3 Things I’ve Learned About Style From Writing About It For 13 Years

Apparently, internet years are a bit like dog years, where each standard Gregorian year is equivalent to 7 years on the internet because technology moves so quickly.  Today Inside Out Style turns 13  (in human years) and 91 in internet years, which makes me feel like quite the granny as a blogger!

As a thank-you for coming here and reading, I’m giving you the special offer of 30% off ALL my Masterclasses!  Use the coupon code LUCKY13 at the checkout to claim your discount!

3 Things I’ve Learned About Style from 13 Years of Blogging About It

1. There is No One Way to Be Stylish

Yes, I already knew this but having witnessed the style journey’s of so many women through my online programs (Evolve Your Style and 7 Steps to Style as well as Your Type of Style) I’ve seen firsthand just how impactful finding your authentic style can be on the entire lives of the women I work with.    That until you find your authentic style you won’t feel stylish in the way you want.  If you’re trying out style by copying other’s style, or following “must-have lists”, then you will feel flat and uninspired, or just not you.  We can be inspired by others, and appreciate other’s style, but copying exactly is not the way to go. 

You are an original, not a copy.  Your style should be original to you as well.

This leads me to another important point ….

Comparison is toxic. 

Comparing your style (or your body) to others is a recipe for unhappiness and discontent about your style.

Style is deeply personal.  The clothes you wear touch your skin and need to be comfortable for you in both physical and psychological ways (which I’ve written about here).  

This is why finding your personal style is important, it’s when you’ll feel completely at home in your clothes as they reflect who you are on the inside, on your outside.

2. Dressing in a Way that Makes You Feel Stylish Has a Positive Impact on Your Whole Life

Some people think caring about your style is shallow.  Yet the feedback I get from many readers over many years is that so frequently, feeling and looking stylish ends up having a positive impact on their lives.  Here are just a few of the inspiring words I’ve received from women around the world who have found this to be true.

“My husband is also thrilled with my new style.  My confidence has improved and it has motivated me to improve other areas in my life.” Carla

“Thanks so much Imogen. I’ve never regretted joining your class. In fact, I’m happier, every day, to be in your 7 Steps to Style. I’ve learned so much more than I ever dreamed. The personality aspect alone has revolutionized my life and interaction with others, even my family!” Karen

“I’ve not only learned so much about the elements of style, I’ve gained so much in self-confidence”. Dorothy

“It’s not an exaggeration to say you helped me bring back my confidence, my money, and most importantly ME 🙂 Thank you.” Janaki

“I am so thankful I found your blog. The second day after reading and following what you said the cashier at the grocery store told me “I like your outfit. It is so color-coordinated” Wow, people notice!” Doris

“I would say that I go to my local Starbucks here and there, not even once a week. One of the cashiers is a young girl who always looks so irritated that (including today), I think to myself, “oh no, not her…” Anyway, after she took my order this morning, she leaned in and almost whispered, “Can I ask you something?” I said of course but had no idea what it would be. She asked, “Can I ask what your job is?” I told her and then asked, curious as to why — was she looking for a career? She actually smiled (!) and said, “Oh no, I don’t want to be a speech pathologist — I just see you here and always notice your nice professional clothes and all the colors, and I wondered where you get to wear them.”  Katie

“I have to share with you – it seems silly, really, but I feel so connected with you! I know…we can see you, but you can’t see all of us, but let me tell you – you are making AMAZING changes in our lives – literally, in such a beautiful way!!!” Katherine

“This past weekend I was away and recently saw pictures of myself posted by friends and family on FB.  For the first time in a long time, I thought – Who is that gorgeous almost 50 year old in those pictures??  She looks fabulous.  Her skin is glowing, she looks really happy, and boy those colours look good on her!!  Wait a minute, that’s ME.” Valerie

“I have tears in my eyes as I write this because of the profound effect your teachings have had on me already!! You’ve touched my life in such an amazing and “colorful” way!! I cannot wait to gobble up the rest of what you have in store for me with the rest of the 7 Steps!!! Imogen, if you ever doubt that what you do makes a difference, here is just a bit more proof to the contrary, from across the world. Again :)” Pam

3. Taking Outfit Photos Is a Fantastic Way to Improve Your Style

This is something I’d never really thought about until I started taking my own outfit photos for this blog which allowed me to start seeing how I really looked in my outfits and then seeing all my Evolve Your Style and 7 Steps to Style program participants and their photos  – and just how much faster you can improve your style when you get that more objective perspective that a photo brings.   I’ve written a few times about the value of outfit photos and here are some more words from readers who have also discovered their power.

“I have become more objective about how I look because photos don’t lie!  Also, I have become more intentional about what I wear so that I am dressed for success.”  Nancy

“Not only does seeing yourself in a photo help you in evaluating yourself but looking at other people and their outfits starts to train your eyes to look for certain things like value contrast, proportions of upper half to lower half or colour of shoes for example.” Ulrike

“And taking selfies has turned out to be illuminating. I was surprised by how different outfits look in a photo as opposed to the mirror.  I know none of this is news to you but it has changed the way I look at my wardrobe and the pleasure I get from it, so thank you.” Lorraine

I do recommend you take outfit photos – you don’t have to do them every day, but each time you create a new outfit, take a quick snap in the mirror (I’ve got lots of tips on how to pose and the simple technology you need) so that you too can gain the benefits from having these photos.  Plus the added benefit?  You’ve got a record of your most fabulous outfits so when you’re having a morning where you just have no brain space to think about putting an outfit together, you can refer to your photos and have all the elements of a stylish outfit in that photo for you to quickly put together.

Tell Me Your Top 3 Style Tips

I’d love to know, what are the 3 most useful or enlightening style tips or strategies that you’ve learned from Inside Out Style that have had a positive impact on you?  Please share in the comments!