Reinventing Yourself (and Your Style) During a Transition
- Christen Johnson
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
I’ve been laid off four times in my life—and each time, it’s shaken something loose. But this last one hit different. I wasn’t expecting it. One day I had a job, and the next, I was logging into a 15-minute “touch base” only to find my HR rep sitting on the call. (Y’all already know what time it was.)
But as jarring as the experience was, it reminded me of something I’ve learned over the years: Every life transition is also a style transition. When your routines, goals, and even your identity start to shift, your wardrobe should shift with you.
Here’s the thing: reinventing your style isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about dressing for the version of you that’s emerging.
So, how do you actually do that?
Whether you’ve just walked away from a job, entered a new season of motherhood, relocated, or you’re simply feeling off in your clothes, here are 3 powerful ways to realign your style during a transition, with practical steps to get started.
1. Reconnect With Who You Are Right Now
Transitions often bring a mix of grief, hope, and clarity. Your style should reflect the now, not who you were five years ago.
Ask yourself:
Who am I becoming?
What do I want to communicate when I walk into a room?
How do I want to feel when I get dressed?
Tip: Try journaling or vision boarding what the next version of you looks like. You don’t need to figure it all out at once, but identifying your values and aspirations can anchor your wardrobe choices.
2. Edit Your Wardrobe with Purpose
Don't rush to buy new clothes. Instead, start by clearing out what no longer fits your life—or your energy.
Look at your current wardrobe and ask:
Do I wear this anymore?
Does this fit how I want to show up now?
Am I holding onto this out of guilt or “what if”?
Tip: Create 3 piles: Keep, Toss, Tailor. Focus on keeping pieces that support your lifestyle now (more on that below), and let go of anything that carries old energy.
3. Dress for the Life You’re Building
Your wardrobe should be a mirror of your lifestyle. And if your lifestyle is shifting, so should your style staples.
Tip: Break your week into sections—Work, Weekend, Events, Travel, Rest—and determine what’s missing.
If you’re starting a business, maybe you need more elevated yet comfortable basics for client meetings.
If you’re parenting full-time now, maybe you need functional pieces that still feel polished.
If you’re job hunting, maybe it’s time to invest in a blazer that makes you feel confident and put together.
Bonus Tip: Curate 2–3 “style uniforms” that make getting dressed easier. These repeatable outfits will help you feel grounded while everything else feels in motion.
Reinvention Is Not a One-Time Thing
It’s ongoing. And style is one of the most visible ways we express our growth.
So, if you’re in a season of transition, give yourself permission to evolve. And if you need support, I’m here to help you align your wardrobe with the powerful, resilient, purpose-filled version of you that’s rising.
Let your wardrobe reflect your becoming. Ready to talk through your transition? Book a Style Assessment and let’s start the journey together.
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