Over the last few weeks I’ve been reflecting on how our style can change through the different chapters of life. This could be impacted by changes in your body, the things you enjoy doing or maybe the situations in which you find yourself. But when our outer image doesn’t reflect the inner changes, it can almost feel stifling and like we are really out of tune with where we are in life now.
I think this is a natural part of life. Going through changes and transitions and becoming more self aware as you experience new things in life and ways of viewing the world. And when we are able to reflect this in how we dress, we really begin to embody these changes.
When I was younger we didn’t have endless new clothes, designer labels or the latest pair of trainers. But it didn’t mean we couldn’t still look good or have a way of dressing that reflected who we were.
As I moved into the end of teens and into my twenties I began to take more ownership of my style. So for this month’s Style Story I wanted to share some of the ways in which my style has evolved over the last years and where I see it going in the future.
Twinkling Twenties Chapter
Your twenties are such an interesting period of life. You might be starting and progressing in your career, understanding your friendship groups, finding love or even travelling and exploring yourself further. With the change in generations, the usual societal expectations are beginning to fade, but I know personally I very much tried to conform to what society expected of me.
And I think my style really reflected this. I wore a lot of black. I shopped in places because I thought they were cool. I spent endlessly and didn’t really think of the consequences to my style or to the planet.
The three words I would use to describe my style at that time are:
Endless
Black
Imitation
I saw friends starting to have children and saw how their life shifted and as a result their sense of style. Comfort became so key and a new mum style was adopted. I wasn’t in this phase of life and so was happy to continue impulse buying which led to a wardrobe that didn’t really have any sense of a specific style or cohesion. That outward expression was confused.
Thriving Thirties Chapter
But then as I turned 30 and covid hit, it’s like everything went into re set mode. I experienced the biggest shift in my sense of style in my early thirties and lot of this was related to my personal development, need for inner healing and lots of growth. It’s like I began to listen to myself, understand myself and accept myself in a way I never had before.
And so in my thirties I would describe my style as:
Colourful
Freeing
Expressive
I’ve come to a point where I try to use clothing to convey a message about me. Whether that is my connection to my culture, my love for colour or my joy in creativity. Its become a way for me to connect with others which is what I love through the work that I do too.
My style now allows me to be visible, to be seen and heard in ways I never was before.
Future Forties Chapter
They may be a way off but I think my thirties have really set the bar for my forties and where I see my style going. That sense of playfulness, challenging stereotypes and just really being free to be me is where I see myself heading in the future with a greater appreciation and love for my culture.
When I close my eyes and think about the future me I can see a real joy and sense of expression in how I dress. I’m excited for her and the path along the next five years that will get me there.
I can’t emphasis enough how important your personal style is and how much of a crucial role it plays in your self expression. So lets use it to tell a story, the story of you and what you value. Its a form of expression with no words needed.
How has your style evolved over the years and decades? Can you notice any significant milestones or periods that really shaped your personal expression? Want to talk more about your style as a form of storytelling. Then lets talk!
Over the next few weeks you’ll begin to see an evolution in my work and the brand I showcase to you. Please make sure to stay tuned on socials for my updates and to sign up to my newsletter!
