2020 Style Goals: #1 Know Who You Are

Pamela Lutrell discusses style goals for 2020

Happy New Year with 2020 Personal Style Goals we can all reach…..While I hate to see Christmas end, January 1 always arrives with the hope of a new tomorrow, a fresh start, another year.  For those of us over 50 (some well over 50), it is a reminder that life is short making each moment and each decision count a little bit more while we rapidly watch the days go by.  I have been blogging for one decade, and now that I am entering the second one, I so desire to take this blog further and encourage even more women.  Why?  Because I know too many who are despondent and down on their lives over 50….it is time to enjoy each moment.

Over 50 Feeling 40 Style Goal #1 2020

As we enter 2020, why don’t we make some intentional goals to have some fun and make improvements for this new year? Not, unreachable goals such as planning to win the lottery, but attainable goals we can see immediate results from practicing. I have seven posts to bring to you with suggestions for your 2020 goal setting.  I do so much better when I have a plan…without one, I am quick to hit that goal every time.  (Do you get what I am saying?) I will give you five sets of style goals one set of beauty goals, and one set of good health/lifestyle goals.   Then at the end of the year, you can tell us how you did!  This is to motivate you to be your best YOU in 2020 and set goals with purpose and determination.

Pamela Lutrell stretches holiday money at Goodwill SA

So, let’s begin with a better understanding of our own personal style.  Like it or not, you do have a personal style and what you wear says something about you ….no matter how much or little effort you put into it.

Over 50 Feeling 40 in Fall fashion trends 2019

 

Style Goal #1:  Decide What Your Clothing Says About You

This is the year to develop a confident, rock solid personal style.  What does that mean?  Am I asking you to look like women on television or in magazines?  Far from it.  I am asking you to think about this:  What does your clothing say about you?  When people pass you on the street, what message are they getting about you from the way you dress?  Do they see someone who cares about herself?  Do they see someone who is joyful and fun?  Do they see someone who is depressed?  Do they see someone who is intelligent and engaged in life?

Over 50 Feeling 40 in Soft Surroundings Topper

Since my re-invention, I have used adjectives to shape my personal style.  I select five adjectives and ask myself every day when I dress, am I communicating those adjectives with the way I look.  When we are consistent to communicate those adjectives over and over again, then we develop a personal style.  People begin to say, “I saw an outfit the other day that looks exactly like you.”  They can do that when we are consistent with the messages our clothing speaks. This also helps us to have more focused, successful shopping…when we ask in the dressing room, what does this say about me?

Over 50 Feeling 40 Style Tip for Fall 2019

I ask if my outfit says that I am intelligent, strong, approachable, current and creative.  By including the word “creative,” I can add fun accessories and prints or enjoy color in creative ways.  There are outfits of mine on this page from 2019.  I wanted you to see that they are consistent with my adjectives.

Over 50 Feeling 40 in Soft Surroundings topper

So, your first goal recommendation is to enter the new year with five adjectives you want to speak with your clothing.  Then you have to be true to them when you dress and when you shop.  I promise at the end of the year, you will understand and own a personal style.  If you will email your adjectives to over50feeling40@gmail.com, then I will select one or two slideshows for you with how you can communicate your selections.  I will email you when your adjectives are going to be featured.

Over 50 Feeling 40 supports sustainable fashion

This way of planning your outfits builds incredible confidence.  You begin to see how you can look in a mirror every day and say, “this is me. “It is very empowering and can be so much fun.

Stylist Stacy London in her book The Truth about Style writes of the positive power found when we control our image:

“Style is a form of self-expression and aspiration.  Style is there for you to use, to constantly re-evaluate to see yourself differently.  It isn’t superficial, and it is never just about clothes. Think of it as a “Hello, my name is ____________” tag, and life as one big convention. It is a tool of opportunity to help demonstrate the possible.  With style, you can see change quickly and feel it viscerally and the belief in your own power translates to other areas of your life. It’s not an overstatement to say that style teaches me over and over how to live in my skin. It helps me to find courage and confidence and control when I feel I have none. I love the world of style for its transformative power.”  She says we have the never -ending ability to improve.

I believe Stacy London’s is the most important book I have seen written on style.  She addresses the whole person and importance of confidence. It helped me dramatically years ago.  Let’s begin this new decade with new goals to be the best we can be and come out every day with smiles and confidence no matter who we are or what we do with our time.

 

Start thinking now…what do you want to say about you in 2020.  Sometimes it helps to write a long list of adjectives and narrow done to five.  Having less is fine…whatever works for you.  Looking our confident best will help you to do more, achieve more, enjoy more, and smile more.  As we get further into this month, I will share with you some new ways that I am going to communicate my five messages.  I also have specifics coming in the Style Goal 2020 posts. This should be an enjoyable week that gets you planning and thinking.

Has anyone already set style goals for the new decade?  Please share, and make sure you have a……………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR; with a goal to KEEP SMILING!!

 

 

By Pamela Lutrell

29 Comments

  1. This is the time that I review my Foundational Five. I do this twice each year, and while they stay pretty consistent, I’ve made a few changes. This is a great post and will be a very helpful series! I’m taking notes as I make sure I’m staying true to who I am and interpreting this in my personal style! It’s important and I’m glad you chose to do this!

  2. Hi Pam, Happy New Year’s Eve! I love this post and your encouragement. I just ordered Stay’s book from my library. I’m going to think about my 5 adjectives and email them before in the next couple of days. It will be hard to pick just 5, but maybe it’s what I need to be a bit more on target with my purchases. Amy

  3. What a great post! I realized that I ask myself everyday how I want to dress for the day to fit my mood, but never thought to think of my style in terms of adjectives. I really like this idea. Thinking in terms of adjectives can also help get rid of clothes that don’t suit my style. Great post! I enjoy all of your posts so much. You do a great job! Thank you, and Happy 2020!

