Something that has always fascinated me (as a fashion lover & a stylist) is how people generally avoid experimentation in favor of sticking with their comfort zone. Yes, some people are perfectly happy within their style comfort zone - but especially as a stylist, I meet a lot of people who aren’t. You may be bored. You may feel like you’re in a style rut. You may have the desire to elevate or evolve our style - but each day, you stick with your comfort zone. You wear the same things the same way & never give yourself time to experiment.
So, I have a simple suggestion if you want to change up your style. And even if you don’t want to leave your comfort zone, you can at least explore what the limits are.
The next time you plan to go shopping, experiment with things in your closet instead. Devote the same time & energy you would have spent driving to stores & walking around (or scrolling on your phone for an hour) to experimenting with different ways to wear what you already own.
The topic of experimenting with your style is a big one, so I don’t think I can cover every possibility in just one article. So here are the seven main ways I do it with my clients.
Try one new thing
This may sound simple, but it’s the easiest way to get started without feeling overwhelmed. Because you may think experimenting means coming up with entirely different outfit ideas that are 180 degrees from how you normally get dressed - but it’s not.
When I’m working with clients & we’re exploring new ideas, we often change just one thing. We go for a new color (or a new color combo) in styles that they’re used to. OR we play with a new print (or print mix). OR we try a different silhouette (like wide leg pants or an oversized blazer) in colors & fabrics that they already like. Because if you try too many things at once, you may get scared & retreat right back into your comfort zone…
NOTE: I’ve shifted my blog from my website to Substack. Click here to read the rest of this article on Substack.
And click here to subscribe to my newsletter (aka Style Mail) on Substack.
If you sign up for the free version of Style Mail, you’ll hear from me 2X/month with my latest articles & curated collections of the style strategies I share with my clients. If you sign up as a paid subscriber (what I call ‘Style Mail VIP’), you’ll also get:
Monthly VIP Look Book: Outfit inspiration with 30+ outfits that I created for a one-on-one client.
Shoppable links: See something you like? You'll get direct links to snag these pieces (or find similar ones).
Monthly Style Challenges: Get prompts to push your style boundaries, rethink what’s already in your closet & shift your mindset around getting dressed.
Plus, more exclusive content & connection just for VIPs!
I look forward to seeing you on Substack.