THE REAL STYLE EDIT

Why Your Style is Holding You Back (And How to Fix It)

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Style Fix

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt like something was off? Maybe your outfit didn’t feel quite right, or you just didn’t recognize yourself anymore.

You’re not alone. The way we dress and present ourselves is deeply connected to how we feel about ourselves—yet so many of us are stuck in outdated wardrobes that don’t reflect who we truly are.

If you’ve ever thought:
“I don’t go anywhere special, so why bother?”
“I’ll focus on my style when I lose weight/get through this phase of life.”
“I used to feel stylish, but now I just don’t know where to start.”

Then it might be time for a style reset. Today, I’m going to show you three ways your style might be holding you back—and how to fix it.

1. Your Wardrobe Reflects a Past Version of You

Life is full of transitions—career changes, major life events, shifts in our bodies and priorities. But often, we hold onto clothing from past seasons of life without realizing it’s no longer aligned with who we are now.

I experienced this firsthand. When I transitioned from my career in teaching to becoming a personal stylist, I realized my wardrobe was still full of clothes from my old life—graphic tees, oversized cardigans, and shoes that had seen better days. These pieces weren’t bad, but they no longer fit the woman I was becoming.

How to Fix It:

Take 15 minutes to audit your closet. Find pieces that no longer excite you or represent your current self.
Ask yourself: If I were shopping today, would I buy this again? If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go.


2. You’re Dressing to Hide Instead of to Be Seen

We all have moments where we want to blend into the background, but when every outfit choice is about hiding, it’s a sign that something deeper is going on.

Maybe you’re defaulting to baggy clothes, dull colors, or the same oversized sweater every day—not because you love them, but because they feel safe.

This was me for years. I wasn’t dressing to express myself; I was dressing to play small. The moment I started wearing pieces that fit well and made me feel confident, I noticed a huge shift in my energy—I stood taller, spoke with more confidence, and felt more alive.

How to Fix It:

Choose one outfit this week that makes you feel powerful. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just something that fits well and makes you feel good.
Pay attention to how you carry yourself when you feel confident versus when you’re wearing something that doesn’t align with you.


3. You’re Waiting for “Someday” to Invest in Yourself

One of the biggest mistakes I see women make is waiting for the “perfect” moment to start caring about their style.

Maybe you’ve told yourself:
“I’ll invest in my wardrobe when I lose weight.”
“I’ll figure out my style after things calm down at work.”
“Once I get through menopause, I’ll start dressing better.”

But here’s the truth: Style is for right now, not for a future version of yourself.

I used to keep a “someday” dress in my closet—one I was convinced I would wear when I reached my goal weight. Years later, I finally put it on. And you know what? The magic wasn’t in the weight loss—it was in the fact that I finally allowed myself to feel beautiful in my own skin.

How to Fix It:

Stop waiting. Find something in your closet that makes you feel amazing today—at this moment.
Remember that confidence comes from action. When you start dressing as the woman you want to be, you start stepping into her energy.

 

 

The Psychology Behind Your Style: Why This Matters

Your wardrobe is not just about clothing—it’s about how you feel in your own skin.

🧠 Enclothed Cognition: Studies show that what you wear directly affects how you think, feel, and even perform. When you dress with intention, your confidence and energy shift. (source)

🚀 The Power of Dressing for Success: Research shows that people who dress intentionally are perceived as more confident, competent, and successful—and they often feel that way too.

🪞 The Mirror Effect: The way you see yourself in the mirror influences how you carry yourself. When your reflection aligns with the woman you want to be, you start acting like her—right now. (source)


Your Next Steps: How to Start Your Style Reset Today

If you’re ready to align your outer appearance with your inner confidence, here’s where to start:

Do a Closet Check: Take 15 minutes to remove pieces that no longer represent you.
Choose a “Power Outfit”: Wear something this week that makes you feel unstoppable.
Visualize Your Future Self: Ask yourself: What does she wear? How does she carry herself? How can I embody that today?

Your style is a powerful tool for self-expression and confidence—it’s time to start using it intentionally.

If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

What’s one style shift you’re committing to this week?

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