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Building a style that feels like you is a journey. After running through the questions, including: What do I actually spend my time doing? What pieces do I need on repeat? How do I want to show up? And the big one: What feels most authentically me? (Phew!), it’s time to find brands that will meet you where you are today.
Add in hormonal shifts in body shape and temperature, and dressing yourself can feel as tricky as threading a needle in a poorly lit room.
Magazines and online style guides offer trends that rarely match what works for us or with what we already own. Eventually, we all need that guiding hand—a stylist or maybe just a friend with great style. Whether it’s someone you follow on social media or an in-store stylist, they can offer fresh ideas and inspiration that speak directly to us.
Often, the best fashion finds come from someone who just gets it, whether it’s sharing a similar taste or a similar shape. At home in New York City, I’ve been known to stop women on the street or in boutiques to ask about a standout piece. Some people are flattered, others are wary, but that’s a story for another day.
The thrill of finding something perfect, and even better, in multiple colors, is incredible. But we’ve all been crushed by the “sold out” heartbreak when a favorite piece disappears before we can stock up. To combat that, some friends have turned to vintage finds to shape their style, mixing timeless pieces with current ones. I applaud their patience and strategy. Blending vintage with new or high with low is the secret sauce of great style.
Once you have a better sense of what works for you, it’s time to make your wardrobe feel effortless. Here are a few key strategies to help you build the best closet for you.
1. Buy Less, Choose Better
Fast fashion is tempting, but a closet full of cheap, trendy pieces is detrimental to the planet and your personal style story. Invest in high-quality fabrics, including cotton, linen, and wool blends over time. They breathe, drape beautifully, and stand up to multiple wears. Think of your wardrobe as a curated collection. Each piece should earn its place.
2. Fit Over Size, Always
That number on the tag is irrelevant. What does matter is how your clothes fit and flatter your shape. If something is too tight or too loose, it won’t feel good, no matter how stylish or on-trend it is. Look for a local tailor, and have them make the small adjustments that make each piece look like it was made for you.
3. Build a Capsule Wardrobe
Picture this: a closet where everything goes together: the perfect blazer, the timeless pair of jeans, and an effortless dress. When you have a group of versatile staples to choose from, mixing and matching becomes much simpler. Add in a collection of curated accessories, and your closet becomes a supporting player in dressing with ease.
4. Highlight Your Best Features
Love your legs? Show them off with tailored pants or a knee-length dress. Have a gorgeous decolletage? V-necks and open-collared pieces draw the eye to this area. Celebrate what makes you feel amazing.
5. Comfort and Style Can Coexist
If stilettos aren’t your thing, opt for block heels or chic loafers. Soft, breathable fabrics with a touch of stretch keep you looking polished while still allowing for movement. Suffering for fashion is pre-pandemic thinking. Your wardrobe should work for you, not against you.
6. Reevaluate Your Color Palette
Skin tones shift over time, and the colors that once looked great might not work as well now. A color analysis is the easiest way to determine which shades suit your skin tone. If that’s not readily available, look for simple swaps, e.g., if pure black feels harsh, try navy, or if pastels wash you out, try a jewel tone like emerald or sapphire. Experiment and find what lights you up, or get a color analysis to find your season.
7. Accessories: Small Touch, Big Impact
Accessories can make an outfit. A statement necklace, a classic watch, or the perfect bangle can elevate even the most basic classic white button-up and jeans look. Keep in mind that the power of a great pair of sunglasses and a chic bag cannot be overstated.
8. Shoes That Work for You
Trendy shoes are fun, but they’re useless if they leave you aching. Invest in stylish yet comfortable footwear. Think supportive sneakers, cushioned flats, and well-made boots. Your feet will thank you.
9. Master the Art of Layering
Perimenopause and menopause often bring fluctuating body temperatures, making it necessary to dress in layers. Lightweight cardigans, open blazers, and jackets are great options that you can add or remove throughout the day to stay comfortable. A great t-shirt is key for layering, and our go-to favorites are from our sister company (ResilienceAvenue.com), which offers fun colors and graphics that add a little personality to any outfit. Be prepared to layer by keeping a folded scarf in your bag to add warmth and style any time.
Your style does not need to be dictated by trends, age, or outdated rules. Whether you’re refining your wardrobe, mixing vintage finds with modern staples, or just looking for a little inspiration, remember fashion is an expression of who you are. Own it, enjoy it, and wear it well.
