What’s Draining Your Style Vitality?

I have a conversation with myself everytime I get dressed. It goes something like this:

*

What do I want to wear/feel/convey today?
[Insert daily musing here]
Okay, how about this? And this! And this! (I’m not very minimalistic.)
Awesome! Is it true to your style? Does it make you feel good?
Yup.
Now, how’s it going to look in public?

*

…because if you’re like me, you can’t help but visualize how an outfit is going to look when you’re walking around. How will your look mesh (or not!) with your surroundings? And who might be your “style audience” today?

There are two sides to this story.

On one hand…you dress consciously to understand the external persona you project into the world. You let the decisions soak in. You affirm that you’re playing true to yourself, and revel in whatever you happen to be wearing.

On the other…you dress self-consciously and try to fit into how you want to be perceived. You let your fears or your reflection in the mirror determine your style. You scrutinize and edit and do double takes.

Where to wear a lion suit...indeed, that is the question. http://www.flickr.com/people/loosepunctuation/


I think there are beautiful reasons we’re drawn to certain pieces of clothing and combinations. Some are aesthetic and some are tactile, while others are less tangible. Maybe a certain dress makes you feel ethereal. Or the perfect tailored shirt gets you vibing at the top of your game. What I’ve realized is that the second you touch your wardrobe or step in front of the mirror, it comes down to energy.

Are my clothes energizing me? Or are other factors draining my style vitality?

Maybe try asking these questions the next time you decide what to wear. Let me know what happens!

Posted by on Oct 20, 2010 in Articles | 3 comments
  • http://www.wix.com/florakogan/artist flora

    Unfortunately I am a victim of self-conscious style. :( But I’ve definitely come out of my shell more since I’ve met you….does that mean your influence is actually a form of my consciousness….do i dress to impress… you?….hmmmm maybe i need to re-evaluate my style…what makes it my own…. hmmmmmm
    *rips off clothes. runs away in birthday suit*

  • http://www.wix.com/florakogan/artist flora

    i said consciousness but i meant ….self-consciousness….hmmm lol im confuzzling myself.

  • http://DailyDivaDish.com Piper (DailyDivaDish)

    Great question! I think my choices in accessories are what energize me. Thanks so much for the tweet you sent yesterday. Very much appreciated! Have a beautiful day.
    XO Piper

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