Exploring Your Personal Style

There is always something really exciting about reading the word “style.” It almost instantly intrigues and sparks interest. This is because styles are like windows in which we can see different personalities and perspectives than our own. Someone else’s style can be a point of both learning and exploration. Even more exciting is that style can evolve.

As a woman (and as a mom), you have undoubtedly seen your personal style evolve through the years. Maybe you followed trends in your teens. (Raise your hand if you wore bell bottoms.) Maybe you wore so many hand-me-downs you ended up with a preference for vintage clothing. (Thrift store shopping, anyone?) Maybe you became a mom and realised giant t-shirts or even loose cropped tops were the way to go. (Need that breastfeeding access!)

The different seasons of our lives often dictate our clothing style, but a careful look at your closet can actually reveal your personal style and signature look. Why is this significant? Because identifying your personal style can actually make dressing easier and simpler, cutting our “get-ready” time down (something we all need when we need to get the kids ready too!) and freeing up our minds and energy for all the other thoughts and tasks that come with motherhood. It also means that everything you pull out of your closet is something you’re willing to wear, minimal edits and accessorizing needed!

Let’s begin exploring!

• What makes you happy? (Happy Pile)

Borrowing from Marie Kondo’s idea of sparking joy, the first question is always: When you look at your closet, which clothes make you happy? Just seeing them makes you happy and you know you want to wear them?

Remember that you aren’t looking at price tags. You are looking at the feeling that these clothes give you. Be honest with yourself, and don’t feel bad if something expensive doesn’t make you happy. You can always repurpose or resell that later!

• What do you gravitate towards? (Daily Pile)

Next: Of the clothes that make you happy, which ones do you gravitate towards the most? Are they skirts? Pants? Dresses? Or do you veer more towards hoodies? Active wear?

The items that you gravitate towards are likely the ones that suit your lifestyle the most because they fit and serve what you need to do daily or what you’re most comfortable in when living daily life. What remains are the items you truly enjoy wearing on special occasions.

• How many outfits can you build and not get sick of? (Signature Item)

Focusing only on your Daily Pile, how many outfits can you build (mix and match) and not feel like you have nothing to wear? List down the outfit combinations if you have to, but as you go through this process you might find a recurring signature item. Maybe it’s sneakers, maybe it’s a type of top, maybe it’s a pattern, but seeing that common element also gives you a good idea of what it is you can’t seem to leave the house without!

• Where are the essentials?

While Marie Kondo might ask you to throw out all the items that don’t spark joy, we moms can be a bit more practical. (Garage sale, anybody?) We also know that there are some things that we just need. Some call them essentials, others call them basics, but the general list includes: Plain white t-shirt, plain black t-shirt, one pair of blue jeans, one pair of denim or khaki shorts, and one “goes-with-everything” jacket. These items very likely go or match with things in your Daily Pile, and also go with your Signature Item. 

• Triple check for comfort!

We’re all happy to look good, and you shouldn’t be surprised if the items you chose highlight some of your best assets, but always triple check for comfort! If you aren’t a heels person, then you’re not a heels person. Don’t sweat it! Remember, your style should work for you more than you for it!

Style goes beyond fashion. If the dictionary defines style as the “manner of doing something” then it very easily applies to how you decorate your house; how you cook, serve, and plate your food (someone bohemian might not care while someone more traditional and classic may have all the details down to the colour of cutlery to use with each dish); or even the car you choose to buy or where you go on vacation.

Giving special thought to all these different aspects of your life, which you gravitate towards and make you happy or which ones you’re naturally comfortable with can indicate your personal style even further. Being mindful of these can not only help you explore your personal style even further, but allow for a deeper understanding of yourself and what is important to you. It can also help you identify areas actually misaligned with your style, allowing you to adjust and live more mindfully.