Are you ready to embark on a journey that not only transforms your personal style but also reshapes the way you perceive yourself? In this blog post, we're diving into a powerful topic that's intricately linked to your style choices: body acceptance.

What Does Personal Style Really Mean?

Personal style is so much more than just the clothing you wear. It's a form of self-expression, a visual representation of your unique identity. Your style choices allow you to share who you are with the world without having to say a word.

“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak,”

— Rachel Zoe, celebrity stylist

But what's at the core of crafting a style that authentically reflects you? Here's the crucial element: accepting your body exactly as it is right now.

Why Body Acceptance is Key for Unlocking Your Signature Style

How you feel about your body dramatically impacts your clothing choices. Think about how many times you've stopped yourself from wearing the latest trends because you felt you just didn't have the right body. Or changed your outfit countless times because nothing seemed to look good enough. Or saw a gorgeous piece of clothing but didn't even bother trying it on since you assumed you could never quite pull it off.

When you limit options and pass over styles you love simply because you don't like how you look in them, you end up dressing for others, not for yourself.

It's like pretending you love certain hobbies or movies just to impress others - you end up representing a false version of yourself. And when you only wear "slimming" or "safe" styles, you do the same thing.

On the flip side, accepting your body as it is now makes it more likely you'll wear pieces that truly speak to you and represent the real you. And, coincidentally, that's exactly how you develop a signature style that authentically reflects your inner light.

As fashion icon, Iris Apfel, puts it: “If you don't know yourself, you'll never have great style. You'll never really live. To me, the worst fashion faux pas is to look in the mirror, and not see yourself.”

Here are three more ways embracing your body empowers your style:

Choosing Joy Over Judgement

Imagine selecting each outfit from a place of deep joy and self-love because you're no longer constrained by dressing to avoid negative judgment from others. That's the magic of body acceptance—when you wear clothes solely to please yourself versus seeking approval, your style choices become a powerful form of self expression.

Celebrating Your Unique Beauty

When you accept your body, your beauty is no longer defined by fleeting societal standards or trends. Getting dressed becomes less about hiding flaws and more about appreciating what makes you gorgeous just as you are.

This self-love shines through, making every outfit a bold statement of self-assuredness. And confidence is always the best look!

Owning Your Truth

By fully embracing all parts of yourself, you gain the freedom to dress in clothes that reflect your true self. Without the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards, your style choices become a bold way of owning your story and celebrating your body unapologetically.

When you dress from from self-love instead of self-critique, your outfit choices become powerful expressions of your unique identity. By accepting your body, you gain the confidence to wear the styles you adore but once avoided out of fear or doubt. The beautiful result is a signature look that boldly celebrates everything that makes you YOU.

Body Acceptance is a Lifelong Journey

Learning to fully accept your body is not a one-and-done process; it's a continual practice that requires courage, mindfulness, and self-love. But the rewards of breaking free from unrealistic ideals to love yourself completely make the effort so worth it!

Ready to continue this journey while taking your personal style to the next level? Here are two techniques to get you started:

Silence Your Inner Mean Girl

That critical inner voice constantly judging your body can wreak havoc when getting dressed. The next time it whispers, “This dress makes me look huge,” visualize a STOP sign in your mind, then ask yourself:

“What do I love about my body right now?”

Focus on that positive response as you choose your outfit. Keep returning to that mental STOP sign whenever negative thoughts creep in.

"People often say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder."

— Salma Hayak

Defy the Doubts

Next time you want to wear an outfit you absolutely adore, but that nagging inner critic whispers it might be unflattering, go for it anyway. So what if certain clothes supposedly make you look "bigger?" That judgmental voice stems from pressure to conform to unrealistic ideals about shapes, sizes and beauty.

The truth is, those limiting doubts and insecurities do not accurately reflect you or your worth. We all deserve to celebrate our bodies and express ourselves through personal style, not hide away. Wearing something you love sparks joy and confidence from the inside out. When you defy those critical whispers and own your look, you claim your right to define beauty on your own terms.

As Lady Gaga, singer and style icon, once said, "You define beauty yourself. Society doesn't define your beauty."

What Will You Try This Week?

Choosing one small, body-positive action builds your confidence over time. Whether it's silencing your inner critic or defying doubts by rocking your favorite outfit, each step forward makes a difference.

While on this journey, continue seeking inspiration from styles you love. Follow body-positive influencers and surround yourself with affirmations and role models. This helps drown out the negative noise from media and culture.

Embracing your body and owning your signature style is an ongoing process, but you’ve got this! With consistent practice and self-compassion, you will get there.

What small, empowering step will you take today?

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ABOUT:

I'm a Minneapolis personal stylist on a mission to eradicate outdated style 'rules' so women can unleash themselves in all their beautiful, authentic glory!

I offer personal styling services that empower women to wear what they love by helping them ditch any outdated style rules keeping them stuck, showing them how to dress in a way that embraces their beautiful body and, the key to it all, having fun! I believe in a liberated style approach so there are no style rules, body shapes, seasonal colors or dos and don’ts given out here. Rather, I help my clients tap into what lights them up and dress with the purpose of expressing their authentic selves rather than impressing others.

This is all done through a combination of styling services (including wardrobe edits, shopping trips and styling sessions) available in thoughtfully curated styling packages designed to help clients unleash their true self through the power of style.

When I'm not helping women take back their power style, you can find me reading (about a gazillion books at once), learning the art of pole dancing, making & decorating cakes, binging a random circa 2000's TV show with my hubby, Aaron, while playing with my adorable rescue pup or, of course, shopping! :-)