While the thought of sorting out your wardrobe may fill you with dread, and your professional image may currently feel unaligned with your career aspirations, I want to reassure you that it is totally do-able.
I honestly believe that feeling good about what you wear, and looking good is achievable for anyone, without that much effort and time. Having said that it does take some effort and time, and with that you may be surprised that you have a better idea than you think! I believe that the answers lie within you, and it only takes the right questions and probing to gain insights into what will work for you.
This is why my ‘7 Rs’ process not only takes you from the ground up but from the inside out too, focusing on YOU first, before moving on to other factors such as business requirements.
It is not until the second step that you even think about clothes, and that’s only when you approach the wardrobe clear out of what you already own, and are deciding what fits with the style you have identified in Step 1.
My personal experience, as well as when I work with clients, is that learning about clothes and what works happens experientially, in front of the mirror. You will therefore gain the most insights by trying things out, rather than from reading theory, which is why I included exercises for you to follow in my book, Look Like The Leader You Are.
Experience raises your awareness and develops instincts that you will learn to trust over time, so it is crucial that you don’t just read, but that you do. And even if you decide you want to get some help with your style and wardrobe, which is where we come in, you will still need to be involved in the process; trying, buying and exploring, as only you know how you feel and if something is right for you.
You may currently find your wardrobe stressful and take no enjoyment from clothes or shopping. This can change, and you can start to gain confidence in your style. I have had clients who previously had little or no interest in what they wore, now look forward to getting dressed each morning.
Once you put a little thought, time and effort into consciously creating and organising your wardrobe, everything will be much easier and more enjoyable.
Lizzie Edwards is one of London’s leading Personal Stylists and Image Consultants for Women, and author of 'Look Like The Leader You Are; A 7-Step Style Strategy for Ambitious Women’