5 Steps to Morph Your Style
By Kenia Prophet
What if I told you that with the right tools, you could be your own personal stylist. No seriously, you can! Sure, you’ll have to step outside of your normal style tendencies a.k.a. your “comfort zone” and follow these some guidelines to transform, but it’s doable. It’ll be a fun challenge but worth the effort. So open your mind, embrace the process and be ready to fearlessly express the authentic you!
CLARIFY YOUR STYLE MISSION: You should be clear about what your reason for wanting to transform your style and what your goals are. Do you want to dress more professional, have more clothing options, rebrand yourself or change your style image or step out of your comfort zone? Determining why you want to morph your style will allow you to focus on the mission and achieve your style goals.
IDENTIFY YOUR STYLE - Pick a few people that have a style that you like or admire. Flip through fashion and lifestyle magazines and sites to get style inspiration. These are simple ways to glean from others and understand the style that resonates with your authentic self and the message that you want to send to the world. This will help you to identify your own style. Consider your career and where you aspire to be professionally and personally.
LEARN WHAT COMPLIMENTS YOUR BODY - Understanding which silhouettes and colors flatter your body type and which do not is key. This requires trying on a variety of styles, being honest and making a mental note of what works, sticking to those styles while avoiding those don’t. Try going to the mall and spending time in the dressing room with a friend that you can trust to give you an honest opinion. (TIP: FIt is important so TAILOR items if needed)
ASSESS & PURGE - Now that you have identified your style and you know what works best for your body it time for a “Closet Morphover”. Take time to assess what items should stay and which items need to go. Save pieces that fit your new style guidelines and get rid of anything that doesn’t fit your style vision or items that don’t make you feel beautiful. That includes outdated items, tattered clothes and ill fitting pieces that don’t make you feel your best.
SHOPPING SMART & BUILDING YOUR NEW STYLE WARDROBE - Identify and shop places that suit the style you’ve identified while keeping your budget in mind. The easiest place to start is to purchase missing and complementary items to add to your existing wardrobe. Don’t be afraid to peak in stores or on sites that are outside of your comfort zone. Gems are often found in unexpected places, including thrift, consignment shops and resale sites. (TIP: Shop sales, especially holiday sales. Shop off season. Buy items that you know may not come in handy til later.)