Here are some thoughts on style that I revisit at the beginning of every year. I hope they resonate with you too.
- Don’t compare and despair because you’ll never be happy. Compete with the best version of your current self, and be satisfied with that.
- Do create outfits that adhere to your personal figure flattering priorities.
- Don’t add to your list of looks that are poison eye because there is a version of every trend for everyone.
- Do judge the outfit, but not the person wearing it.
- Don’t take the emotion out of your style. The more you are in tune with your preferences, needs and emotions, the easier it is to sport a style that is manageable, authentic and makes you feel fabulous. Pay attention to how you feel in an outfit.
- Do dress the body you have right now, and don’t wait to reach a goal weight.
- Don’t keep wardrobe items for good. WEAR them because if not now, when?
- Do relax into your style and don’t let it boss you around. There is a workable solution for every fashion challenge, and there will always be another sale or killer item. If you’re feeling frustrated with fashion, walk away and revisit things when you’re in a better headspace.
- Don’t worry about laughter lines because they’re proof that you enjoy life.
- Do celebrate your body because it’s an incredible gift that deserves daily care and praise at any size and age.
- Don’t pass up the opportunity to compliment others about their style, because a few genuine and kind words go a long way.
- Do remember that there is no one way to be stylish. Style is a celebration of individuality, diversity, and an art form that is enjoyed by a range of audiences.
- Don’t shop online when you’re tired, stressed, angry, bitter, or out of sorts, because it almost always leads to poor purchasing decisions.
- Do set the stylish standard and don’t let anyone make you feel bad for dressing in a way that makes you happy.
- Don’t give up on signature looks and colours that aren’t on-trend if they make you happy and feel fabulous. Your signature looks are what’s personal about personal style, which is the point.
- Do be patient on your style journey. It takes time and resources to build an effective wardrobe, especially when some fashion seasons are more to your taste than others. Focus on what you have and what you’ve achieved with your style instead of feeling dissatisfied about what you don’t have. Your style will fall into place after a while.
- Don’t keep wardrobe items that are uncomfortable, make you sad, or make you feel bad and unconfident. Life is too short for this type of negativity.
- Do appreciate all the different ways we can be beautiful because life would be awfully dull if we all looked the same.
- Don’t take fashion and style too seriously. Experiment with new things, but don’t fix things that aren’t broken. Be surprised at what works, and learn from what doesn’t. Laugh a lot.
- Do have fun with fashion. It can build amazing social communities like YLF, and shopping with friends is therapeutic. Selecting what to wear can be creative, entertaining and satisfying. Wearing the heck out of your fabulous wardrobe sparks joy, a sense of achievement, and allows you to get on with the rest of what life has to offer.
Style is beyond age and size. It’s an energy, attitude and confidence that is expressed through clothing, footwear and accessories. For some style is an innate and intuitive thing, but more importantly, it can be learned. We at YLF wish you a stylish and happy 2019 filled with lots of fun and satisfying fashion adventures.
