Greetings To You!
I’m back from our well-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the world. Due to the positive comments about the Deep Dive segments, I’ve decided to keep them as long as I’m able. My husband and I took our family to Texas for the first time. We stayed in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. It was an amazing stay. Coming back to Washington wasn’t the easiest transition for me as I love warm weather and it’s already getting into the 20s here overnight!
In this post:
Deep Dive Discussion of the week’s article (above)
Quote of The Week
Article of The Week
Outfit of The Week
Tip of The Week
Enjoy and have a brilliant week!
Tatyana
P.S. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to support this work as I don’t take money from fashion companies so I can remain objective in my content.
"Color is a means of exerting direct influence on the soul."
Wassily Kandinsky
10 Aha Moments That Will Change Your Personal Style Forever
Personal style is a lifelong journey with subtle tweaks, discoveries, and transformations along the way. However, over the years, I’ve experienced several “aha moments” that not only reshaped how I view fashion but also enhanced my confidence and self-expression. Here are ten pivotal revelations that transformed my wardrobe and my outlook on style and will do the same for you.
Understanding Color Mastery
Before: Color wasn’t much of a consideration to me in my teens and early 20’s. I often wore colors that didn’t flatter my skin tone. I relied on trends rather than considering how colors affected my complexion. This is actually pretty understandable, however, since wrong colors are much more starkly unflattering now that I’ve aged by a couple of decades. Even in our teens and 20’s however, wrong colors leave us looking washed out, splotchy, and often more tired.
After: Discovering the principles of biologically correct colors changed everything. By identifying my cool undertones, I embraced cool colors like royal blue, magenta, and purple and was able to strategically add garments to my wardrobe that can be mixed and matched to work in a variety of situations. Now, my outfits not only brighten my appearance but also boost my confidence.
Note: Remember, there are no neutral colors. There are only warm and cool colors. However, there are people whose coloring is so close to the middle that it’s hard to tell. This is why the neutral category was devised, but truly, they’re just too close to call. Also, there are people with olive complexions. For these unique situations, it can be more challenging to find the undertones and therefore the right shades. One tip I have for olive complexions is to try bright colors because your skin naturally has a lot more blue and gray in it and easily takes on shadowing. Be sure to use drapes in both cool and warm bright colors and see what colors harmonize with your undertones to bring out your best look.
The Power of Tailoring
Before: I believed that if I bought something off the rack, it should fit perfectly. Ill-fitting clothes left me feeling uncomfortable and self-conscious. I was always annoyed about how garments would be too loose/long in some spots and too tight/short in other spots.
After: Learning the importance of tailoring made a significant impact for me. Now, I’m not worried if the pants aren’t the perfect length on my 5 foot 4 frame. I use a trusted tailor to make sure all my pieces fit me perfectly. This enhances my silhouette and overall look since nothing is calling attention to various areas with bulges or strange fits. Tailored pieces give me a polished, sophisticated appearance. It’s one of those things that nobody notices until it’s wrong. Making it “right” makes it a non-issue and there’s freedom and many mental health benefits in that.
Embracing a Capsule Wardrobe
Before: My closet was overflowing with one-off, inexpensive, fast fashion items that I probably bought because they were on sale and rarely wore. I often felt overwhelmed by choices and still struggled to find something to wear because there wasn’t anything cohesive and many items could only be worn with one of two other things. This was a frustrating nightmare.
After: Adopting a capsule wardrobe filled with versatile, high quality, timeless pieces simplified my dressing routine and helped me stop buying things just because they were on sale. I can easily mix and match most of my items, ensuring I look put together without the clutter. This change has saved me time, money, and cognitive and emotional energy.
The Importance of Accessories
Before: Accessories were just an afterthought. I often left the house without any jewelry or flair, knowing I felt very plain, but oblivious to the fact my outfits were incomplete due to the absence of strategically chosen accessories.
After: Realizing the transformative power of accessories revolutionized my style. A well-crafted necklace, bold earrings, a beautiful watch, and a valuable belt can lift any outfit and help me show up more confident and put together. I never leave home without my favorite statement pieces now.
