Contributed by Nadine Catala, Personal Stylist/Shopper

“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress. Dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” - Coco Chanel

My style is a way for me to start a conversation. It makes people engage with me and leaves them with something to remember me by. When you look good, you feel good, and when you’re style confident, you’re ready to engage.

These are my top 5 ways to feel confident in your style.

1. Recognize and Own Your Body Type

My #1 rule: recognize and own your body type and shape. Stop comparing yourself to your best friend or a manikin, or the airbrushed models you see when you scroll through Instagram. Just because your BFF has a cute top or some piece is “the trend” doesn’t mean it will look good on you.

When you don’t own your personal body type, you get stressed, and you’ve decided against the clothes before you even enter the dressing room. Nothing you try on will feel good if YOU don’t feel good.

2. Dress For Your Personality + Lifestyle

Personal style starts within. People always tell me, “I don’t have a style!” But they do, and you do too. Everyone has a style. You chose pieces for a reason - your shirt is your favorite shirt for a reason. That’s your style - embrace it! Getting clear on your personal style boosts your confidence, builds your brand, and allows you to express your personality - so you can show up dressed authentically as your true self.

We all have different lifestyles, too. Busy moms, business owners, bloggers, always-at-the-office-ers. It’s important to be comfortable in what you’re wearing, not itchy or fidgety. Find pieces that can work all day - that can carry you from work, to the grocery store, to a soccer game, and to dinner. Style has NO age, NO size, and NO budget.

Key pieces to add chic to your everyday style >

3. Do What You Have to Do

How many times have you tried on nearly everything in your closet and then said “I have nothing to wear!” Clothes shouldn’t stress you out. Do what you have to do to start your day with ease, whether it be planning your outfit the night before or waking up earlier to find what will work best for the day ahead.

Your closet should be your happy place. It’s where you start your day, where you decide how your style will do the talking, where new outfits come alive, and where your personality shines with your everyday style. Try not to stress when you’re putting together an outfit - it’s easier than you think - especially when you follow my top tips!



4. Build a Collection of Wardrobe Staples

Wardrobe staples are the foundation to easy, everyday style. These are pieces you can build on over and over again to create an endless amount of looks by layering and accessorizing. Start with wardrobe staples that fit and flatter your shape, and you’ll unlock the value in your wardrobe.

Examples of wardrobe basics:

• Camis - from stretchy to lace, these can be worn and layered all year

• Jackets - jean, leather

• Jeans - flares and skinnies, white, denim, black

• Blazers & Cardigans - different styles and lengths

• Silky Tops - sleeveless and dramatic sleeves, dress up or down

• Other examples - white button-down, basic tees (white and black), black pants, little black dress
  

5. Make The Most of What You Have

When I get a new client, I don’t go shop. I go to their closet. I help them make the most of what’s there, ditch what doesn’t work, part with the clutter, and create outfits they don’t see. Then I find out what’s missing, organize the closet in a way that makes sense, and go shopping for pieces the fit and flatter them.

Getting the most value from the pieces you already own is what makes getting dressed fun, and the best pieces are the ones that are sentimental or have character, not the t-shirt you picked up randomly one day.

Ready to be style confident?

I’m a clothes therapist. I want to hear your struggles.
DM me for a free style consult:

About Nadine Catala

I give women the tools and confidence to wear what they love, with styles that fit and flatter their body type, personality and lifestyle. Your brand begins with your personal style.

I created Love Marlow to help you feel good about what you're wearing. Why? Life is so dang busy! We all tend to prioritize everyone else's needs. It's completely natural to feel as if you've lost yourself and wonder, “Who am I, and what happened to my style?” Life's everyday challenges like work, kids, marriage, weight gain/loss, divorce, and career change (just to name a few) all contribute to making self-care less important (or so we tell ourselves). I totally get it, but here's the thing... When you feel good about what you're wearing, you FEEL GOOD. So, don't worry! I'm not here to judge. I'm here to help. By thoughtfully curating your existing wardrobe, organizing, and/or personal shopping, I'll find the right silhouettes, color, and fabric to bring out your style. Even if you don't know what your style is, or if you've let it slide while putting everyone else first, we'll find that inner essence and bring it out to thrive.

Want regular style advice and style tips from an expert? Follow me on Instagram @lovemarlowstylist

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