Fashion

TIPS FROM A STYLIST: HOW TO REDEFINE YOUR STYLE AFTER TWO YEARS OF SWEAT PANTS

Feeling blah about your style?? Tired of leggings, hoodies, and sweat pants?? I feel you.

And you’ll be happy to know you’re not alone, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the same sentiments recently.

“I feel lost” “I don’t even know what my style is anymore” “what do I even wear anymore?” “What’s the point?”

There’s absolutely no doubt about it, our world has changed, our lifestyles have changed, for many of us our work life has changed too.

With so many of us now working from home it can be tricky to feel motivated to get dressed. Heck, in full transparency, I’m writing this from the comfort of my pajamas and it’s 11:30 am! So please know none of this comes from a place of judgment or superiority, because I am equally right there with you, so we’re figuring it out too!

You know Phoebe from Friends when she’s in her striped onesie, and she’s sipping something from a straw from the floor stating that she “doesn’t even have a pla” ?? Pretty sure collectively this is where many of us are at right now with our style or fashion choices, so if you’re feeling a bit lost lately with what to wear, you don’t even know what your personal style even is anymore, but you want to find out you could start by asking yourself the following questions:

Kayla Short
Photo c/o Travis MacRae

WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO THINK OR FEEL ABOUT YOU WHEN THEY SEE YOUR OUTFIT

Yeah yeah yeah, I know we shouldn’t dress for anyone else but ourselves, but clothing is after all a form of self-expression. Our clothes speak to those around us before we do. Sometimes it helps to work outwardly in, so think about what do you want people to think when they see you. What are you trying to express, and work backwards from that!!

Do you want people to know you have a fun personality?? Maybe you invite bold colours, prints or patterns. into your wardrobe. Do you want people to think you’re sexy and mysterious, maybe you opt for monochrome looks but is super sultry fabrics like silks or soft satin? Whatever vibe you want to put out think about how you can channel that with your clothing choices, accessories etc by finding items that speak to those feelings/vibes etc.

Photo c/o Ryan Williams

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO WEAR?

We all have our go-to items, the things we feel AH-MAZING in. Unpack what it is about that item that you love so much. So for instance, one of my favourite things to wear is a tutu skirt, and obviously you can’t wear a tutu every day (I mean technically you could really, but it’s not super practical when it’s winter like 8 months of the year here in Nova Scotia).

I love wearing a tutu skirt, and it’s probably because it’s super fun, and feminine, so I can then pull those themes into other pieces, like maybe a blouse or sweater with some ruffles, or delicate tulle applique, or perhaps a blouse with billowy sleeves etc. Drawing elements of my favourite piece into my everyday clothing still gets me the vibe, but in more subtle ways! Make sense??

TAKE INVENTORY

How do you know what you need, if you don’t know what you have??? Take some time to actually go through your wardrobe, and see what you have, what are some common themes, and maybe what doesn’t work anymore.

Perhaps pre-pandemic you is a very different 2022 you, and that’s okay!!

You might also find stuff buried in the back that you totally forgot about, and you might also learn that maybe some new pants our blouses that actually fit could really be a great head start!!

Halifax Blogger Kayla Short sitting in a cafe in front of a laptop
Photo c/o Maggie Dixon

MY STYLE INSPIRATION IS …

Whether you go on Pinterest, or follow fashion bloggers on Instagram, who’s style do you like and why?? What is it about their style that you like?

Can you find any reoccurring themes that you can incorporate into your wardrobe, and don’t get to hung up on body types and talking yourself out of wearing things because you don’t “look exactly like them”, we aren’t going to play the “I wish I could wear that game” because you can absolutely wear anything you want to, and you can take inspiration from absolutely anything!

I get inspired from anything from nature, buildings, and architecture?? And do I look like a bridge to you??? You can get inspiration anywhere and you can absolutely take elements of anyone’s style and make it your own. If you need help in that department lmk I’m around lol

Photo c/o Chantal Routhier

START SMALL AND THINK LONG TERM

It’s really easy to get starry eyed when we see major sales, but it’s much better for your pocket book, and the environment to invest in things that you’re going to love for a long time. I’m not saying not to play with trends hello that’s my favorite thing to do, but the more we get to know our own individual style the more comfortable you’ll be in any of your purchases.

Think about what you need for work (likely some good fitting trousers, blouses, a great blazer etc) and some staples for your lifestyle (think of the things you like to do on weekends) that you can come back to again and again or mix and match.

What you want to do is make sure you’ve got your foundation covered first, and then you can work outwards. And if you’re looking to experiment with trends maybe opt for blouses, tops or accessories etc things that are more in-expensive, interchangeable, and ultimately less of financial risk.

Hope you found today’s post helpful, and Happy New Year!!! Let me know in the comments below if you want me to tackle any particular trends, style tips etc

xx

Kayla

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