Have you ever opened your closet and thought:

“I have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear.”

I think almost every woman has said it.

But sometimes the problem isn’t that we don’t have enough clothes.

Sometimes it’s that our closet is filled with clothes for women we used to be, hope to be, think we should be - or simply aren’t anymore.

The jeans we’re keeping until we lose ten pounds.

The dress we wore when our life looked completely different.

The expensive jacket we never wear but can’t bring ourselves to give away.

The clothes we bought because someone told us they were “age appropriate.”

And meanwhile, the woman standing in front of that closet TODAY is wondering what in the world she’s going to wear.

This month we’re talking about OWNING IT.

We’ve talked about owning our age and owning our strength.

Now it’s time to OWN OUR STYLE.

And that starts with dressing for the woman you are right now.

Your Body Is Not the Problem

As an image consultant, I’ve worked with women for years who tell me all the things they need to “fix” before they can dress the way they really want to.

“When I lose the weight…”

“When my stomach is flatter…”

“When I get my arms toned…”

“When I get back into my old size…”

Then they’ll buy the clothes.

Then they’ll wear the color.

Then they’ll tuck in the shirt.

Then they’ll feel confident.

Why are we making ourselves wait?

Your body is not something you have to fix before you deserve to dress it beautifully.

You deserve clothes that fit your body today.

Not ten pounds from now.

Not when you get back to your “old size.”

Today.

Because when your clothes fit properly, something happens.

You stop tugging, adjusting, and stop thinking about your clothes.

You start showing up.

Stop Dressing for the Woman You Used to Be

Our lives change. So do our bodies, careers and lifestyle.

And guess what?

Our style can change, too.

Maybe the clothes you loved at 35 don't feel like you at 55 or 65.

That doesn't mean you've “lost” your style.

It may simply mean your style needs to catch up with the woman you've become.

I don't want to dress like the woman I was 20 years ago.

And I certainly don't want someone telling me how a woman “my age” is supposed to dress.

I want to dress like ME - today. Current, confident, vibrant, relevant and completely comfortable in my own skin.

“Age Appropriate” Isn't a Style

I would love to retire the phrase “Am I too old to wear this?”

Instead, try asking:

Does this look good on me?

Does it fit me well?

Does it feel like me?

Does it work for the life I'm living?

Do I feel confident when I wear it?

Those questions are far more useful than the number on your driver's license.

Want to wear the leather jacket? Wear it.

Love the bright red dress? Put it on.

Want to wear jeans, heels, sneakers, sleeveless tops or something with a little sparkle?

If it fits, flatters and feels authentically YOU, why are you asking your age for permission?

Style doesn't have an expiration date.

Your Clothes Are Communicating

You know one of my favorite sayings:

Your image is part of your message.

Before we ever open our mouths, people are already receiving information about us.

Our clothing doesn't tell people everything about who we are - but it does introduce us.

And more importantly, it can affect how we feel when we walk into the room.

Think about the difference between putting on something that you know isn't quite right and putting on an outfit that makes you think:

YES. This is me.

You stand taller. You walk differently. You stop worrying about yourself and start focusing on the people around you.

That's what great style should do.

It shouldn't turn you into someone else.

It should visually amplify who you already are.

Your Closet Should Support Your Life

Here's another question worth asking:

Does your wardrobe match the life you're actually living?

Maybe you retired but half your closet is still corporate clothing.

Maybe you're speaking more, traveling more or attending more events.

Maybe you're working from home.

Maybe you've started exercising and your lifestyle is much more active.

Maybe you're dating again.

Maybe you're finally saying YES to things you've put off for years.

Your wardrobe should support this chapter.

Not the chapter you finished five years ago.

Keep the Size That Fits - and Forget the Number

Can we also stop allowing a little number sewn into the back of our pants to determine how we feel about ourselves?

Sizing is inconsistent.

One brand's 8 may be another brand's 10 or 12. Who cares?

If going up a size makes the garment hang beautifully, buy the bigger size.

No one walking into the room knows what the tag says.

But everyone can see when your clothes don't fit.

Buy for fit. Dress the body you have. And cut the tag out if you have to!

Get Rid of the “Someday” Section

Most of us have one.

The Someday Section.

Someday I'll fit into this again.

Someday I'll have somewhere to wear this.

Someday this will come back in style.

Someday I'll finally like this.

Meanwhile, those pieces are taking up physical - and sometimes emotional - space.

I'm not saying you must get rid of every sentimental piece or every item that's currently a little snug.

But your closet should primarily be a place filled with things that make it easy to dress the woman you are TODAY.

Imagine opening your closet and seeing clothes that fit.

Clothes you actually wear.

Colors you love.

Pieces that work together.

And outfits that make you excited to get dressed.

That's the goal.

Own Your Style

You don't need to dress younger.

You don't need to dress older.

You need to dress like YOU.

The woman you are today has lived some life.

She's learned some things. She has changed and grown.

And I hope she's becoming a little less interested in asking for permission.

Wear the color. Buy the jeans that actually fit. Put on the great shoes. Add the statement earrings. Try something new.

Stop saving your favorite clothes for a version of yourself you think is more deserving of them.

She's already here.

This is Own It October.

Own your age.

Own your strength.

And absolutely…

OWN YOUR STYLE.

Dress for the body you have.

Dress for the life you're living.

Dress for the woman you are today.