✨ Let’s get into it ✨
💡 TLDR
Hear me out on this one—my 30s fashion journey just got a major upgrade, and it all started with a system. I’m 36, living in the UK, and let’s be real, the past few years have been a dumpster fire of …
Hear me out on this one—my 30s fashion journey just got a major upgrade, and it all started with a system. I’m 36, living in the UK, and let’s be real, the past few years have been a dumpster fire of beige and grey. I’m not here for “fashionable” vibes, but I do want to feel like I’m not living in a 2001 Gap ad. Enter style systems, which turned my wardrobe from a sad pile of basics into a curated mood board.
Here’s the thing: capsule wardrobes are great, but they can also make you feel like a blank canvas. I tried one and ended up in a boring, invisible state. Then I stumbled on Allison Bornstein’s 3-Word Method, which basically told me to stop overthinking and just name how I want to feel. My words? Grounded, Balanced, Poetic. Grounded means I lean into 70s Americana and menswear vibes (no glam, thank you). Balanced? I love suiting and menswear but hate looking too masculine or overly girly. Poetic? That’s the weird part—I’m basically a hippy with a love for heritage fabrics and quirky details.
Enter Ellie Richards, who’s basically my style guru. Her system categorizes clothes into Basics, Personality Pieces, and Dopamine Pieces. Basically, Basics are the boring stuff you wear every day, Personality Pieces are the quirky stuff that makes you feel like yourself, and Dopamine Pieces are the statement items that make you go “YES.” It’s genius because it helps you mix and match without going full chaos.
My recent win? Patchwork jeans, a denim mini dress, and a T-shirt embroidered with pretzels and bagels. It’s like my wardrobe finally got a personality, and I feel like I’m living in a mood board. If you’re feeling stuck in a style rut, maybe it’s time to try a system.
💫 2) Categorize your wardrobe into Basics, Personality, and Dopamine.
Key points: 1) Use the 3-Word Method to define your vibe. 2) Categorize your wardrobe into Basics, Personality, and Dopamine. 3) Don’t be afraid to mix heritage with hippy details.
So, how do you balance feeling current without losing your identity? Drop your secrets below—let’s vibe!
❓ People Also Ask
How did style systems change your approach to fashion?
Style systems helped me focus on purposeful dressing, not just trends. It made my choices more intentional and confident, leading to a more authentic personal style.
What’s the benefit of using style systems in your 30s?
Style systems simplify decision-making, reduce overwhelm, and build confidence. They help create a cohesive, personal look that feels right for your age and lifestyle.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