After a significant life change, like breast cancer, reevaluating your style shouldn’t feel overwhelming and stressful. Style should be fun and refining your style & wardrobe refresh can be a refreshing and empowering process! See how I changed my wardrobe after breast cancer.
How I Changed My Wardrobe After Breast Cancer
Going through a big change, like a new job, moving to a different city, a shift in relationships, a body transformation, or even just a change in mindset and priorities? Adapting your style to match the new you is key! Let’s navigate this together and find the perfect look that aligns with your amazing self.
Here are some key steps to consider:
Assess your current wardrobe
We highly recommend going through your current wardrobe. Start with pulling out those things in your closet you wear all the time, your go-tos, the things you find yourself gravitating towards. These will be keepers as items that help you feel beautiful and confident.
To begin evaluating the rest, we recommend going through our closet edit guide to make the right decision to keep or donate.
When it comes to your clothes, they must fit you, not the other way around. So, let go of items that no longer suit you.
If you’re unsure about something or questioning its place in your wardrobe, it’s best to bid it farewell, unless it holds sentimental value. Especially if it doesn’t go well with other pieces you have. Trust me, you’ll feel much better with a wardrobe that truly fits your style!
If the item seems to match your style, you wouldn’t want to let it go! Trust me, it’s a keeper. It’s something that can be easily solved – just wear it and rock it!
If you’re recovering from breast cancer treatments and need help with post-mastectomy clothing, check out these guides:
- How to Prepare for a Mastectomy
- Survivor Guide To Post Mastectomy Clothing & Bras
- How to Shop for Mastectomy Swimsuits
Define your style vibe
These days, style is all about how you feel when you wear your clothes and how you want to shop for yourself. Instead of fitting into a specific style type or category, consider adjectives describing your style.
It can be bold, simple, polished, colorful, or even multi-faceted! Reflecting on your style and embracing its uniqueness is the key. Remember, there are no rules when it comes to expressing yourself through fashion!
Here are a few ways to add style to your wardrobe after cancer:
Focus on Accessories
Accessories can greatly impact your overall style. Consider jewelry, scarves, belts, and shoes that complement your new look.
Accessories like jewelry, scarves, and shoes can add a touch of personality to your outfit. They can also draw attention away from any areas you’re less confident about. Think statement earrings, a colorful scarf, or a bold pair of shoes.
Experiment with Colors and Prints
Don’t be afraid to play around with colors and prints! They can add excitement and fun to your wardrobe. Mix and match patterns, try out different color combinations, and see what speaks to you. Remember, it’s all about expressing your unique style!
Find the Right Fit
After going through a body transformation, it’s important to find clothes that fit you well and make you feel comfortable. Don’t be afraid to try different sizes and styles until you find the right fit for your new shape.
Get inspired
Seek inspiration from a myriad of sources like fashion magazines, social media, and even places, art, and nature. Gather captivating images and ideas that resonate with your evolving self and reflect the direction you aspire your style to embark on. Create a mood board, whether online or physically, to help you stay on track and focused.
Shop with intention
Now that you have a clear idea of your style vibe and a better understanding of what works for you, it’s time to shop!
But before swiping that card or clicking “add to cart,” ask yourself: Is this something I would wear regularly? Does it match my personal style, and can I see myself wearing it with other pieces in my wardrobe? Will this piece bring me joy and confidence?
It’s important to shop with intention rather than buying on impulse. This way, you’ll build a wardrobe that truly reflects your unique self and avoids unnecessary clutter.
Don’t be afraid to experiment
Try on different styles and outfits to see what feels most comfortable and authentic to your new identity. Experimenting with different combinations to find what works best for you is key, as they say, you never know until you try!
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and play around with clothing pieces that you may not have considered before. You may be pleasantly surprised with the result!
Invest in key pieces
Invest in a few high-quality, timeless, versatile pieces that align with your new style direction. These could be items like a well-fitting blazer, a versatile dress, or a pair of quality jeans. These pieces will serve as the foundation of your wardrobe and can be styled in multiple ways to create different looks.
With that being said, you could consider creating a capsule wardrobe. This is a small collection of essential, versatile items that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits. This approach helps minimize clutter and allows for endless outfit possibilities.
Creating a capsule wardrobe demands careful consideration of key pieces that are versatile, durable, and suitable for various occasions. These essentials serve as the building blocks of your wardrobe, offering a myriad of outfit possibilities.
A Well-fitting Pair of Jeans:
Nothing beats a pair of jeans that fits you perfectly! Whether it’s classic blue, black, or white, the right pair of jeans can be dressed up or down based on the occasion.
A Classic White Shirt:
A white shirt is a timeless piece that works with everything. It can be worn casually with your favorite jeans or dressed up with a statement necklace and a pencil skirt.
A Versatile Dress:
A dress that can transition from day to night is a must-have. Opt for a style and color that flatters your body shape and complements your skin tone.
A Structured Blazer:
A blazer adds an instant touch of sophistication to your outfit. Choose a neutral color such as black, gray, or navy for maximum versatility.
A Comfortable Pair of Shoes:
Comfortable and stylish shoes are crucial for any wardrobe. A pair of flats, ankle boots, or classic pumps are versatile options.
Statement Accessories:
Accessories like a statement necklace, a functional yet chic handbag, or a pair of sunglasses can instantly elevate your look.
The idea behind a capsule wardrobe is to simplify your life, making dressing up a stress-free and enjoyable process. While these are general suggestions, the most important thing is to choose pieces that resonate with your personal style and make you feel confident and beautiful.
Adapt over time
Refining your style doesn’t need to happen overnight. You can gradually incorporate new pieces and phase out old ones as you become more comfortable with your updated aesthetic. Keep in mind that personal style is a reflection of who you are at a particular moment. Your style may also evolve as you continue to grow and evolve, and that’s perfectly okay!
Get assistance
If you’re unsure about your new style, seek feedback from friends, family, or even a professional stylist like Prept for personalized advice and suggestions. Use code ANNA20 for 20% off any of Prept’s virtual-style services in their app!
Celebrate your progress
As you work on regaining your confidence, celebrate small victories. Every time you step out in an outfit that makes you feel good, acknowledge the positive impact it has on your confidence. Life after breast cancer is about embracing your new self and building a wardrobe that reflects the amazing person you are! So, keep shining and rocking your style with pride. You got this!
Use positive affirmations
While getting dressed, use positive affirmations to boost your confidence. Repeat affirmations that align with your self-image and goals. For example, “I am beautiful, strong, and confident in my new style” or “I deserve to dress in a way that makes me feel empowered and happy”.
Avoid comparing yourself to others
Don’t worry about comparing yourself to others. Instead, focus on embracing your unique style and feeling confident in your own skin. Remember, confidence comes from within, and using clothes as a tool to boost your self-assurance is all about aligning your external appearance with your internal sense of self-worth. The goal is to feel comfortable, authentic, and empowered in whatever outfits you choose to rock!
Wear your clothes confidently
No matter what you wear, confidence is key. Embrace your new style with confidence, and it will naturally become a part of your identity. Remember, clothing is just an external expression of your internal self. The most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in your skin, and the rest will follow suit.
Style should be fun, not stressful! Change is the only constant and recognize the opportunity to rethink and refresh your style to reflect who you are now. Look good, feel good, do good is a saying that is one for a reason.
If you’re reading this, it means you already want to look and feel your best. And guess what? You’re on the right track! Just show up with confidence in every aspect of your life, embrace your unique personality, and most importantly, have fun along the way. Remember, you’ve got this!
