Personal Style Evolution: From Corporate Look to Feminine Elegance
Welcome to a story not just about clothes, but about identity, growth, and self-expression. Every outfit we choose to wear is a reflection of who we are, or sometimes, who we aspire to be. My personal style evolution represents a journey from the rigid boundaries of corporate dress to the embracing of elegantly flowing, feminine attire. This evolution was not just about a change in wardrobe; it was a profound transformation in how I perceived myself and how I chose to present that self to the world.
Looking back, my personal style evolution feels like a journey through different chapters of my life.
In this blog, I invite you to walk with me through my style evolution. But beyond the fabrics and the cuts, this is the story of the importance of being always ‘put together’ – a testament to how our outer appearance can shape our inner confidence and how, ultimately, our personal style becomes our personal brand.
So, let’s turn the page to where it all began – in the structured world of corporate fashion…
The Corporate Years
The spark that ignited my journey into the world of corporate attire came from an unlikely source – my next-door neighbor. She always wore tailor-made suits and she was the embodiment of what a successful woman looked like to me. Her style wasn’t just about fashion; it was a powerful symbol of achievement.
Honestly, I thought that outfits like office dresses, suits, or pencil skirts paired with sleek jackets were not just clothes. They shouted: Confidence. They had the power to transform any woman to look powerful!
When I landed the office job in Dubai, my excitement wasn’t just about the role. It was equally about the opportunity to shop for clothes that would mirror the confidence and power I yearned to embody.
There was something about dressing up in that corporate style, with the heels and the matching bag… It made me feel like I was destined for big things. Every time I stepped out in those outfits, I felt like I was on my way to conquer the world.
Reflecting on those years, I see it was more about the environment I was in. I wore those outfits because that was my idea of success, and I wanted to climb that career ladder. “Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have.” type of thing.
With the wisdom of hindsight, I now see another side to this story. These outfits, as much as they were about projecting success, were also symbols of the self-imposed boundaries I had unconsciously set for myself.
The corporate style was more than just a wardrobe choice. It was the first chapter in this whole journey of figuring out my style and, well, myself.
Personal Style Evolution – The Transition
The realization that I needed a style change didn’t hit me all at once. It was more of a gradual awareness, emerging from a deeper understanding of my own energy. I found myself often embodying more masculine energy – constantly controlling, doing, and striving. This isn’t uncommon, especially in the corporate world, where adopting a certain persona is sometimes a necessity to be heard and to advance. And for single women, there’s an added pressure to be self-reliant, often tipping the balance away from a state of flow, the essence of feminine energy.
This moment of awareness led me to research what it truly means to be in one’s feminine energy. Among the various insights, one resonated strongly with me: the power of feminine attire. It seemed like the easiest way for me to reconnect with my feminine side. Much like in my corporate days, I decided to dress for the role I aspired to take.
I already had a few feminine pieces in my wardrobe, marking the early stages of my personal style evolution. I started to wear them more frequently and immediately noticed a shift. I felt lighter and freer, a refreshing contrast to the constricting feel of my corporate outfits. These small yet impactful experiences motivated me to continue in this direction. Shopping transformed into a journey of selecting clothes that not only made me feel fantastic but also gave me the sensation of looking and feeling like a million bucks.
But this wardrobe transformation wasn’t just about clothes; it was about my behavior too. I noticed subtle shifts in how I carried myself, interacted with others, and even in my overall outlook on life.
The Search for the Perfect Fit
Finding the perfect feminine clothes without breaking the budget appeared to be a bigger challenge than I expected. This obstacle led me into the world of experimentation. I began visiting fabric stores, curious to see what is available there. To my surprise, I discovered high-quality fabrics at surprisingly reasonable prices. The quality and variety were so much better than what I usually found in my go-to stores, which steered me towards a tailor-made approach.
With this new insight, I started to ask around for good tailors’ recommendations. My first project for my personal style evolution? Making a copy of a pair of trousers I liked. The next step was designing a dress for myself. This process wasn’t just fun. It reminded a long-forgotten passion of mine – designing clothes.
However, having a basic understanding of fabrics and their best uses was just the tip of the iceberg. Designing a complete outfit required a deeper dive into the world of fashion design. So, that’s exactly what I did. I began experimenting with different materials and styles. It was a mix of hits and misses. Sometimes, I got it right on the first try; other times, well, let’s just say the results weren’t quite perfect. 😊 But every attempt was a learning experience.
This journey wasn’t just about creating clothes; it was about discovering my creative side. It was exhilarating to see an idea transform into a tangible piece of clothing, a unique expression of my personality.
Establishing a Personal Style
As I ventured deeper into the world of tailor-made clothes and fabric experiments, I realized I was doing much more than just piecing together outfits. I was, in essence, stitching together my unique style, a style that was a true reflection of who I am.
Defining a personal style is never a straightforward journey. It is like a dance, moving back and forth between different fabrics, cuts, and colors. The more I experimented, the more my style evolved – from rigid corporate to something that was unmistakably me. The flowery and brighter colors that spoke of my newfound confidence, and the soft, flowing fabrics that echoed my love for elegance.
As my wardrobe transformed, so did I. Every step in my style journey mirrored a phase in my personal growth. The transition from off-the-rack corporate wear to custom creations wasn’t just about fashion. It was about shedding layers of imposed identities and embracing the real me.
I remember the first time I wore a dress that I had designed from scratch. It was more than just a piece of clothing; it was a statement of my creativity and independence. It wasn’t designed to fit into a mold or to climb the corporate ladder. It was designed for me, by me. That moment was a revelation – I was no longer just dressing for success in the traditional sense. I was dressing for personal fulfillment and joy.
In establishing my personal style, I’ve learned that it’s more than just aesthetics. It’s about the journey of self-discovery and being true to oneself. It’s about taking risks, making mistakes, and learning from them. It’s about stepping out of the comfort zone and embracing change.
Looking back, what began as a simple decision of stepping into my feminine energy through a wardrobe change blossomed into something far more significant: a journey of growth and self-acceptance.
The Importance of Being ‘Put Together’
Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.
Rachel Zoe
I couldn’t agree more with this quote. Style is not just about wearing the right clothes; it’s about them reflecting who you are. Every time you step out, your outfit communicates a message about you. It’s part of how you present yourself to the world, part of your personal branding. And believe me, when you feel confident in what you’re wearing, it shows. Your posture changes, your walk becomes more confident, and your overall presence radiates with vibrant energy.
So, how do you maintain this consistent, put-together look? First, understand your personal style and what you feel best in. Build a wardrobe around pieces that are not only stylish but also comfortable and truly ‘you.’ Next, plan ahead. Sometimes, the mornings can be rushed, so having an outfit planned the night before can be a game-changer. Or even better, creating an “Outfit of the Day” photo gallery. This way, you can choose your outfit from a catalog without even having to open your wardrobe.
Expressing your personal style, it’s more than just fashion. It’s about presenting the best version of yourself to the world and embracing every part of who you are. Being ‘put together’ isn’t a chore; it’s a celebration of your identity.
And there you have it, the journey of my personal style evolution. I’m grateful that what started as stepping into feminine energy blossomed into wonderful discoveries and exciting adventures.
To everyone reading this: I encourage you to embark on your own style journey. Remember, style isn’t just about keeping up with trends. It’s about creating your own path, crafting a style that truly reflects and resonates with who you are at your core.
