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Temporary style shifts becoming permanent

trying...

Recent posts have got me thinking about involuntary style shifts: shifts due to moving, lifestyle change, weight change, pregnancy, etc. that make your current style impractical. In these situations to what degree do you embrace hear styles? If you were to return to previous circumstances would you shift back or is the new style the new you?
I had gained weight and as a result embraced fluid fit to "hide" the problem areas. Now that I am close to my original weight again, I keep going for the fluid fits and the fitted tops in my closet languish.
Thoughts and/or experiences with temporary style shifts becoming permanent?

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14 replies

Latest reply was from rute

Laura

Like you, I also encounter circumstances when I need to change my style. I am a marine biologist and my job entails a lot of travel. Depending on the climate and culture, my styles change a LOT.

It is a lot of fun to get to change styles though, after all, it gives us a perfectly legit reason to go shopping

Sometimes when I travel, I encounter a style I like a lot and that temporary style change does become permanent. When I was in high school, I was a skinny jeans, t-shirt girl but once i got into the workplace and once I encountered high fashion in places like London, Paris, Milan, Moscow ..... let's just say that I saw what was available there, loved it, embraced it and made it a part of me

Aida

Veteran

If you're happy with the direction your style is currently headed then I vote embrace the change. We're certainly allowed to change the way we feel about how we want to look!

Dee

Veteran

Sometimes you perspective changes as a result of the change of circumstances, so even if things go back the way they were, the old versions aren't a good fit (metaphorically) anymore.

And it doesn't all have to be one way or the other, either. You can pick and choose the parts of your style that are working for you no matter the circumstances.

rachylou

Veteran

As a contractor, I experience shifts with each new contract. Then I've moved twice in the last ten years, and that was a shift. And I've had two major weight loss episodes. I pretty much have made big 'permanent' modifications each time - but that doesn't necessarily mean I've gotten rid of clothes... Just added, lol.

Anonymous

I went from working in an office that had a fairly casual style, to working at home. My feet are enjoying their freedom from "office shoes," and will never go back. I also like not feeling pressure to put an outfit together first thing in the morning when I'm in a fog. It frees up my brain for other creative activities.

LaPed

Veteran

I don't know if my style is ever "permanent" but I do try to embrace and enjoy change.

For instance, breastfeeding my son afforded me an opportunity to experiment with lots of different necklines. I've learned that tops with sharper angles (v-necks and square necks) are much better on me than scoop necks or u-necks. And crewnecks are not very good at all, even though I used to default to crewnecks. Now I default to v-neck tees instead!

I used to be hesitant about wearing linen, because I thought it would be a hassle to care for, require ironing, etc. Living in the desert, I've really embraced lightweight linen garments because they are almost air-conditioning And I've found I actually enjoy the relaxed, rumpled look as long as I pair it with a crisper, more structured piece.

I do have a hard time letting go of old favorites, though. Boots, for instance! It's almost November, but it's still in the 80s-90s here, and I am just desperate to break out my boots, sweaty feet be darned! Likewise flannel shirts and cozy wool sweaters... Sigh...

Carla

Veteran

I've been thinking about the style shift I'm experiencing - moving from a small town office (15 people) to Head Office (2000+ people!) in the BIG CITY.
My last two seasonal infusions (a spring capsule and a fall/winter capsule) address my need for comfort during a long work day with a long commute and the heightened stylishness, though somber colours, of this new work environment.

I am also trying to bring my every day style more in line with my aspirational style...and that is yet another story!

