X5 questions to ask yourself when getting dressed
My Intuitive Dressing Method, and why it matters.
Getting dressed is practical, but it is also deeply personal. How often to do you stop to reflect on how you feel and what you need before getting dressed?
When we’re hungry we check in with what we want to eat, so why not do the same with what we want to wear?
The idea of intuitive dressing was introduced to me by a friend a few years ago. I sometimes found myself knee-deep in discarded clothes after frantically trying to find an outfit to leave the house in. The time pressure and lack of centred-ness in my body, caused stress and a cloudiness that meant I couldn’t be clear, creative, or intuitive with my decision.
I would end up leaving the house not feeling good, confident or comfortably dressed.
We often pick an outfit from habit or by what we think we should wear, what is expected of us, for practical reasons or even with no thought at all. And that is all okay, but there is another way that is both more supportive and more fun..
Getting dressed is a means of creativity, support and self expression, as well as being practical and necessary. It can feel big, overwhelming and confusing. So I highly recommend these steps to held ground the process.
The Method:
Pause. Take a minute in reflection and ask yourself some questions. And make a choice that’s conscious, not chaotic.
Ask yourself these 5 reflective questions when getting dressed each morning:
1. How do I feel today? And how do I want to feel today?
For example: Do you feel fun, flirty, excited about the day ahead? Or are you feeling more introverted, low on energy, wanting to hide?
When we identity how we are feeling, we are connected to what we need to support &/or nurture. And we can choose an outfit that achieves this.
If you feel low on energy, also ask yourself; How do I want to feel today?
This opens you up to another reality of how the day can look. Instead of unconsciously dressing to match our (possibly, low) mood, we have the autonomy to dress in a way that supports a desired feeling instead.
You will feel automatically feel more comfortable in your skin (regardless of what you’re wearing) if you honour what you need.
2. What fabric/s do I want to wear?
Feel into your body, wiggle your toes, rub your hands together and ground. Ask yourself; what fabric do I feel like wearing?
It may sound or feel silly but for me, this really helps me to dress intuitively, and enjoy what I am wearing physically. Honouring this need is a small luxury that we can give ourselves daily, so why not?
3. What colour/s do I want to wear?
Same as above, when we notice and honour the colour we feel drawn to, it can brighten our mood and we feel in harmony. Our interior self matches our exterior. And you will feel more confident in your choice and outfit as a result.
4. What practical functions do I need to meet?
Commuting, working, running errands.. We all have practical needs we must dress for each day. Be it work requirements or weather. Ask yourself what you need today to ensure you meet this practical aspect. If it’s raining, choose your footwear and outerwear first and then feel into what items you want to wear that work with them. This will ensure you feel supported and prepared for the day in your clothes, not restricted by them.
Then, once you’ve chosen something..
5. How do I feel in this? Does it support what I need today?
If you feel good, great! If not, change. Some days it’s easy, others it’s not. The key here is to be compassionate and kind with yourself when you’re getting dressed, not critical or judgemental. Listen to what you need and honour and meet that with what you put on your body.
Another recommendation is to pre-style some outfits when you don’t actually need to create an outfit. Without the time or event pressure, you’re free to be creative and experimental. I can help deeper with this..
I offer 1:1 Wardrobe Styling sessions, where we explore dressing intuitively, editing and refining your wardrobe, curating pre-styled outfits that feel like you and more.
I am currently offering $50 off bookings in July with code WARDROBE50 (valid until 31st July 2025.)
What people are saying..
Book a free intro call here to find out more. Or visit my site.
And of course, message me below. I’d love to hear from you.
