Four years ago, my life looked completely different. I went into an office daily, and every Sunday, I carefully curated my outfits for the week ahead. Hours were spent in front of the mirror, crafting looks that spoke to my mood and aesthetic. I even planned two outfits per day—just in case the weather or my feelings shifted overnight.
Mornings were a routine of precision. I’d get up early, get the little one ready, and we’d all walk out the door looking what I considered "put together." Then, COVID happened.
Like many, my work dynamic shifted. Semi-hybrid turned into fully remote, which turned into a complete career pivot—one that led me to become a freelance designer. It was an incredible moment of growth, but I didn’t realize how much my sense of fashion had also shifted until the world started opening back up.
For two years, I was dressing like I still had a 9-to-5 office job… even though that version of my life no longer existed. My Pinterest board was still full of “workwear chic” and structured outfits that no longer reflected my daily routine. And despite writing an entire piece about not wearing my inside clothes outside (link to previous article), I still felt disconnected from my wardrobe.
So, I decided to run a little experiment on myself.
The Style Identity Experiment
Back in high school, I took photos of my outfits every day. Why? Because it was the late '90s, and I thought I was hot sh*t! But also, I wanted to make sure I wasn’t repeating outfits too often.
That teenage mentality actually served a purpose. So, I decided to bring it back—only this time, with a little more intention.
For one week (I initially planned for two, but I got what I needed in seven days), I documented my outfits and analyzed the. You can see my top 3 favorite looks below. The rules were simple:
Wear what you normally wear. No overthinking or deviating from my usual choices. (Full transparency: The first two days, I put in effort. By day three, my real self took over.)
Take a photo of yourself right after getting dressed. No fancy setup needed—just a mirror and good lighting.
Ask yourself a few key questions at the end of the day. (I’ll be sharing these questions in a free guide—stay tuned!)
At the end of the experiment, reflect on what you learned.
Sounds easy, right? It was. But what I discovered? That was the real surprise.
What I Learned About My Style
I’m not as stylish as I used to be—and that’s okay.My lifestyle no longer calls for high heels, blazers, and structured outfits. While I still love dressing up, it’s just not a necessity anymore.
Simplicity is key, but layers are my thing.Even before adding a coat, I naturally gravitated toward layering pieces to create interest. I’ve always loved playing with silhouettes, and this experiment made me realize how much I lean into that.
Comfort and ease come first.My go-to pieces are elevated sweats and well-fitting denim. Instead of starting with statement shoes or a tailored jacket, my foundation is whatever feels good to wear.
I need to stop saving clothes for “special moments.”This was a big one. I wore pieces I had been “saving” for the right occasion—like a simple t-shirt that, for some reason, felt too precious to wear casually. Ridiculous, right? But we all do it. This experiment forced me to put those items into rotation.
Breaking Free from Fashion “Rules”
Social media bombards us with messages about what to wear, how to wear it, when to wear it, and what’s deemed “in” or “out.” It’s exhausting. But what if we simply said, "Stop telling me what to wear!"
Instead of chasing trends, I’ve started embracing what makes me feel good, what aligns with my actual lifestyle, and what I genuinely love. And the best part? By dressing for myself, I’m naturally creating a style that’s authentic and effortless.
So, would you try this experiment? If so, I’ve made it easy for you! I created a free guide to help you through the process—including the key questions I used for reflection.
If you decide to do it, I’d love to hear what you discover! Email me your results—I might even feature your journey in a future post.
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