I believe every woman has the power to build a better life for herself. Many women are held back from achieving their goals, though, not because they don’t know how to dress for success but because they can’t let go of their old version of themselves.
Dressing for success isn’t always easy, but there’s more to it than just what you put on your body. It’s time to perform a mental makeover and let go of your old self. Once you have clarified a new image of yourself, you’ve got to be ready for the next step in your life, which means being open to change, and your clothes are just one way of expressing that. As a new person now, you want to embrace the change and try on some new styles. It’s time to get dressed for the life you want, not the life you have now.
Here is a guideline to help you reinvent yourself:
- Take a good look at what your closet has to offer. What makes up the majority of it? Is it something that makes you feel like your best self? If not, bring in the reinforcements! Clear out some space in your closet and start adding things that make you feel good. When you’re ready to begin exploring new looks and styles, try on every clothing piece that could fit in that category. Try it with different shoes, accessories, and hairstyles until you find what feels right.
- Shop for clothing in new stores. Don’t let yourself get caught up in shopping at the same places for the same styles. Explore your options! Start with one thing: maybe a single piece of clothing or a single accessory, or even just a new pair of shoes. Don’t be afraid to try on items that caught your eye or that you thought you could never wear. They may just surprise you and end up being your new favorites. And you’ll start feeling more empowered in no time, and before long, you’ll be all-in on your unique look!
- Start including new colors in your wardrobe. Add some color or pattern (or both!) into your wardrobe to show everyone what makes you unique. Start with a neutral outfit, such as black pants and a white shirt or blouse, and add color and pattern with jewelry, shoes, or a scarf. Adding one or two items like this can show everyone around you that you’re ready to change things up, try new things, take on challenges, and show off your personality.
- Rent or buy new clothing styles. If you want to try something new but aren’t sure if it will stick, you can rent or purchase a piece of clothing in an unfamiliar style and wear it for a day or two. This way, you can see how it feels—and what people think about your new look—before committing in a big way. You might even find out that you love the style!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is letting go of my old self the first step to dressing for success?
Many women are held back not because they do not know how to dress for success, but because they cannot let go of the old version of themselves. Dressing for success starts with a mental makeover: once you have clarified a new image of yourself and opened up to change, your clothes become one way of expressing it, dressing for the life you want rather than the life you have now.
How do I start reinventing my style with the closet I already have?
Take a good look at what your closet offers and ask whether the majority of it makes you feel like your best self. If not, clear out some space, add pieces that make you feel good, and try each item with different shoes, accessories, and hairstyles until you find what feels right.
How can I add color to my wardrobe without feeling overwhelmed?
Start with a neutral outfit, such as black pants and a white shirt, and add color and pattern through jewelry, shoes, or a scarf. Adding just one or two pieces like this signals to everyone around you that you are ready to try new things and show off your personality.
What if I want to try a new style but I'm not sure it will suit me?
You can rent or buy a single piece in an unfamiliar style and wear it for a day or two to see how it feels and how people respond before committing in a bigger way. You might even discover that you love the style, and shopping in new stores rather than the same familiar places helps you explore your options.