Have you ever really stopped to think about the fact that most stylish and successful people have a look that defines them? Think about the super stylish like Anna Wintour or the super successful like the late Steve Jobs and I bet your mind can easily conjure an image of Anna with her chic bob, oversized shades and sheath dress or Steve in his less fashionable, but still effective, black turtleneck, dad jeans and sneakers. They and many others have adopted a signature style or uniform.  Having a signature look takes a little work on the front end but I promise you it will save you so much time in the long run.

I literally put very little effort into getting dressed each morning because I never have to think about what I am going to wear. I just grab something from my abbreviated or capsule wardrobe, add minimal accessories and Voila. I am often stopped at random places and complimented on something I am wearing, but even if that never happened I would still feel just as satisfied. There is nothing remotely appealing to me about pouring through a closet jam packed with ill-fitting, outdated clothing trying to find something that works every morning. To use the famous words of Sweet Brown “Ain’t nobody got time for that!”

So how do you create a signature look or uniform?

Edit your closet-check out my bluff your wardrobe post http://singlemomchiclife.com/2016/01/22/bluff-your-wardrobe/

Get rid of ill-fitting, out of date clothing. Store things that are out of season or sentimental if you can’t bear to part with them. You can keep the cheerleading outfit and the letterman jacket but pack it away. Chances are you won’t be wearing either any time soon.

Narrow your style down to 3 or 4 signature looks

I always wear dresses (sheath or wrap), skirts with button down shirts, and jeans with blazers. Take pictures of yourself in outfits you like and see what you look best in. Have a friend help you narrow down your choices if you’re stumped.

Buy fewer but higher quality pieces

You will have to mix and match your pieces but this process will be seamless because having a signature looks means that things will easily be interchangeable. However, having a uniform means you will wear things more often and you need quality items to be able to do that. Don’t confuse expensive with quality though, they do not always equate. Read tags, feel fabrics and learn which brands hold up well. Consignment is another great way to shop quality on a budget.

Having a uniform saves you time in your morning routine and saves you money in the long run. I rarely shop and things I do purchase last a very long time. You won’t spend money on disposable clothing that you constantly have to replace or feel tempted to purchase something you don’t need just because it’s on sale. It’s not a deal if it just hangs in your closet. An unexpected benefit for me was that I learned to value having less stuff and enjoy having more time. Isnt’ that the ultimate life goal?

 

Until Next Post,