How to find your personal style after your 20's.
/There's this phase of life that many of my clients talk about frequently. I've had many random conversations about this particular phase with friends and acquaintances. It's almost like a right of passage.
It's the "I'm not in my 20's anymore, but I'm not 75, what should I wear???" phase.
If you're in your mid-thirties, you have probably experienced this phase. You may have kids, you may be married, and you are probably established in your career. Your weekends look much different than they did when you were in your twenties. There's perhaps a little less going out to the clubs and a few more cozy nights in with friends. Your life is different.
Your style is different too.
By now, you know that wine gets better with age, and so does your style. Your mentality is different when it comes to clothes. You've experienced some significant transitions in your life. You're more focused on clothes that fit your relationship, career, and family. When it comes to clothes, you're making some more significant decisions for more permanent pieces, not the one-hit wonders you may have focused on in the past. We're not as influenced by shiny objects or the hottest trends and celebrity style must-haves on Instagram.
So if we're not following every trend popping up on the runways, what should we be wearing? We don't want to dress like our mothers. Where does that leave us?
First, you should check out my blog on defining your personal style to get some ideas, and then check out some of the key items you should invest in to start building your wardrobe.
These are forever pieces that will help you to build a core wardrobe that is both stylish and age-appropriate.
Grown-up jeans: (NOT mom jeans) Every woman should have a good, flattering pair of jeans that does what you need it to do, like pulling in the tummy pouch or shaping your butt. Invest the time and money to find a good pair of jeans.
A Leather jacket: You may have bought a flashy faux leather coat in the past, but now it's time to uplevel the look. This jacket is a signature item that's worth the time and money. You can make it a practical piece by wearing it over a dress or pair it with jeans for a flashier look.
Classic black or nude pumps: These need to be comfortable and sophisticated. These are the pumps you would wear to an interview because they make you feel confident. It is worth the work to find a good pair. Once you buy them, you'll need to take care of them. Find a good cobbler and figure out how to care for them, spray, polish, etc.
Tailored workwear pieces: These are not necessarily matronly items from Talbot’s. You need tailored clothing that fits and makes you look polished. These can be a couple of crisp blazers and trousers that are standard, and you can add flare and more style to these classic and standard pieces as you see fit.
Event dress - There will always be weddings, networking events, and other events to attend. Having a great dress in your closet makes it easier to accept those invitations and makes them less stressful. You can mix it up with that leather jacket you just bought, shoes, or accessories and don't minimize how different hairstyles can change the look as well. Once you find an event dress you love, you'll probably find it easier to find a second version, but you are much better off with one quality dress than a few mediocre choices.
A good handbag: Every woman needs a signature handbag that makes you look put together. (It doesn't matter what kind of mess is INSIDE the bag, it's all about how it pulls your look together on the outside!)
Here's the thing, while you're adding all these amazing pieces to your wardrobe, you're going to start noticing the items that no longer serve you. To honor that process, I'm giving you a list of what you need to toss from your closet.
Things to get rid of:
Shirts you wore when you frequented the bars or while dating. You know the ones, the tight, short, revealing shirts that you know you're not going to wear anymore.
Your too short, little black dress: If you don't have any bachelor parties coming down the pike, toss that dress. You've got an elegant event dress to make room for in your closet!
If you pick up an item and say, "this might come back in style," it's not, get rid of it.
Uncomfortable shoes: There's no reason to torture your feet, you deserve quality, comfortable shoes.
If you don’t want to go through this process alone, reach out. I am happy to help you figure out how to rebuild your wardrobe and fill your closet with clothes you love!