Style Stories + How They Hold You Back
When working with women 1:1, one of my favorite aha moments to witness is when someone realizes they’ve been holding onto an old style story that no longer applies to them (or, that was never actually true in the first place).
Style stories are something I love to uncover, to get to the bottom of, and to hopefully prove wrong. Occasionally there is truth that yellow isn’t your best color, or there’s a certain area of your body that is more flattering to accentuate than others. Most of the time though, the style stories I hear are rooted in self doubt and fear of judgement.
A comment your mother made in a dressing room when you were a teenager, something a friend said about how you look in a certain color, that time a stranger told you stripes weren’t flattering.
So often we hear something negative, and hold onto it for dear life. Yet if the same person made a wonderful comment about how beautiful you looked in that dress, it slips from your memory and you continue to focus on that pesky negative comment.
Can you relate? My bet is you already have at least one example in your head.
Think of any style stories you have and write them down. Now, say them outloud. How true do they feel? Is there a chance that they may have been true years ago, but you’ve grown into your body, you’ve learned which colors really work for you, or you’ve figured out how to shop for + style a striped top in a more flattering way?
How would it feel to eliminate those stories from your life? What effect could that have on the way you look at yourself + the way you feel when you get dressed?
My challenge to you is to come up with one style story that you’ve been holding onto, and see if you can prove it wrong.
Maybe you’ve been told you’re not a hat person, but you really wish you could be. Maybe you never wear lipstick because it feels like too much, but you always envy how chic women look when wearing a bold color.
Personal style is all about what makes you feel good, inspired, and beautiful. Don't let anyone dictate how you view yourself, or your fashion choices. If you love it, own it - and keep track of the compliments you get so you can revisit them the next time you're doubting yourself.
Wear the hat! Buy the lipstick! Give it a try, and see how you feel about it at the end of the day. Did you receive any compliments? Were you uncomfortable? Did you feel fabulous and can’t wait to wear it again? Be honest with yourself, without thinking of anyone else or what they might think of you.
I hope this helps you become a hat person, or helps you feel confident wearing bold jewelry, or to try a new style you didn’t feel you could pull off. Because the truth is, you’re the only person who knows those style stories. And you never know if another woman might pass you on the street, think how wonderful you look in that lip color, and be inspired to try it for herself.