I’m excited to say that the east coast of Australia is finally coming out of our extended period of lockdown. And all of this ‘leaving the house and seeing others’ is taking a little bit of adjustment.
It seems as if we’re learning how to socialise, shop and drive again. For some this is an exciting prospect and they’re happy to be out and about. But for more than a couple of my clients these adventures in the wild have been a little bit daunting.
Social anxiety definitely seems to be on the rise, at least among the women I’m speaking with. And getting out and about can bring up a whole bunch of self-doubt as our inner critics start questioning everything about how we show up in the world.
I’m hearing lots of women saying that they feel like they’ve lost their style mojo over the past couple of years. It’s really not that surprising.
Style can be a tricky thing at the best of times. Even when we’re not in the middle of a pandemic, it’s easy to become complacent. Or to fall into the trap of wearing the same things over and over again. Or to stop caring quite as much.
And when this happens, it can really knock a woman’s confidence and trigger their self doubt. On the flip side, lifting your style game – even incrementally – can increase your confidence and your self-acceptance. And no, it’s neither superficial nor frivolous, as I wrote in this journal entry. Being comfortable with how you are looking can make such a difference to how you approach your day, and in turn, to the things you attract into your life. If you feel like a lift in the style department would help you build your self-belief, here are three tips to help.
Three ways to lift your style game – without completely replacing your wardrobe
- Dress Up A Little More Than You Normally Would. I’m not suggesting you wear a gown to go to the supermarket. But I am recommending you take advantage of the one-percent upgrade idea and dress a shade more formally than usual. Pop on a blazer rather than a cardi. Wear the frock – you know, the one that gets you compliments every single time you wear it. I promise people notice – in a good way – when you make the extra effort and you’ll feel better too.
- Sharpen Up Your Accessories. Swap your everyday tote for a more structured handbag. Switch your sneakers for fancy flats or even a pair of heels (if you wear them). Sometimes it only takes a small tweak to make a big difference to your style and how you are feeling.
- Don’t Be Afraid To Head Into The Archives. Just like we forget our favourite recipes, sometimes we forget the stylish details that make us feel great. For me, that detail comes in the form of lipstick. Way back in my twenties, a make-up artist recommended a lipstick shade that really lit up my face. Not quite red, not quite pink and not too bright, it was just right for me. And even all these years later, when I remember to apply a similar shade, (the original lipstick was discontinued ages ago), I’m pleasantly surprised by the face staring back at me in mirror.
I’d love to know – what do you do when you want to lift your style game? Please feel free to share your advice in the comments section below.
And until next time – stay fabulous.
Photo Credit: Haute Stock
