Finding Your Personal Style

Have you ever looked into your closet and thought, “I have nothing to wear”— even though it’s packed? I couldn’t believe this could happen to me. As a fashion editor, I write about style for women over 50 almost every day. But recently, I had an event to attend and realized I had no idea what to wear.

It wasn’t that I didn’t know what I should wear — it was that I wanted to hone in on my personal style again. Had I lost it?

Short story: I did find it — rather quickly, I might add. So I thought I’d share how I got out of my mini fashion rut in case you ever find yourself in one, too.

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How I Got Into a Mini Fashion Rut

Since I no longer work in an office (I work from my home office now), I don’t have a “business wardrobe” anymore. And while the business dress code has become more casual over the years, not seeing what other women wear daily makes it harder to gauge what’s current and appropriate.

If you’re retired, work remotely, or wear a uniform to work, you may feel the same way when it’s time to dress up again.

My specific dilemma was a 7:30 a.m. breakfast banquet to honor one of my dearest high school friends. She was being recognized for her work as chair of the board with a prominent homeless charity near Chicago, and a group of us planned to surprise her.

Since it was early in the morning, I assumed many attendees would be stopping by before work. I wanted to look polished, appropriate, and still “me.” If it had been an evening event, I would have been all set—those are easy for me now that I’m over 50! Wearing all black with silver shoes would have been OK (truly anything goes), but I wanted to wear something brighter and more celebratory for the occasion. The daytime event threw me off.

How I Found My Personal Style Again

Here’s how I rediscovered my look—in 3 easy steps. without buying a thing.

1. Take a good look at your closet.  This is always the best place to start. When I did, I noticed a sea of black, with pops of colorful prints and a bevy of blazers. I was reminded of the pieces I wear and love most—and they perfectly reflect my personal style.

2. Edit by occasion.  I pushed aside anything that screamed “evening”—satin, sequins, metallic shoes—and mentally filed them for another time.

3. Focus on what makes you feel confident.  Lately, I feel best in wide-leg pants or jeans, a long-sleeve blouse and a blazer.

Then came my “aha!” moment. I spotted a celery green leather blazer I’ve had since the early 2000s—it’s beautifully made, and colored leather happens to be trending again! So I paired it with a paisley scarf-print blouse and searched for black pants… but then I remembered how much I love jeans. I have been wearing jeans everywhere lately, and I recalled wearing this jacket in the past with dark denim wide leg pants.

I found my darkest pair of wide-leg denim, added a snake-print belt, and slipped on my comfortable black booties. Instantly, I felt like me again! The look was polished, a little unique, and I didn’t have to buy a thing.

The Takeaway

If you’re in a style rut, start with your own closet. It reveals so much about what you naturally love and what flatters you. Then, update that essence to fit who you are now. Take charge and wear what makes you feel happy and comfortable.

I realized I was wearing almost the same outfit I loved over 20 years ago—just with lower heels (phew!) and a long-sleeve blouse instead of a sleeveless one. My style didn’t disappear… it was simply waiting for me to notice it again.

Photos: Fountain Of 30

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