Initially of January, I used to be scrolling by means of social once I stumbled upon the #75HardStyleChallenge. I’m not normally one for New 12 months’s resolutions, however as somebody who had not too long ago fallen into the type finish of TikTok, I used to be undoubtedly intrigued. Primarily based on the health problem of an identical identify, the #75HardStyleChallenge is the brainchild of style creator Mandy Lee (aka @oldloserinbrooklyn): it encourages you to decorate with intention, keep away from new purchases, store your closet, and doc your outfits for 75 days to discover your private type.
I’ve all the time been concerned with style, however between Chicago winters and my work-from-home wardrobe, I’ve been in a small type rut. In the course of the pandemic, I removed a whole lot of my company, office-y clothes that now not served my distant work setup. And though each my type and my physique transitioned up to now few years as I moved into my late twenties, my wardrobe didn’t essentially come alongside for the trip. I wished to push myself to make use of the 75 Arduous Model Problem. Right here’s the way it went.
What Is the 75 Arduous Model Problem?
The 75 Arduous Model Problem is a testomony to what you already personal in your wardrobe. The “guidelines” embrace getting dressed day-after-day for 75 days (it doesn’t matter what you’re doing that day), documenting your day by day outfits, and never shopping for something new. By buying your individual closet, the aim is getting artistic with the way you type items you already personal whereas concurrently determining a bit extra about your private type.
What I Discovered From the 75 Arduous Model Problem
From January by means of March, I acquired dressed every day as if I had been leaving the home, even when I used to be working from residence. I reorganized my closet, tried new seems, and documented every little thing by way of Instagram Tales to create a lookbook to replicate on after the problem was over. The outcomes had been higher than I may have ever anticipated and fully modified how I dress every day. Right here’s what I discovered all through the course of the 75 days.
I’m extra intentional with my time
One factor I all the time underestimate: how lengthy it takes to prepare. In hindsight, I ought to have tracked what number of hours I spent considering by means of my style selections over the previous 75 days, however I feel I added a further 20 to half-hour to my morning routine. And to be clear, I’m OK with that! Experimentation takes time and intention to provide one of the best outcomes. Whereas it’s an excellent feeling when your visions work out on the primary attempt, as a rule, one thing doesn’t match proper or these footwear don’t match or different equipment work higher. Giving myself extra time to play helps me ensure I’m proud of my remaining look.
I ask extra questions
I discussed that experimentation takes time—a few of that point consists of bodily making an attempt issues on, however most of it’s spent considering by means of your wardrobe with intention. As I dress day-after-day, I ask myself:
- What items haven’t I worn shortly? I are likely to fixate on sure clothes. This problem pushed me to contemplate what I’ve been neglecting behind my closet. No matter doesn’t match anymore or now not fits my type goes within the donation bin.
- Will I put on this in public? I’ve spent the higher a part of the final 4 years in cozy pajama shorts, sweatpants, leggings, joggers—you identify it. Half the time it’s enterprise on the highest with a work-appropriate shirt and a celebration on the underside with essentially the most comfy pants I can discover. The #75HardStyleChallenge prompted me to dress from head to toe (with footwear and all) day-after-day and ensure my outfit is acceptable for public consumption.
- How else can I type a bit? Vogue creators like Rachel Spencer and Heather Hurst have impressed me to rethink the way in which I put on my clothes and make the most of equipment to rework a glance. I’ll attempt including layers, carrying one thing backward, matching totally different colours, or altering up my jewellery to take my outfit to a distinct stage.
- Does this match my private type? Stylist Allison Bornstein encourages folks to explain their wardrobe in three phrases—basic, bohemian, maximalist, minimalist, and so forth. These three phrases aren’t designed to fit your needs in a field, however moderately provide you with a unfastened roadmap to seems that you simply like and really feel comfy in. My descriptors are nonetheless a piece in progress, but when my outfit doesn’t match into one of many three classes I’ve chosen, I’ll add a layer or accent that makes the look extra “me.”
- How do I really feel on this outfit? This query goes two methods: bodily and emotional. Clothes ought to by no means be bodily uncomfortable, nevertheless it’s good to step outdoors the metaphorical consolation zone. Even when an outfit seems off, I’ll typically put on it for the day anyway. Typically a glance doesn’t {photograph} properly however I prefer it in actual life; generally I simply wanted a distinct pair of footwear. Taking time to ponder the main points helps me pinpoint what I don’t like about it and what I’d do otherwise subsequent time.
I do know extra about what works and what doesn’t
It’s simple to scroll by means of Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, and so forth. and see different folks embracing the most recent tendencies or rocking a selected silhouette, however that doesn’t imply that every little thing will look good on my physique kind (or that it matches my private type). After 75 days of experimentation, examination, and critique, I’ve a a lot better sense of what kinds make me really feel essentially the most comfy—actually and figuratively. Barrel denims will seemingly do nothing for my shorter body, drop shoulder seams make me look top-heavy, and capris are simply not for me. Determining what works and what doesn’t has helped curb my consumption of clothes that doesn’t work for me, strategically plan new purchases, and renew my sense of confidence to put on no matter I need nevertheless I need to.
What began as a enjoyable problem rapidly turned a deep journey into my sense of favor that reworked my day by day routine. 75 days later, I really feel higher about my wardrobe, my consumption habits, my spending, and myself. In the event you’re struggling together with your wardrobe or need to reset for a brand new season, I actually suggest giving the #75HardStyleChallenge a attempt—it’s by no means too late to start out exploring your type.
Supply: The Every Girl
