Do you find yourself uninspired by your closet after a year spent wearing more casual attire? You’re not alone. For many of us, the return to ‘normalcy’ feels tantalizing close. However, with fashion taking a back seat for more than a year, a lot of women are feeling out of touch with their personal style and intimidated by the idea of reinventing workwear, eveningwear, and everything in between. The trick is to see this time of flux as an opportunity instead of a challenge. If you were stuck in a style rut before, now is the perfect time to redefine your style and incorporate some more exciting and updated pieces into your wardrobe rotation.

My name is Sara Griot. I’ve worked in the fashion industry for more than 20 years. I knew as a young girl that I wanted to be a clothing designer. There were 5 kids in my family – 4 of them girls. So, my mom spent a lot of time sewing dresses for us, it was something she loved to do. I would take some of her store-bought patterns and transform them into something new and different even back then. I was hooked. So, since that original epiphany and some education in between, I’ve had two clothing lines. Sara McNamara which was a dress company that I had in the late 80’s and early 90’s. And my second clothing line was an “equestrian lifestyle” brand, which was a nod to my love for all thing things equestrian. Think Ralph Lauren-ish style jackets and coats. In my time working with women’s clothing and the women themselves it became very apparent that most women struggle with their own style and dress the way that fashion dictates instead of taking into consideration: their body type (right this minute), their personal and professional goals, what they love, feel good wearing, and helps them project the confidence they deserve to feel. I’ve pivoted my focus and now work with high level women to create a wardrobe that creates ease and a sense of well-being while looking fabulous!

Speaking to clients the last few weeks, there is a common theme... “I don’t like my clothes,”” I have nothing to wear”, “I’m not that person anymore”,” I want to look fresh,” “I hate my wardrobe.”

I’ve heard it all. I get it. A couple of weekends ago I took out my own summer wardrobe and pondered over what was there. Some pieces haven’t seen the light of day since summer 2019 and I got the feeling that they are no longer suitable in my life – and do I really like them? I also know that I don’t want to be in any way confined or restricted in my clothes, yet I want to look relevant and modern. I did a slight wardrobe edit, set aside my first pile for a consignment store and one for donation, and then I decided not to decide.

My advice is not to make any rash choices about our clothes but do look at them and ask if they represent who you are now and where you are going. Trust the process. Here are 4 questions to ask yourself as you’re going through your wardrobe.

1. Does it fit?

· If not, why are you holding onto it? It’s a constant reminder that you’re not accepting your body for how it is right now. Stop thinking that you need to keep something because it might fit again. If it does fit again, you’ll be a different person, and you’ll want something different to replace it anyway.

2. Do I love it?

Does wearing this make you happy? Does it make you feel good? Do you look forward to wearing it? There’s so much truth in Maria Kondo ‘s infamous line, “does it spark joy?”

3. When was the last time you wore it?

If it’s been a while, there’s usually a reason. Sometimes that reason is Covid, and sometimes it no longer aligns with who you are as a person. Or sometimes it’s just that it’s an orphan and needs that perfect top or shoe to put it into your outfit rotation.

4. Is it sentimental?

Sentimental could mean an outfit that you wore on your honeymoon. Or a piece of jewelry or clothing that belonged to a loved one that has passed on. Sentimental doesn’t mean keeping something your mother-in-law gave you and feeling obligated to hold on to it.

We don’t need more, we need less. We need better, more refined. Excess is only a burden and leads to confusion and a lot of standing in front of your wardrobe wondering what to wear. Great style, regarding what you wear, is like a form of magic. When you pair two things and they really work together, it’s an exciting moment and carries a special kind of energy. If you’re wearing something that you don’t feel 100 percent comfortable in, and you’re tugging at your hem, it affects what you put out into the world. Beauty elevates your energy; it elevates your mood. It’s all about finding your own unique mix, owning it, and staying true to yourself. Clothes talk, even when we don’t. It’s hard to assemble a wardrobe and communicate personal style without understanding it’s elements.

Authentic personal style is a combination of elements whose sum is greater than each piece on its own. Maybe it’s a perfect orchestration of fabric, fit and style. Maybe it will be a color that will be your signature style. Or your unmistakable flair for mixing pieces that are unexpected. Make your personal style your personal uniform. Be consistent with what you wear and make it unmistakably your own.

Have fun defining the details and making them part of your personal style journey!