Why Style Words Are a Game-Changer for Your Wardrobe (and How I Use Them Every Day)
Today, I’m so excited to dive into one of my favorite topics: style words. I’ll be sharing why they’re so important, how to choose yours, and exactly how I use mine when I’m shopping, editing my closet, and putting together everyday outfits.
Before we dive in, quick heads-up! I have my very first live Closet Edit Experience coming up soon — with both an evening and a daytime option! It’s a three-hour, guided group closet edit (plus a little pre- and post-work) where we’ll find the hidden gems in your wardrobe and pull together your perfect pieces for spring. You can sign up here!
Why Style Words Matter
When you’re deciding what to keep or purge from your wardrobe, it’s easy to get stuck in the cycle of “this fits” or “this looks okay.” But here’s the real question: Do you love it?
Sure, someone else might tell you a dress is flattering or a color looks good on you, but if you don’t feel amazing in it, you’re not going to reach for it. That’s where personal style—and specifically style words—come into play.
After you’ve checked the basic boxes like color and fit, style words help you have fun and get clear about what makes you feel like you. They act as a filter for your wardrobe choices, so you can build a closet full of things you’re excited to wear.
How to Choose Your Style Words
Choosing your style words is simpler than it sounds, but it takes a little reflection. Here’s how I recommend starting:
1. Ask yourself: How do you want to feel in your clothes?
Do you want to feel feminine? Confident? Creative? Cool? Playful? Refined?
Think about the mood you want to project.
2. Reflect on compliments you love.
Do you light up when someone says you look “polished” or “fun” or “artistic”? Your ideal compliments hold clues to your true style.
3. Look at your favorite outfits.
If you’ve been taking daily outfit photos (as I always recommend!), scroll through and notice patterns. What pieces do you rewear? What adjectives describe them? (Soft, tailored, bold, relaxed?)
4. Choose 3–5 words that light you up.
You want words that feel inspiring—not restrictive. If a word feels boring, ditch it. These are the words that should make you excited to get dressed!
Words to Skip
Some words seem tempting but aren’t actually helpful as style words:
- Casual — That’s a lifestyle, not a style. Everyone needs casual versions of their style.
- Comfortable — That’s a requirement, not a style. We all want to be comfortable!
- Put-together — Again, that’s something we all aim for, not a personal style vibe.
Save your precious 3–5 style words for ones that really describe your energy, aesthetic, and personal twist.
My Style Words: Feminine, Bold, and Creative
Here’s how I broke mine down:
- Feminine (Design aesthetic)
My outfits often feature soft fabrics, flowing silhouettes, pretty colors, and thoughtful styling details. - Bold (Vibe)
I’m not afraid to stand out with color, pattern, and statement pieces. I actually love being the most dressed-up or most creatively styled person in a room. - Creative (Personal twist)
I love mixing patterns, pushing style “rules,” adding unexpected accessories, and making my outfits uniquely mine.
These words guide everything in my wardrobe. They help me stay true to myself when I’m shopping and getting dressed each day.
How I Use My Style Words
Every time I create an outfit or shop for something new, I ask:
- Does this outfit feel feminine, bold, and/or creative?
- Could two out of three words describe this piece or look?
- Does it feel like me when I wear it?
Not every outfit hits all three words perfectly, but the majority should hit at least two—and my main design aesthetic (feminine) shows up almost all the time.
This approach makes shopping and editing my closet so much easier and more focused. If something doesn’t fit at least two of my style words, it usually doesn’t belong.
Real Examples: My Spring Outfits After Turning 55
Let me show you how my style words show up in real life:
Shopping Details:
- Hot Pink Cocktail Dress, Black Dress and Easter Dress: https://confidenceinacloset.com/
- Hot pink gown: Glamlora. Try code NADAMANLEY for discount. Find it here: https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/306H&SZ46H?s=796731 Quince Striped shirtdress: https://stylists.shop/dfW
- Quince Black Cotton Silk Top: https://stylists.shop/dfX
- Nic & Zoe Black Leather Jacket: https://stylists.shop/dg4
- Hill House Floral midi dress: https://stylists.shop/dg8
- White lace shirt + jeans + brown belt: Feminine textures and a little creative contrast between dressy and rugged.
- Hot pink wide-leg pants + striped silk blouse + pink pumps: Bold color, creative mixing of color and pattern, and a feminine vibe.
- Hot pink cocktail dress + novelty bag: Feminine silhouette, bold color, creative and fun accessories.
- Flowy floral nap dress: Soft, feminine, and full of color—a perfect everyday formula for me.
- Striped shirt dress + hot pink mules: Feminine structure, creative pop of color to keep it playful.
- Turquoise cocktail dress: A little outside my usual palette, but still bold, feminine, and creative—and it surprised me how much I loved it!
- Flowy black cotton top + jeans + espadrilles: A more subtle, casual take but still feminine and relaxed.
- Easter ruched dress + faux leather jacket + pink pumps: Bold color, feminine details, creative styling.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your style words isn’t just a fun exercise—it’s a game-changer. It helps you build a wardrobe that feels like YOU, gives you clarity during shopping, keeps your closet full of pieces you love, and makes getting dressed effortless and joyful.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by too many options—or struggled to put outfits together—you’re going to love what happens when you apply your style words.
Remember: Your style words are your words. They should excite you, inspire you, and reflect your heart, your life, and your personality.
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