Astrid

Veteran

For me it was skirts. I never wore them until I got a nice one as a birthday present and then gained weight. Suddenly my pants didn't fit and shopping for new ones was terribly frustrating. Skirts were so much easier! I lost weight again, but the skirts are here to stay.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I had a bit of wiplash coming out of pregnancy; First, my midsection is much softer than it's ever been in my life (and suddenly, too), second, my job requires much less dress-up clothing, and third, being a mom pretty much means that silk is a no-go, along with other delicate fabrications. Previously, I hadn't paid any mind to this! I'm also nursing, so dresses are mostly impractical (I have one plaid shirt dress that I need to pull out for fall, though!). So, a lot going on and it's become hard to enjoy dressing. I'm also on a tighter budget than before, so I'm trying to be very strategic and buy items that can be worn in a lot of ways. I do think that I'll likely never tend to the fancier or dressier version of my wardrobe that I was comfortable in two years ago.

gryffin

Veteran

Jenava - I just wanted to chime in. I had a massive style shift after I had my son. Nothing I owned before felt right, I was nursing, working etc, etc. so totally new new mommy wardrobe....fast forward 2 yr....what was I thinking? Hormonally induced fashion psychosis resolves.....I dump mommy clothes and start over, now, btw my son is 14.5 yo, my style favors what I loved before pregnancy (long jackets/short skirts/leggings/boots etc) and my style is more polished and formal than before..not because I have to btw, but because it feels good. Lots of changes in the early years. You don't have to make any decisions on long term, just do what feel right now because later has a way of taking care of itself. But how you feel now may not represent how you will feel in a couple of years.

So trying...that's kind of my one huge style shift. I like the things I have always loved (other than post-partum). Polished, edgy, elegant, severe, 90's with a contemporary twist. Oversized and tailored, formal, blazers, black, boots, bob. I'm older and I do prefer slightly longer skirts, skimming but not body con clothes mixed up with oversized and long over lean, but the core of my aesthetic has not changed. I think the best advice is follow what feels right and wear what you love that makes you feel wonderful. If that requires a shift so be it and if its old favorite things that's okay too!!

Alassë

Veteran

That's a reassuring perspective, gryffin. Thank you for sharing.

LaPed

Veteran

Jenava: Whiplash is exactly the right word for it! I've definitely had to work to find my style footing postpartum. Also--your LO must have different nursing preferences from mine. Mine will only go in from the top of my shirt, not the bottom. I had a fling with wrap-style tops when he was really little, but those just scream "mommy" to me, and look really sloppy b/c my bust is so small, so now it's v-necks and button-front everything.

I find I actually opt for a slightly harder-edged style now, with a child in tow, than I did a couple years ago. A baby is about the most feminizing accessory there is, so I've pretty much ditched anything pink, floral, lace, etc. Androgynous dark wash jeans, moto boots, black hoodies, anything to tip the scales back towards bada** lady and away from boring-mommy-lady.

gryffin: I love your narrative, and you have such a handle on your personal preferences! It seems to translate into a great, cohesive style.

Lavender&Mint

I had my second (and last) baby a year ago and weaned fairly recently. Postpartum requires a huge shift for most of us! Because I don't have much energy for wardrobe creativity these days, I've focused on adding lots of neutrals and narrowing my color palette. This change has made my wardrobe so much more versatile. If I buy color, it's usually in the red or blue family. I've also narrowed things down to a few silhouettes that I know will work for me without much styling or manipulation. In other words, having a limited postpartum wardrobe FINALLY forced me to choose things more carefully, and as a result, I'm so much happier getting dressed in the morning and hope this will be a change that sticks.

This has been a much more natural, organic shift than what I went through after my first child was born. I was all over the place and bought some really questionable clothing that didn't work for my personality or lifestyle at all. My wardrobe was a reflection of my very messy new-mom identity.

La Pedestrienne, you made a really interesting point about ditching the overtly feminine stuff. I feel like I've done the same thing. Five years ago, I wore tons of pinks, purples and aquas. Now I get my "girly color" fix by dressing my daughter and I'm kind of over the soft, pretty colors for myself.

rute

Veteran

very interesting! This happens to me a lot!
I do switch a lot and very different styles: have more classic periods, boho and rocker (sometimes I wear all styles in the same week) I do embrace them and try not to spend much on trendy pieces, I prefer to spend more on a good pair of shoes, a bag or a classic dress.