Discover the Power of Personal Uniforms: How to find yours…

The term "personal uniform" might seem restrictive or even boring in the realm of personal style. But let's redefine that: personal uniforms are not about limiting your fashion sense, but about refining it. It's a strategy employed by some of the most successful women in the world.

What do Anna Wintour and Diane Keaton have in common? A signature style that serves as their personal uniform. Wintour with her printed dresses and iconic sunglasses. Then Keaton with her classic black and white with oversized jeans and luscious layering and her amazing bowler hats, and her…...I’m sorry, what was I talking about (Diane always gets me in a fashion friend frenzy). Ah yes, The uniform….it isn't about a lack of imagination; it's about streamlining decision-making and focusing on what truly matters to you and your style.

A personal uniform is not about limiting your options but rather crafting a go-to outfit or a range of ensembles that align with your personality, lifestyle, and values. In this article, I'll guide you through the process of discovering your personal uniform, helping you curate a wardrobe that reflects who you are and simplifies your daily dressing routine. So let’s get into this!!

1. Be Realistic:

Before diving into the fashion realm, take a moment to reflect on your lifestyle and personal values. Consider the activities you engage in regularly, whether it's work, hobbies, or social events. Evaluate the environments you frequent and the level of formality or casualness associated with them. Understanding your lifestyle will help shape your personal uniform to be both functional and comfortable.

As a Mom, self employed and an active gal, Mama knows she’s got to have a uniform that breaths, doesn’t slip down, off or around and is durable.

2. Define Your Style Preferences:

What styles, colors, and patterns resonate with you? You may already be aware of this. But it may not always be apparent. So you can collect images from magazines, social media (Pinterest is a great one), or create a mood board to visualize your preferences. Analyze these visuals to identify recurring themes. Do you lean towards classic, minimalistic, bohemian, or sporty aesthetics? Pay attention to details like silhouettes, fabric choices, and overall vibes. Your style preferences will serve as a foundation for building your personal uniform.

Or it can be as simple as going to your closet and accessing the pieces you grab for the most. The pieces that make you feel like the best version of yourself. Then dissecting those silhouettes, fabrics and style type to get an idea on where you stand.

3. Identify Staple Pieces:

Staple pieces are the building blocks of your personal uniform. It may already be there and you don’t even know it. Ask yourself these questions: What pieces do I grab for the most? What is my favorite go-to outfit? Then break it down. And what is it that I love about these pieces? Is it the way it fits, the comfort or the way it makes me feel about myself. Try to prioritize versatility in your items so they can be mixed and matched with ease. These foundational items will form the core of your wardrobe and serve as the canvas for adding in your sprinkles of spice and individuality so to be flexible over time.

4. Experiment and Explore:

While a personal uniform should have consistency, it's essential to leave room for exploration and experimentation. Try incorporating different textures, accessories, or statement pieces that reflect your personality and add interest to your outfits. Be open to trying new styles and trends within the boundaries of your established personal uniform. This flexibility allows for creativity while maintaining the simplicity and coherence of your style.

5. Curate Your Wardrobe:

Regularly edit and curate your wardrobe to maintain a functional and clutter-free space. I speak to this a lot where the more “noise” (meaning clothes that aren’t your personal style) the more distracting and overwhelming your closet will me. Remove items that no longer align with your personal uniform or that you haven't worn in a long time. This will allow for your pieces to breath and be seen. It will also help you to feel relaxed when looking for a piece, rather than chaotic.

Remember that time you were frantically looking for that black button up shirt and frustratingly couldn’t find it. So you had to compromise and wear the green one. Which just didn’t feel quite right. Only to later find out it was there all along, pushed behind all the other clothes packed in there. 

Curating your wardrobe helps streamline your wardrobe like a beautiful showroom. Making the decisions easier and ensures that every piece you own serves a purpose.

6. Embrace Confidence and Authenticity:

I should probably have a banner on my channel and newsletter landing page that says “CONFIDENCE IS KEY” because I bloody well say it enough. Because IT IS!! Your personal uniform is an extension of your identity. Embrace it with confidence and authenticity. When you feel comfortable and authentic in your clothing, it radiates through your demeanor and boosts your self-assurance. Remember, your personal uniform is unique to you, and it doesn't need to conform to societal norms or trends. Your individuality is the key to finding and owning your personal style.

***And there you have it my friends. Hopefully if you don’t already have a personal uniform these steps will help you discover it. Remember it’s actually quite simple- find your favorite things, figure out what you like about them, wear them and repeat. :-)