Reinventing Personal Style

Whether we like it or not, personal style is ever-changing. Trends inspire us to update hemlines, waistlines and color palettes regularly, making reinvention a seasonal ritual. However the passage of time presents a totally different kind of transformation. Aging can necessitate personal reinvention with a sense of urgency and, for some, overwhelm — a truth we’d rather not admit or, even worse, embrace. Sweeping change is tough to accept, tough to tackle and even tougher to navigate. Above all, reinvention is a process that’s not meant to be rushed. Here are bite-size steps to help make the process slow and steady:

1. Inspo
   Studying others’ style is a good place to start, and Pinterest offers an endless scroll of ideas and inspo worth exploring. Make an inspiration board of your favorite style icons, celebrities and street style looks, then add to it over time and track how your taste changes. Also study the pins, identify commonalities and try integrating those elements into your own personal style. Instead of purchasing new items right away, make a second Pinterest board of shoppable pins as you commit to more research, ensuring you move slowly, make measured decisions and minimize retail regrets.

2. Repurpose
   The best place to start evolving your personal style is shopping your closet. Identify what you love, what you don’t and — most importantly — why. Use the exercise to learn what colors, shapes and cuts resonate most with you. Get creative and try new pairings and styling with old pieces, especially items that get worn less. It’s possible the garment is great, just not paired with the right piece or styled in the right way. Above all, hone in on how you feel in each garment to better understand your comfort level, how it might be changing, what you’ve outgrown and — most importantly — the look you want to move toward.

3. Essentials
   Make sure your wardrobe is anchored by key pieces. To start, it should have a great, versatile trouser in a dark neutral that fits well. Denim is also essential, so update your jean silhouette to one that’s full length, fits well and in a dark or medium wash so you can wear it year-round. Consider a signature outerwear piece too — pea coat, trench coat, cashmere cardigan wrap, quilted jacket — that adds some interest in print, pattern or texture in a timeless, evergreen kind of way. Get some statement earrings — studs or huggies — in gold or silver depending upon your undertone and never be without a quality statement handbag. It levels up any look, polishing your head-to-toe appearance while adding a touch of gravitas.

4. Test
   When you’re ready to explore a new signature look, introduce one new purchase at a time and see if it passes the test on color, style, comfort, fit and age appropriateness. Style it different ways for one entire season before deciding if it works, or doesn’t. A little change goes a long way, so don’t overwhelm yourself with lots of new purchases at once. Taking it one garment at a time will yield the best long-term results.

5. Patience
   Above all, go slowly. Evolving personal style is a process so take it in bite-size pieces and without pressure. Integrate one new element at a time, let it perform and give yourself time to decide if it works. Beyond wardrobe, also consider updating hair style, hair color and makeup. Reinventions are meant to transform, so be measured, patient and steadfast for the most successful, long-term results.