  4. Thank you, Teresa. I like the adjectives better than dressing for our moods. There are days that if I dressed for the mood I am in, I would look pretty dismal. There are also days that I am in a “bad” mood and by dressing confidently with my adjectives, it lifts my spirits and puts a smile on my face. Hope this helps!

  5. Can’t wait to see Amy! By limiting ourselves to five we begin the hone in sharply on a personal style. If we try to communicate too many, then we still struggle with exactly who we are. Tomorrow’s post is about the clean out with your messages in mind! Glad to have you here!

  6. My fav adjective is “presentable” If I feel that I am presentable for public consumption. it’s a good thing!Many say I always look “nice” Same thing.different term. At this point(well, past 50) some days that’s the best it will be. enjoy the visuals you post. A person can learn a lot about dressing by seeing what others combine, accessories,colors,current items scarves,capes,etc. Please keep up the blog, I enjoy the inspiration you provide and creative ideas. Still waiting to try the fahita (Sp?)seasoning. Happy New year to you and yours.

  7. Happy New Year Pam! 5 adjectives might be tough but I’ll give it a try. I do know that one adjective will be : modern. I may be 73 but I admire, respect and dress with a modern flair. I hope.

  8. Great post and really resonates. This year I am also more aware of what I chose to wear at home. I find colour such as deep pinks and reds, really lifts my spirits and fewer tops need to be kept for special! I am prepared for a declutter next week and appreciate your help. All the Best to You and Yours for 2020.

  9. I’m still on board with last year’s goals. My question is how that translates to different environments: senior level corporate/casual retirement community with friends 60-85/younger friends/my inner 17 year old self/my love of colour (especially purple ? ?. Like Teresa below, I also dress for my mood. Trying to be true to myself and appropriate to the occasion can be a little trying sometimes.

    Happy New Year!

  10. I’m still on board with last year’s goals. My question is how that translates to different environments: senior level corporate/casual retirement community with friends 60-85/younger friends/my inner 17 year old self/my love of colour (especially purple ? ?. Like Teresa below, I also dress for my mood. Trying to be true to myself and appropriate to the occasion can be a little trying sometimes.

    Happy New Year!

  11. Thank you for your posts. I started following you when I retired. It helped me to adjust from business attire to stylish retirement. You are so refreshing to follow.
    Many blessings to you and your family for 2020.

  12. I like your adjectives. I know that what I wear influences how I feel about myself and that impacts how others see me. I like classic styles in colors that flatter me. They don’t have to be expensive but I won’t buy anything that looks cheaply made. I also alter clothes to fit me properly. Thank you for encouraging women to make the most of where they are in life! Happy New Year!

  13. I love Stacy London! Her approach to dressing has really helped me to know what elements to put into an outfit. Following her mantra of, “Texture, Pattern, Color, Shine” has helped me take my clothing choices from ok to special. And all I did was shop my closet. A while back a grocery clerk at a store I go to occasionally asked how I always managed to look so nice. She said she gets tired of looking at so many women coming in in sweats and pajama bottoms. How dreary. I no longer want to blend in, but I also don’t want to be the star attraction, if you know what I mean.

    Pam, I’ve been reading your blog long enough to read about your approach to style goals and I whole heartedly agree! Now I need to fine tune mine for the new year. ?

  14. You have helped me transition from the working world to retirement. When I found your blog a little over nine years ago, I had just retired & had no idea who I was at that point in my life. Since then, my life has taken many twists & turns, as life always does. I am now at a point where I am ready to be just me & am working to find out who “me” is. I will give some thought to those adjectives & e-mail them soon

    Happy New Year!

  15. Happy New Year. I appreciate your blog.

    I thought about the five adjectives I wan to project and they are the same as most of yours.

    I want to show I am joyful, current, approachable, fun, and intelligent.

    As my husband and I will be retiring in late June (Happy Dance!!!), I will especially need to focus on these five adjectives as I am committed to continue dressing well when no longer working.

    Thank you!!!

  16. What a timely article for me. I have never been much of a fashion-bug…I’m usually in shorts and tank tops, and since I’ve been a pet sitter for the past 7 years, that’s been ok. As a newly certified life coach with the goal of becoming a well known inspirational speaker, however, I must start dressing the part! Will definitely be reading more of your blog and on my new “to do” list for the shiny new year is to come up with my 5 adjectives. Thank you!

  17. Just finished my de-clutter and it feels great, Pat. A perfect way to begin a new year!

  18. It just takes practice, Janet. You can do it. Dressing to our moods is great if we are always in a good mood…it is those other days we need to watch out for. Confident style can lift our spirits on those days! Happy New Year!

  19. Thank your for the encouragement, Claudette…it always welcome and needed! Bless you!

  20. Let me know when they are fine-tuned, Susan. I also think often of the texture, pattern, color and shine. So helpful.

  21. Can’t wait to see Becky. My life in the past five years has been through so many twists and turns, but I stayed true to the messaging of my clothing and the boost of confidence always helps with the rest.

  22. Love your adjectives, Lori and you are so right, it is easy to slip during time off. I will talk a little more about that this year on the blog. Whenever I do retire, I desire, like you, to keep dressing well.

  23. So glad to have you here, Julie and play a part in your new journey! Keep us posted on how that is going.

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