When it comes to your clothes: what to wear, what to buy, what to let go--how would you like a simple rallying phrase that:
- clarifies your decisions
- prioritizes your values
- leans into your goals and aspirations
- gives it your personal touch
Friends, this magic phrase is your Style Manifesto. In other posts and videos, I have called it an Intention or a Theme. These are all basically words for a consciously-crafted skeleton on which you hang the stuff of your dreams so they take shape.
There is no one way to write a manifesto and you could literally write a whole book or pamphlet outlining yours (see: every modern political candidate ever). But just in case you don't want this project to take over your entire life, here is one simple method for easily crafting one that is flexible and creative and do-able in a matter of minutes.
Materials needed (now it's a craft! Whee!)
- notepad and/or Post-Its (the more colorful, the funner!)
- pen or markers (funner option)
- Optional addition: Notes App on your phone
Now, choose 5 words or phrases that represent your voice, your goals, your current life (function, needs), your communication style, and finally: the IT factor that distinguishes your outfits from anyone else's.
If that kind of freeform, limitless thinking is too wildly obtuse of an order, write these five questions down on a piece of paper and answer them with any words that come to mind. As you do this, keep your favorite outfit or top three favorites in your mind. Consider how you feel and what you are expressing when you wear them.
1. What is one outstanding characteristic you already possess and want to continue to grow or encourage?
How does that look in clothes? I choose all my clothes in cheerful, bright colors (red, yellow, navy, and grass green) and look for whimsical, light-hearted details (ruffled hems and bows) and patterns--stripes and polka dots that are always looking on the bright side of life!
2. What is a characteristic of a look, an ideal, or in fashion that is something you aspire to?
My word: POLISHED
How does that look in clothes? I love tailored, well-shaped clothes and classic silhouettes in natural materials like cotton, wool, and leather. I like clothes to coordinate seamlessly and intentionally, but not be excessively matchy. I do not like anything that is ripped, unfinished, stained, excessively faded, or shapeless (even if intentionally done and trendy). That said, I am not always as put together as I'd like to be and my hair is often a bit messy. So...it's an aspiration.
3. Instant Recognition: What word is the instantly recognizable inspirational touchstone for every outfit you create?
My phrase:FUNCTIONAL WHIMSY
How does that look in clothes? Comfy, interchangeable, very practical and high quality pieces with fun colors and details that maybe don't look like everyone else, but that feel great to live in and exude my joy and high energy.
4. What word best communicates your current lifestyle?
My word: UNLIMITED
How does this look in clothes? For me, unlimited means I can move freely--nothing is too tight or confining, too itchy or restrictive of how I want to move my body or how I want to spend my day. Shoes support me, not hold me back or keep me small. Everything is machine washable! Individual items are of high-quality and are well-made, not constantly ripping, fading, or needing replacement. This is about my values, too, in support of sustainability and anti-fast-fashion. Even when I am in dressier clothes, I can still dance or sit on the floor or do what I want to do. I want to support myself with my choices in living the biggest, bravest, freest life I can.5. What word or phrase best summarizes the overall aesthetic of your signature style?
My phrase: PLAYFUL CHIC
How does that look in clothes? I bring together polished and optimistic wardrobe staples in unexpected patterns and colorways that still function as a neutral. For example, one of the cornerstone colors of my wardrobe is yellow--I have yellow shoes, a yellow cardigan, a yellow purse, yellow pants, a yellow dress, and I use them as foundational pieces for every outfit.As you can see, I think there is actually a lot of overlap in my phrases and words and most of the pictures I used for one could easily be used for another, but as I thought through each question, I kept seeing my same favorites over and over and these were the characteristics of those items I love to wear that feel so true to me.
You have your words, now what?
After you come up with your 5 words or phrases, write them down on Post-Its and put them in your closet or wherever you get dressed each day as a reminder and see if the clothes you pick out align with what you wrote. You can also put them in a note on your phone to reference when you are out shopping and before you put that impulse buy in your cart.
If you did this exercise and you don't feel like you got the words quite right, you have infinite opportunities to try again--change out one word or another and tweak it until you get just the right fit! Happy manifesting!
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