What Style is NOT!
Dear reader,
Years ago, my mother-in-law and I were out shopping. We were looking at an overpriced and flat-out ugly item. Her comment was that is was for someone with “more dollars than sense.” I see outfits like those all the time… Expensive and often trendy outfits that wear the woman in them. Many people equate money and designer brands with style. But that’s not style.
When people find out what I do, they frequently have lots to say about Style, much of it negative. I often hear that style is for the silly, rich, and young. I respectfully disagree…
Style is Not Fashion: Fashion is the stuff in the stores. It is an enormous international industry with a mission to make money. Fashion is impossible to catch, and once you do, it’s gone like a wisp of smoke. It is ever changing.
Style is Not Expensive: Style can be found at many price points. Some of the most stylish women I know are very thrifty!
Style is Not (Just) for the Young: In contrast to fashion, which is often for the young, style should improve with age. As we become more sure of ourselves, our style becomes less about what’s in the stores, and more about who we are (and are not). Style requires the confidence that comes with knowing what you are about!
Style is Not Foolish: Style isn’t foolish or thoughtless. It is a series of intentional decisions about what to allow into your life and onto your body, and what to refuse. That kind of discernment is the opposite of foolish, it is a wise use of resources.
Style is Not Cheap: Style requires an investment in yourself. Not necessarily a financial investment, but an investment of time, energy, and honesty to find out who you are right now, where you want to go, what your life needs and values are. It requires self-acceptance, and not pretending to be someone you are not.
What Is Style?
Style is a form of honesty. It is an outward visible expression of your personality, lifestyle, and values. It is not be something you put on, but something that comes from the inside. It can’t be bought, but it can be learned, and polished. And best of all, as we grow and change, it grows and changes, too! Style is a lifelong journey of self-exploration and self-expression.
How do you view style? Let’s start a conversation in the comments below!
Stylishly yours,
Many thanks to Catherine at Not Dressed as Lamb for the Link-Up!
5 Comments
NATALIE
Style is showing who I am and often how I feel that day. Sometimes I even dress happier than I am because it helps me feel better. I also show my morals in that I dress modestly. I show my Southern roots in that I dress very ladyliike and I am well-groomed as my Southern mother and father taught me. I am always more dressed for occasions than others because this is how I was raised and my natural personalitty. If I try to be more casual I don’t feel comfortable. I’m simply not being me! Please understand I’m never judging you by what you wear. Most of the time I don’t even have any remembrance of what you wear. Please understand as well that I’m a natural introvert and I would love for you to come talk to me sometime.
Liz K
So true about how our clothing can affect how we feel about ourselves, Natalie. And whether we like to believe it or not, it affects how we feel about others. It’s not a judging, it’s hard-wired into our biology. When we see someone, our brain registers instantly signals that determine whether we feel safe or threatened. What we wear can change those signals we send to others. I love how you say you don’t feel comfortable when dressed more casually; that’s just fine! Everyone has a different level of casual! It sounds like your casual is just more dressed up than that of others. You do you! You are welcome to schedule a free style discovery call at https://schedulewithlizklebba.as.me/StyleDiscoveryCall
NATALIE
Thank you! I will pray about this.
Liz K
The best way to handle decisions… Big and small!
NATALIE
Amen!