Utilizing Your Voice for Styling
Something becomes lost when you seek guidance for styling yourself whether it is through a personal stylist, magazine, runway show, or Pinterest. An attempt is made to seek advice on your appearance so you lend your entire trust over to another individual or social media post to lead you to the right destination. This isn’t to say that there is anything wrong with looking for someone or an outlet of some sort to steer you to where you want to be. It’s important that you don’t leave anything behind. Where many people go wrong when it comes to styling themselves is that they leave behind their voice. Key things to understand before you begin taking outside advice on your personal style are that you are pulling from your identity, understand that it goes beyond the surface, and remember that you are the one wearing the clothes.
Understand that if your goal is to update your wardrobe for your day-to-day office career in the tech industry, pulling style inspiration from a 1970s Bond villain probably isn’t the best start. The best thing would be for you to start with who you are and pull from your current identity. Styling is a subset of Resonance, which is about how you express yourself and who you are. It’s not about showing up as anyone else like a Halloween costume or simply for the sake of looking trendy. The detachment from your identity will be loud and quite noticeable. It’s difficult to explain, but you will appear uncomfortable no matter what adjustments you try to make. Before getting started, in short, remain true to your lifestyle and your identity.
While the styling process appears to be work done solely on the exterior, it goes far deeper than the surface. Your style is a response to and an understanding to why you chose specific colors, fabrics, and silhouettes. A helpful tip to styling is to ask yourself or your stylist several different questions that all start with why. Not for the sake of being difficult, but for your own clarity. It’s not about going into Tom Ford just for the sake of the name or because you saw it on page 24 of GQ. It has to make sense for you. Why are you choosing this brand? Why are you choosing this specific cut? Why are you going with this color over another? Have an answer. A foundation is established where your approach to styling can become repeatable.
Remember that you will be the one wearing your clothes. Immersing yourself into the process will make for a better experience for you and also with your stylist should you decide to take that approach. Although it is wise to listen to advice and consider the directions you are given, you have a say in the matter regardless of anyone’s expertise, experience, or what the rules to fashion are at the time. Trust your gut and listen to your voice on the matter. It is best, however, to approach the process with an open-mind lest you risk remaining stuck. Extend enough trust to allow room for exploration and growth as with all things in life. The styling experience, while it can initially be stressful for some, should always be fun. Never forget this.
It’s important to not become so consumed with trends, runways, or what your favorite actor is wearing. Drawing bits and pieces of inspiration from different places to try out is fun; I get it. But it should always make sense for who you are. Your voice is the most important one when it comes to the garments you decide to wear (well, your tailor is a close second). Keep your identity in mind, understand that it goes beyond the exterior image in the mirror, and remember to listen to your inner voice. You have something important to say!
