In this blog post, the fantastic LouLou Storey guides us to rediscover our confidence through clothing, while staying on-budget.
Last week, our Care Professionals enjoyed a ‘Lunch and Learn’ session with style Coach, LouLou Storey. The fabulous LouLou took us through lots of fun exercises which really got us thinking about our wardrobe, how it makes us feel and the impact our clothes have in our work and personal lives.
In this blog, read LouLou’s key style pointers to re-connect with your clothes and improve your well-being.
Take a moment to look in your wardrobe. What do you see? Is it a jumble of clothes, each piece vying for attention? Is it a mix of lovely charity shop bargains, each great but nothing quite matching together? It could be that you have a wardrobe full of clothes that you never wear? Wouldn’t it be nice if your wardrobe reflected you and your life? Imagine all that time you’d get back each morning to have a wardrobe of clothes that reliably served you and made you feel good. Don’t worry if you don’t have much budget, all it might take is a little stripping back of what you already have and a clearer idea about what to purchase the next time you can.
Let’s delve into LouLou’s ten top tips for revitalizing your wardrobe to give you some extra confidence and sparkle…
Your wardrobe isn’t just a collection of clothes; it’s a visual representation of your lifestyle, personality, and aspirations. Take stock of where you are in life right now and ensure that your wardrobe mirrors that reality. Think about your life and everyday activities. Are you in the car a lot, or walking the dog? Do you do the school run and have to go straight onto work? Are you standing in the cold watching your children playing football on a muddy field each weekend? Really take a minute to take in your clothes and ask yourself, do they match my life and when I wear them, do I feel happy in them?
When it comes to fashion and buying clothes, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. This can be hard to accept, especially if you’ve had your heart set on something. If you aren’t sure about something, you probably won’t wear it with confidence so, don’t buy it!
Inject some freshness into your wardrobe by incorporating a few modern elements. Whether it’s a hint of sparkle, a touch of khaki, or experimenting with oversized silhouettes, don’t shy away from contemporary trends. Having said that, don’t spend your hard-earned pay on an outfit that puts fashion above style. Sometimes, just an accessory will do the trick!
Before splurging on that impulse buy, pause and ask yourself if it truly aligns with your lifestyle and personal style. Being intentional about your purchases will ensure that your wardrobe remains functional. If you are in a shop, put it on hold for a couple of days or keep it ‘in your basket’ when online. Take some time to think about it. Ask yourself, can I wear it 5, 6, or 7 ways?
Don’t ignore the essentials. Take the time to address the clutter in your wardrobe and bid farewell to items that no longer serve you or make you feel good. Invest in quality basics that form the foundation of your wardrobe. This is where amazing second-hand outlets like Vinted come in. Sell your unwanted items and with that money, buy yourself a couple of pre-loved beauties that you will really love and wear Vinted is a brilliant, budget-friendly way to shop and it’s friendlier to the environment then fast-fashion outlets.
Smart casual is the perfect middle ground between formal and casual attire. Mix and match your smart and casual clothes to create versatile looks that effortlessly transition from day to night. Footwear such as loafers are great for this, as are blazers.
Your choice of footwear can instantly elevate your style and have a huge impact on your overall levels of comfort. Do you have sore feet at the end of the day? Is this adding to your tiredness levels Would something with a better sole be more comfortable and enduring? Footwear can massively impede how our whole body functions and feels. The more comfortable and confident you feel, the better you are going to be able to take on your daily tasks.
You don’t rush out to the shops! Just take a closer look at what you already own. You might be surprised to find hidden gems lurking in the depths of your wardrobe and play the game of, ‘I didn’t know I still had that!’ You never know, after a good wash and iron you could have a few ‘new’ pieces to enjoy.
When curating your wardrobe, consider the demands of your daily life but also your personality. Are you constantly on the go? Do you need clothes that can keep up with your active lifestyle? Take this into consideration but also the colour palate in your wardrobe. Is everything you own one colour? Are you happy with that? Could it be time to add in something different?
Life is too short to save your favourite clothes for special occasions. Wear that statement dress or bold blazer with confidence, whether you’re running errands or meeting friends for a coffee!
Your wardrobe reflects who you are and the life you lead. It can also hold incredible power over how you feel about yourself. By following these ten top tips, you can refresh your wardrobe to align perfectly with your personality and lifestyle without spending loads. Thinking about your clothes this way isn’t frivolous—it’s a powerful tool for self-expression and can have a profound impact on both your personal and professional life. So, embrace your style, trust your instincts, and let your wardrobe tell your story.
At Home Instead Wimbledon and Kingston, we champion our Care Professionals and are here to support them throughout their career in care. If you would like to be part of a team who truly care, Get in touch, we’d love to chat further.