LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD, DO GOOD Part 10: The Mystery of Styling
An inspiring series on developing a style that expresses who you are, an enjoyable relationship with your clothes, and the rewarding satisfaction of making sustainable fashion choices.
By Helen Redfern, founder and creative director of Green Heart Collective and manager of the Green Heart shop on Gateshead High Street. Helen combines her passion for clothes with a passion for the health of this wonderful world in which we live. Speaking from her personal experience of exploring her own style, Helen aims to inspire others to develop the confidence to express their identity and values through what they wear in a fun and affirming way.
Part 10: The Mystery of Styling
In the first nine parts of this series, I’ve talked almost exclusively about clothes. You can catch up on Parts 1-9 by following these links:
Part 4: Manipulated by the fashion industry?
Part 9: Step Into Your Wardrobe
However, there is so much more to the expression we create and convey of who we are. It’s about the whole look. And that’s where styling comes in.
“Styling clothes is the process of selecting and arranging clothing to create a particular fashion look. It can also refer to the way someone expresses themselves through their clothing, accessories, and hairstyle.” - Styling according to AI Overview!
I’m finding my way with styling. I’m pretty confident with the clothes, you’ll have picked that up by now. But when it comes to accessories, jewellery, hair and make-up, I don’t feel confident at all. I let the clothes do the talking and hopefully draw attention away from the rest! So this one is a learning opportunity for me.
Accessories
Firstly, shoes. Shoes are so much more than functional (or if your shoes are wholly functional, then that says something about you too). Take heels for example (although heels are definitely falling from favour) - heels denote power and confidence and give the instant impression of respect.
I don’t have a pair of shoes for every outfit. Far from it. In the winter, I wear the same pair of black boots all winter long. But the style and overall effect is important to me, more important than comfort if I’m honest (although with my painful feet, comfort matters too). I would own more shoes if the styles I’m attracted to would be accepted by my grumpy feet!
Then there are scarves, handbags, work bags, glasses, watches, underwear - every single choice we make matters and speaks of who we are. I love handbags. I don’t get to use one much, but I have a collection of small vintage style bags that bring me joy. I’m not sure what they say about me, but they feel like a real part of me.
“More so than clothes, accessories are drenched in symbolism, so they constitute a powerful force when it comes to enclothed cognition.” - page 87, ‘Big Dress Energy’ by Shakaila Forbes-Bell.
That’s saying that all our accessories contribute to the overall impression that others form of us in the first few seconds of meeting us - and to how we perceive and convey our identity.
Jewellery
The jewellery we choose to wear is just as important as our clothes. An item of jewellery is a great conversation starter and usually has a story behind it: where it was bought, when and by whom. In that sense, all jewellery is statement jewellery. Each piece of jewellery is a form of non-verbal communication. A pair of earrings can transport you to happier times. A necklace can denote status. Bangles can reflect personal style. Jewellery has real impact.
So enjoy it. Fall in love with the pieces you have and allow yourself to seek out jewellery that speaks to you and speaks for you.
Hair
The hairstyle we choose is partly down to the nature of our hair and in part inextricably linked to identity. When we want a fresh start, the first thing we look to change is our hair - either the colour or the style.
What if everyday could be a good hair day? We could smash this thing called life. For me, learning to accept my curly hair was a game-changer. I learnt to work with what I had, rather than fighting against it.
Make-up
There are trends in make-up styles as much as in clothing. Remember this? “Thick eyebrows are in, thin ones are out.” There’s always a new trend. And keeping up with the latest trend is exhausting - if that’s what you want to do. You know me. I’m past caring about latest trends. As I approach the big 6-0, I’m being bombarded with anti-ageing products and I’m not a fan of those either. I prefer to embrace ageing naturally (a work in progress with that), but I still like the idea of enhancing that natural look.
Consider this: “My experience of grief made me realise that ageing is a blessing,one that many people aren’t fortunate enough to experience.” - page 187, Big Dress Energy by Shakaila Forbes -Bell
Part of enhancing my natural look is to take care of myself inside and out. It’s about eating well, sleeping well, dealing with stress through exercise, creativity and connecting with others, approaching life with gratitude etc. Genuine happiness makes you glow, makes you beautiful - far more than any make-up can. How you feel changes how you look.
However when it comes to a skincare routine, I suck. I use soap and water on my face every day, that’s it. Forbes-Bell asserts that skincare is self-care, the whole cleansing, exfoliating, moisturising procedure. I get that applying these products can become like a regular massage ritual that is good for mind and body. But that’s where it ends for me. If you have a skincare routine, don’t rush through it - try to see it as a quiet time of contemplation, meditation and visualisation. You’re caring for your skin because you are worth it - corny, I know, but true.
When it comes to make-up, it’s not (just) about becoming more beautiful to attract a mate. It’s about embracing your own creativity and self-expression. It’s about enhancing your whole look, adding to your outfit, creating the look to help you face the day ahead with confidence. You may choose never to wear make-up, only wear it for special occasions, never to leave the house without make-up - what you choose to do is a part of who you are in itself. Make-up can be fun.
Explore. Be curious. That’s what I’m trying to do. It seems you can teach a dog new tricks. The basic make-up I’ve always worn doesn’t work for me any more now I’m older and wear glasses all the time. And I do think wearing make-up to work every day helps me get into the role that I play here. And so I’m experimenting with gentle tinted moisturisers and I’m planning a visit to a make-up counter for advice about eye make up.
I’m sorry if this article is frustrating you with all the questions it’s throwing up without any of the answers. You should know by now: there are no rules. It’s up to you to find your own way through this minefield that is style.
There is no right and wrong: simply be true to yourself. You can’t go wrong.
ACTION POINT
Take an inventory of each of the following: shoes, handbags, other accessories, jewellery, hair and make-up, asking the following questions and responding accordingly. Don’t try to do it all at once - maybe take one a week. You have the rest of your life to explore your evolving style.
Which items/aspects do I love? What is it about them that I love? Could I wear/use this more? Could I care for it better?
Which items/aspects do I have negative feelings about? Is there a good reason not to part with this item? How can I part with it responsibly?
What do I need to buy/research/try to improve this area of my style? What is the next step?
I hope you’re not feeling daunted about this process, but that you feel inspired and ready for the next steps in your evolving style adventure.
