My only resolution this year is to blog more about what to wear (#What2Wear). While my greatest passion is helping women to understand their heart and find their confidence, I also feel it is very important to represent your heart accurately with your image so that other people can put their confidence in you.
There’s something very suspicious about a person who looks one way and acts another.
I’ve been looking through some old pictures lately and getting a kick out of how badly I used to dress. Granted the styles have changed. Most of us look back at old pictures and laugh at the awkward styles. Yet, when you chose styles that fit your clothing personality, you don’t look awkward even when that style is no longer “in.” My favorite example of this is a picture from my senior prom. In a line up of five of us girls–all looking “stylish” in our Romantic gowns, there is only one girl who truly shines out now with the “Wow Factor“–Jen, the Romantic! The rest of us may have looked great that day (well, the bad haircut I gave myself may have killed that for me, but that’s a blog for another day), but when what’s “in style” is not YOUR STYLE, it is rather embarrassing to look back on years later. (Which is the real reason why I can’t seem to find that picture to show you.)
Don’t let the trends determine what you wear.
There are a lot of image consultants who would fight with me on this, but I feel that we should not focus so much on the pressures of the media. My advice is to pay little attention to what’s in Vogue–unless you are a Dramatic, who’s style needs to be current (and who’s figure and personality likes the camera and therefore is often the one modeling the new styles that look great on them but not everyone else!).
Sure, we need to keep our wardrobe updated but there’s a difference between being current and being trendy. Current is a matter of maintaining good condition. Trendy is chasing after fashion, which is fine if that’s who you are, but if it stresses you out it a very high probability that it’s not your style anyway.
Some styles hate fashion
- Classics and Naturals don’t like to spend money on new when the old is perfectly fine.
- Ingénue’s and Romantics feel guilty about spending time, effort and especially money on themselves.
- Gamines and Dramatics actually like shopping for themselves.
The thing is, we all need to find the balance of staying up to date without stressing out about the trends.
Take the “cold shoulder” sleeve of last spring, for example. How many of you Naturals, Classics and Gamines bought into that feminine look and felt very awkward but wore it anyway? You are going to look back at photos in that blouse and wince! Sure, you looked fine when you were wearing it because what it said was “I’m in style.”
But it wasn’t your style.
Sorry.
Well let’s leave that mistake in the past; the cold shoulder is way out of style now with these crazy temperatures! If you are wearing the open sleeve today you won’t be looking fine not matter which Img.ID you are, because the statement you would be making would be “I’m FREEZING!” Looking beautiful isn’t all about style; it’s also about intelligence–and the cold shoulder in New England would show a lack of it.
Sorry. Again.
See why I would rather talk about confidence?
I will try not to be so harsh as I keep going with my new year’s resolution, but I do plan to take the next 6 weeks to blog about what will always be “in style” for each clothing personality. For now, here is a summary of #What2Wear according to your Personal Image Identity.
The style that makes you feel confident will compliment your Img.ID: C: Quality, refined, classic clothing and accessories with a professional look. (The Classic) N: Practical, casual, simple, textured clothing and (few) accessories with a no-pretense appearance. (The Natural) D: Stylish, extravagant, detailed clothing and extreme accessories with an exotic facade. (The Dramatic) I: Petite, dainty, youthful, clothing and accessories with a feminine impression. (The Ingénue) R: Lavish, graceful, quantity clothing and accessories with a ladylike influence. (The Romantic) G: Animated, bold, fun clothing and accessories with a strong, influential image. (The Gamine) Click the letter to learn more about that Image Identity, including What2Wear. To take my Image Assessment Quiz, click here.
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As an author and speaker, Catrina’s passion is in helping women and girls overcome confidence conflicts, especially those involving rejection, betrayal and loss. After 30 years in the beauty industry as both a cosmetologist and an image consultant, Catrina now uses her profession, her own powerful stories and her training as a Biblical life-coach to reach the heart in a way that is relatable, encouraging and inspiring. Her message is balanced with both fashion and faith and is making a difference in the lives of women and girls all over! To be part of this movement, connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Linked In, Goodreads and consider having her speak at your next event. Visit http://catrinawelch.com for more information.