On the shoots I’ve styled, the goal has always been to capture an authentic style. So even though it’s a commercial production, the trend is to use real people (instead of models). And my job is to style them to look like themselves.
Authentic Style On Set
The on-set styling direction was always Make them look authentic because the ad or editorial wanted to convey real-ness. This meant the real women must be relatable. Authenticity sells.
But here’s the issue, the on-set glam squad of styling, hair, and make up amped up the authenticity. It was authentic by design.
Authentic Style IRL
As my career expanded from commercials to styling real women in real life ( i.e. off-set), I saw the problems women faced by dressing authentically.
They weren’t happy with their real bodies. And they didn’t know how to make the most of their real wardrobes. They wanted to feel like a million bucks, but had no idea how to do this as their authentic selves. Because without the on-set glam squad, the reality of real bodies, real wardrobes and real lives was a setback.
Elevated Authentic Style
To help my clients get around these real-women frustrations, I show them new silhouettes for a more flattering fit. Or I give them unexpected ways to wear what’s already in their closet for a fresh update.
And while this definitely helps shift perspectives, there’s still a disconnect because most women have been viewing themselves through a muddy lens for years. They got used to seeing themselves with negative eyes which is hard to readjust.
For someone who sees herself as too big on the bottom, it’s hard to have her see her bottom as anything but big. But if she understood how to work with her body, and find clothes that fit and flatter, she could view herself as someone who looks great in her clothes.
And for a woman who believes she’s clueless around fashion, it’s not natural to start experimenting with her personal preferences. But this is exactly what she should do if she wants to see herself as someone who knows how to dress well.
Your Authentic Style
If you’re feeling like your real body, your real wardrobe and your real life are holding you back from expressing your authentic style, try shifting the way you see yourself. If there’s something you don’t like about your body, give it a new understanding. And if you see no worthwhile options in your current wardrobe, open your eyes to the possibility of what could be with some creativity.
Once you start seeing yourself with fresh eyes, your authentic style will inspire you to show up with more confidence in not only how you look, but also in who you are.
Click play to watch the video where I share how to create a style vision. This will help you see yourself as a woman with your ideal style.