet and asked yourself, “Why in the world did I buy that?” I’m guessing this has happened to you, just like it’s happened to me. I began thinking about why this phenomenon seems to occur so often. Perhaps:
- I rushed out to buy something to wear for some special occasion.
- I didn’t bother to think about anything else the item might go with that I currently own.
- I was with girlfriends, and I just got “caught up in the moment.”
- I loved it on on the mannequin and just had to have it.
- It was the latest trend (or the celebrities were all wearing it).
A bigger issue, in my mind, may have been that I never took time to consider the following questions when I made the purchase: Is this garment a great color for ME? Is the fit flattering on ME? Is it well-made and of the quality I desire? Does it complement MY best features? Is it appropriate for MY lifestyle now? Chances are, if I answered yes to all these questions, I wouldn’t be wondering why I bought it. I’d simply be wearing it all the time…and loving it.
In the Introduction to Q Style, Janna summarizes what she has been teaching her clients for over thirty years: “It’s not about styling an outfit. It’s about styling ‘who you are’.”
I’m going out on a limb here to say that personal style is somewhat narcissistic, and I don’t mean vain and self-absorbing. What I mean is personal style is just that–personal. It’s not somebody else’s style–it’s YOURS. And you can’t really know what looks best on you until you figure yourself out.
Once you do figure it out, your confidence level will go sky-high and you can walk out the door and totally forget how you look, and get on with the marvelous life you want to live.
Let me tell you, this adventure in self-discovery is worth the effort. You will save so much time and energy. You won’t have to wonder what looks good on you. When you see it, you will know it. And I’m betting it’s probably not something Kim Kardashian will be wearing.
“Be Yourself…everyone else is already taken.” –Oscar Wilde
4 Comments
Great as always!
Thanks, Kathryn!
I am in the midst of cleaning out my closets (yes more than one- they are small). and you are exactly right! Just read this again and had to let you know I found that “What was I thinking?” dress. And I remember when I got it – in a hurry, got it for an event I didn’t wear it to, a bit trendy, and I was definitely caught up in the moment, especially in my imagination !!!!! Definitely not who I am!! Ugh, – keep for a costume, maybe?? Or maybe it should just flow on out of the “Dead Sea” closet, although mine is more of a Dead Ocean closet 😉
Diane, I am laughing out loud. I know you are working hard on your closet. I think our style evolves as we grow and change. Maybe your style (and lifestyle) were different when you bought that outfit. It”s happened to all of us. Yes, just let it flow right on out of there.
Love, Sharon