While you knew better to expect anything different from 2022, you still feel bummed that the new year rolled in with the same difficult days you experienced last year.
However, what you wear every day can help you feel more self-assured even when facing the same circumstances. Your dressing can also equip you with a new air of confidence when taking on new challenges. Rejuvenate your style in 2022 by asking yourself these three questions:
What’s My Body Type?
You may realize that the same outfit can look vastly different from person to person as each of us has a unique body type. Most women can identify with one of these five body types: rectangle, pear, hourglass, apple, and inverted triangle.
Knowing your body type can help you choose the right cuts that highlight your assets and create illusions of a more flattering silhouette. For instance, if you have a rectangle body type, you would want to break up your boxy frame by creating an illusion of a defined waistline. You can add dimensions to your figure by 1) avoiding oversized, shapeless pieces and 2) creating volume on your upper or lower body with embellished necklines, sleeves, or bottoms.
However, styling tips for your body type are a starting guide, not your end all be all. Ultimately, two individuals of the same body type may have different measurements of their torso and legs, so the key is to explore as much as you can. Try different cuts and apparel that you previously shied from—the more you explore, the more you will find what you enjoy and feel confident wearing.
What Makes Me Feel Good?
Your personal style should not only help you express your individuality, but it should also be practical. We may have dressed uncomfortably on certain occasions, such as showing more skin than we are comfortable with, believing that it’s worthwhile since we look good. But dressing stylish is about dressing comfortably too. It is more important to wear pieces that help you feel good about yourself, move with ease, and feel comfortable in the weather and climate where you live.
Changing your style doesn’t mean a complete makeover; you can keep the parts of your current style that you like while experimenting with new ones to elevate your look and confidence. Look into your wardrobe to determine your style preferences. You may gravitate towards one-piece playsuits while others keep them at arm’s length; you may love your pencil skirts while others love their trousers and pants for work. We all have our go-to assembles and colors to feel sanguine and poised for every occasion.
Besides the type of clothing, you may also realize you prefer a distinct color palette. Why not change up your style by exploring different colors? Consider Very Peri, Pantone Colour of the Year 2022. This new periwinkle hue in Pantone’s playbook symbolizes personal inventiveness and creativity. Otherwise, you may also want to experiment with different prints and textures of pieces you already love to create more dynamic looks.
Besides apparel, consider accessories such as jewelry and bags. Which jewelry tone suits you best? (I.e., gold, silver, rose gold, etc.) Depending on your skin tone, you may find that you can pull off gold and rose gold accessories better than you do silver. When it comes to bags, consider understated and timeless designs such as Bottega Veneta luxury handbags. The right pieces can help you elevate your style as a statement piece and express your individuality at the same time.
What’s My Budget?
You don’t have to spend an excessive amount of money to explore new styles. Shop sustainably for your bank account; a well-thought budget is customized to your income and financial commitments. Invest in trans-seasonal pieces to create a more versatile and cost-friendly wardrobe that lasts you through multiple seasons. Consider thrift shopping; you can get preloved items in good condition at a cheaper rate than if you were to shop for brand new pieces. Or, if your budget allows, opt for sustainable fashion brands. While their apparel may be more expensive than their fast fashion counterparts, your purchases from such eco-friendly brands can go a long way to reduce waste and slow down climate change.
If you own a capsule wardrobe and purchasing new pieces is not your priority, you can still maximize your current wardrobe without spending a single cent. Explore new combinations of tops and bottoms you have. Incorporating simple tweaks to your outfits such as folding in the sleeves, tucking in your top in varied ways, and cuffing your bottoms can help create more looks from your current wardrobe. Another way to make your wardrobe more versatile is to layer your pieces to create chic and elegant looks, especially if you live in cooler climates.