Choosing Flattering Silhouettes
Before: I gravitated towards trends that often didn’t flatter my body shape, leaving me feeling either too frumpy or too sexualized. I had no idea that the balanced, sustainable wardrobe is something in the middle: neither frumpy nor overtly sexual, so I can just be me and command respect and the right kind of attention.
After: Learning about proportional dressing allowed me to select styles that enhance my best features and balance out my proportions. Now, I feel confident in outfits that help me look healthy, fit, and well put together.
Recognizing the Psychological Impact of Colors
Before: I rarely considered how colors could affect my mood and the perception of others. I wore whatever was trendy without thinking about the message I was sending. I wore a lot of blah colors and therefore looked wimpy.
After: Understanding color psychology helped me choose shades that reflect my personality and work for me rather than against me. For instance, wearing a vibrant blue makes me feel confident because I know that I not only look great in blue, but it also lends a sense of calm and trust.
Fabric Matters
Before: I didn’t pay attention to fabric quality, often buying cheap, clingy materials that highlighted imperfections and completely lost their shape after a few washes. It was a horribly unsustainable cycle.
After: Now, I invest in high-quality fabrics that drape well and flatter my figure. Choosing structured materials not only enhances my appearance but also adds to the longevity of my wardrobe.
The Importance of Strategically Elevating My Look
Before: I wore wimpy, non-existent garments and accessories that really didn’t do anything to create lasting impressions with others. I had no idea that unique, valuable-looking pieces can elevate a look and put us into a totally different social category.
After: Understanding strategic dressing and accessorizing allowed me to select pieces that complement my look and communicate the kind of message I want to communicate: I know what I’m doing, am organized and put-together, and have self-respect. I now have many bold, unique garments and accessories in my collection that help me always look and feel confident. Examples of these include unique tailored jackets and vests, bold statement accessories and shoes, intricately designed garments of all kinds that I love.
9. Learning to Break the Rules
Before: I felt constrained by traditional fashion “rules” that limited my personal expression. I avoided bold choices for fear of making mistakes and sticking out.
After: Embracing the idea of breaking rules with intention has been liberating. I now experiment with different styles, colors, and combinations, which allows my unique personality to shine through. I often hear “You always have such great outfits” and “Nobody dresses quite like you.”
Confidence Through Grooming
Before: I often neglected styling my hair and doing my nails, thinking that this wasn’t important. I had no idea that it’s the whole picture that makes the impression and people do judge by looks.
After: Recognizing that grooming is an essential part of personal style changed my approach. A polished appearance—neat hair, manicured nails, and minimal yet strategic makeup—has become a key part of my overall look. This attention to detail enhances my confidence ensuring I feel ready to look anyone in the eye and not just look down due to a lack of confidence. Most importantly, this.
Conclusion: Your Aha Moments Await
These ten aha moments significantly transformed my personal style and how I approach fashion. By understanding color, fit, and the psychological impacts of clothes, I’ve created a wardrobe that reflects my identity and enhances my confidence.
I encourage you to explore these principles in your own style journey. Embrace your unique personality, experiment with your wardrobe, and watch as you experience your own transformational moments. Remember, the journey to a confident and empowered style starts with a single “aha!’.
For more insights and personalized guidance on building a sustainable wardrobe and mastering your style, visit Light Loves Color.
Keywords:
Personal style transformation
Color mastery
Capsule wardrobe
Accessorizing
Proportional dressing
Use vests as strategic accessories! Vests come in many different shapes, textures, colors, and personalities. As with jackets, be sure to choose tailored vests with a nipped in waist rather than shapeless or straight vests. They’re a great way to elevate your outfit, add a touch of texture and craftsmanship, and show your unique personality in your daily wardrobe. They’re a strategic accessory, not just a garment. Do you own any special vests that you like to wear? Some of my personal favorites are leather, velvet, embroidered, wool, and denim vests. Share yours in the comments.
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