When my clients ask how they can achieve great personal style, you might be surprised with what I tell them to avoid! Why? Well, they’re not the cliches that most women are used to hearing! (“Don’t wear white after Labor Day!” “Don’t over-accessorize!” “Don’t wear socks with sandals!”) The mistakes I tell the Polished Woman to avoid are sneaky. Most women don’t even realize they’re making them! Trying to figure out why things aren’t working in your closet? Then keep reading to discover how to avoid these personal style and image mistakes!
It’s true that style is a very individual thing. But the Polished Woman knows that there are pillars and basics of great style no matter your lifestyle, status, or employment. True, authentic, sustainable individual style comes from knowing yourself, what you want, and what works for you! You don’t have to look like everyone else – you just have to look like YOU. Now let’s make sure you know how to do that!
Mistake #1
Comparing Yourself to Others
I know it’s easier said than done, but this is the biggest mistake on this list. So STOP comparing yourself to others! Honor your own beauty and uniqueness. If seeing other women triggers you, then manage what you see. Audit your content! Social media has its pros and cons, for sure. But just like your closet – when you curate it in a way that speaks to your tastes and lifestyle, then it can benefit you. So, I recommend following fashion and style influencers that have similar bodies and style taste as you. You’ll be much happier in the long run, and you won’t compare yourself so much!
Turn seeing other women and being inspired by them into a healthy practice. I’ve had to learn how to do this by trial and error, but once I stopped comparing myself, it changed my attitude and helped me become more confident.
Mistake #2
Thinking Everything Off the Rack is Supposed to Fit You Perfectly
This won’t set you up for anything besides disappointment and insecurity. Not all clothing is designed to look the same on everybody! Take it from someone who has worked in corporate fashion for over 20 years. I’ve led teams that manufacture the clothing you shop for, and I can confirm that designers do not have your body in mind when measuring and deciding on sizes. It is rare that a garment will fit you perfectly straight off the rack without some kind of adjustment. That’s why it’s important to have a go-to tailor to help you adjust to your body type!
The next time you’re shopping or flipping through a catalogue, keep in mind that some pieces are going to look different on you than they do on someone else. Read my lips: there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! We just need to establish what works, looks, and feels the best on YOU!
Mistake #3
Following Every Trend to Stay in Style
Trying to stay trendy can be exhausting. (And you’ll often come off as trying too hard.) Great style comes from having a collection of quality basics in your wardrobe. Invest in the best quality/fitting wardrobe basics you can afford. That way, they’ll last! You won’t have to worry about updating them as often. And what’s more, they’ll also be easily paired with so many different pieces, so no one will even know you’re wearing the same basics.
I do find myself having to keep up with trends because it’s part of my work. But that’s because I have to stay informed so that I can make recommendations and help you find what you like best! That doesn’t mean I go out of my way to dress based on the current trends and constantly buy random pieces. You KNOW I walk the walk when it comes to my closet!
Are you guilty of any of these? Now that you’ve identified them, you can avoid these personal style and image mistakes! Want to really take a deep dive with me and level up? Click HERE to get on the waitlist for the next round of The Level Up Workshop. And click HERE to snag your FREE download of The Polished ID™ Playbook!
Take control of your personal and professional style and image so that you’re always dressed for success and feel confident in your skin. I’m here to help you every step in your style journey and develop your look that will level up how you show up!
