The Style Adventure is the Destination
For a long time, I believed personal style worked like a finish line. Once you crossed it, you were done. No more confusion. No more frustration.
That idea sounds comforting. It’s also not true.
What I’ve learned after years of working with real women, through real life changes, is this:
Personal style doesn’t resolve. It cycles.
I used to think that once I “found” my style I would never struggle again. But that’s so silly. Life changes and so do we.
Expressing your style authentically is an ongoing process of self discovery, marked by 5 stages.
Stage 1: Color
You look fab in some colors and sickly in others. Just the facts. Find your best colors ONCE, then make small adjustments to your wardrobe palette as needed.
Stage 2: Archetype
Stevie Nix or Tilda Swinton? Your style preferences are directly related to your Essence Archetype mix. There are dominant and supporting categories and you will choose how to express them for different life seasons and even lifestyle needs.
Stage 3: Fit and Silhouette
This is body type adjacent to find the cut of each type of clothing that fits you best. Knit tunic vs button up….jegging vs wide leg. There’s no room for trends, just your body.
Stage 4: Outfit Design
With the foundational style theories in place, NOW you can create go to outfits that are perfect for you, from the boardroom to the binge Netflix sofa days.
Stage 5: Ongoing Maintenance
You’re not done just bc you can get dressed. Shopping strategies, mindset, DECLUTTERING, and redoing the cycle live here. Your life isn’t static, your closet shouldn’t be either.
I call these the Signature Style Stages…
Most style frustration comes from working on the wrong stage at the wrong time.
Trying to design outfits when your color palette is off.
Shopping when your silhouette isn’t clear.
Decluttering when the real issue is identity.
Style becomes lighter when you stop asking, “Why can’t I get this right?”
and start asking, “Where am I in the cycle?”
That shift alone changes everything.
