Prioritizing yourself in style: money excuse and steps you can take TODAY
When talking about working on style, people come back with the argument of
"but I don't have money"
Yes, in most cases you need money to buy clothes (which isn't the only way to work on your style)
Most of the time, it’s an excuse, not a fact.
Because didn’t you just spend your money on McDonald's or for a $5 coffee every morning?
Maybe did a $200 SHEIN haul once that you ended up not wearing 90% of them?
Or spent money on Amazon randomly?
Money isn’t the issue.
You not prioritizing yourself is. Because style is part of self care.
Your reasonings can look like
I have to use my money on my family
I want to wait until I lose/add weight
Why am I going to waste money on clothes when I can use it for something or someone else?
Trust me I get how spending money for yourself feels weird, there may be even fear attached.
But just like how you have to put on the oxygen mask on yourself before your kid on the plane, taking care of yourself comes first.
Style can cause a ripple effect.
You don’t feel good in your clothes → You feel “ugly” → You’re not productive → Your “to do” list of the day not getting checked off → Negative self talk → Canceling plans to go out even though you were excited …
We get dressed everyday and style determines your productivity, mood and commitment throughout the day. (Enclothed cognition is a study that proves this by science)
I want to encourage you to use style as a tool to work for you, not against you.
Prioritizing yourself in style can look like
Investing in pieces intentionally instead of “hoping” to work with your wardrobe, which is not a plan.
Instead of buying 10 low quality items that will last you for a short time period, invest in one quality item that works with your personal style, wardrobe and lifestyle. Quality> Quantity
Stop hiding in your clothes by wearing baggy clothes or by wearing black all the time
Investing in yourself with a stylist to find and wear your personal style
Trying on that piece of clothing you bought that you feel a bit intimidated by, get out of your comfort zone while taking baby steps
Wearing actual clothes instead of sweats all day
So, let’s say money is tight or that you don’t feel ready to commit to it yet,
here are few things you can start TODAY!
Create a vision for your style aka your moodboard. You can do this by getting images of outfits that you would want to wear. Pay attention to the feelings you feel when imaging these clothes on you. You might hear some negative self talk, but focus on what your higher self is telling you. If it’s not a FUCK YES, then it’s a no.
You can make these collages of your moodboard on your apps or Canva.
If you like numbers and specificity, get out a pen and paper and start doing some budgeting.
Ideally, 5-10% of your income should be used for your clothing including inner wear, outerwear, shoes, and accessories.
#1 Break down your annual income.
#2 Get the 5% - 10% of the number
#3 Divide that number into 12, 4 and/or 2.
Example: Annual income $50,000
5% $2,500, 10% $5000
If you want to use 5% of your income to your clothing, you have $208 monthly, $625 quarterly, or $1250 semi-annually you can use for your clothing.
If you want to use 10% of your income to your clothing, you have $416 monthly, $1250 quarterly, or $2500 semi-annually you can use for your clothing.
If you want to shop every season, here’s an example of what you can purchase with 5% of your income.
1 outerwear $70
3 tops $60 each
2 bottoms $90 each
1 pair of shoes $100
Accessories $50
Total is $580 (while $625 is the 5% of $50,000 annual income, quarterly)
Depending on your lifestyle, the money might be spent on your work clothes.
But I’m sure you get the idea.
Seeing these numbers can give you permission to say “okay, I get to spend this much”
And remember, building up your wardrobe takes time, so there is no need to rush.
See what number feels good to you.
And always value quality over quantity.
Start getting rid of items that are no longer you. Those clothes that don’t fit your current body.
Or those clothes that you know you will never wear ever again. There’s no need for them lol
Everytime you walk into your closet these are constant reminders of who you used to be, or how your body used to be.
Maybe it’s just a pile of items that serves you zero purpose.
You can be gentle with yourself in this process. If you are attached to some things that you know are not working for you, put them in a maybe pile or in a box.
One thing I like to do is to hang your clothes with your hanger, from the back.
This will be a good indicator for yourself that that item has not been touched. If it’s over 6 month of it not serving you, you can decide to say it’s time
Start actually wearing outfits you've been wanting to wear and document them! Documenting your outfits will help you remember how certain look made you feel.
If you want to commit to yourself in your style, you can start by working with a personal stylist.
I understand how it can be difficult to navigate in this world where people like to make you feel different or how it feels uncomfortable to fully express yourself. Better yet understand who you are.
I want you to find and wear your personal style that reflects who you are inside, your inner light.
We all have different tastes and values that get expressed through our style.
After all, personal style is not something you go find, it’s already within you.
Style is one of the things you get to be in control of.
My hope for you is to make style a magical, fun and powerful practice.
