Darling, did you know that your style speaks volumes before you utter a single word? Long before your voice is heard, your appearance has already made an introduction. In those first moments, strangers form impressions about who you are, your standards, and even your confidence.

It may not seem fair, but it is true: style is not just about clothes. It is a personal statement. Without realizing it, we often send messages about ourselves that may or may not reflect the truth of who we are. That is why cultivating your style is not superficial: it is essential!

Your personal style is twofold. It influences how others perceive you, but it also shapes how you perceive yourself. When you step out into the world dressed with intention, you not only elevate your presence in the eyes of others, but you elevate your spirit from within.

The First Impression of Style

When I see a woman, her clothing and manner of dress speak before she does. Style reveals standards. A tucked-in, crisp, freshly pressed white shirt reflects a woman who values precision and excellence. A wrinkled blouse, left untucked, gives the impression of apathy, of someone willing to blend into the background.

This is not about money. It is about care. It is about whether you take the time to honor yourself.

When you elevate your style, you attract the kind of people you wish to welcome into your life. You send a signal that you value yourself, and in return, people take you seriously. They sit up, listen and they want to know the woman behind the clothes.

Dressing With Intention

I often walk through the streets of my beloved Chicago and notice women, young and old, who appear as though they tossed on whatever was at hand. To me, this suggests that they believe dressing with intention is not worth their effort. Darling, I beg to differ. Taking care with your appearance is worth every bit of effort. Not because it is about vanity, but because it is about expression. Your style is your introduction, your energy, your silent ambassador.

Even in the simplest of outfits, intention can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Just yesterday, as I was preparing for the arrival of several grandchildren from Arizona, I needed to run errands. I threw on Nike sweats and a black T-shirt. Comfortable, yes, but I knew I would not feel like myself (feminine, alive, and polished) unless I added a personal touch. So, I wrapped a pearl belt with a leather tie around my waist and slipped on a pair of chic sunglasses.

I looked in the mirror and felt the transformation immediately. My posture straightened. My confidence soared. I was still in sweats, but I left our condo in the sky feeling like a million bucks. Why? Because I honored myself with a touch of style. Darling, never underestimate how a small detail like an accessory, a lip color, or a favorite scarf can breathe life into your day.

Style as Your Coat of Armor

Your style is not only an expression, it is also your shield. The way you present yourself reveals your emotions: your confidence, your femininity, your inner strength.

People may say, “Do not judge a book by its cover.” Yet everyone does. First impressions are powerful. So why not allow your cover to reflect your best self?

Your appearance is your responsibility. It is your coat of armor as you face the world. And it should always reveal the woman you are within.

A Lesson From My Mother

Recently, I had a lunch date at RL’s Restaurant with a businessman. As I stood in my closet, I panicked. After so many months of caring for my Ultimate Concierge, I had slipped into a daily uniform of sweats. Suddenly, I thought: Have I forgotten how to dress?

My closet was brimming with beautiful options, yet I stood frozen. Then I remembered my mother, who had instilled in me the importance of owning my style. I could almost hear her whisper: You are your mother’s daughter. Go to it.

Taking a breath, I chose an outfit that reflected my essence: black leather pants, a white bodysuit, a belt with a leather tie, and my beloved Elsa Peretti pearl drop earrings I’ve owned for more than 35 years. I added a Chanel watch and a bracelet etched with the streets of Paris. Not because they are designer, but because they are timeless, meaningful pieces I will treasure for life.

As I crossed Michigan Avenue on my way to lunch, a woman stopped me. “I love your look!” she said. My heart lifted, and I looked up at the sky and whispered, “Thank you, Mom.” That compliment was not about the clothes. It was about the message they carried.

The Keynote of Simplicity

When you notice my style, darling, you may see simplicity at its core. A calm palette and a structured silhouette. To the world, this might suggest I am disciplined, organized, and steady. But then, if you stop to talk with me, you will notice more: the red lipstick, the subtle fragrance, the pearl drop that catches the light. You will see that beyond simplicity lives playfulness, femininity, and a life full of excitement.

This is the harmony of style. It is not simply about the outer layer. True fashion cannot be defined without the marriage of inner and outer style.

Simplicity Is the Secret

Darling, fashion trends come and go. Style, when rooted in simplicity, is forever. True elegance is not in excess but in restraint. It is the art of knowing what to reveal and what to hold back.

Simplicity means choosing timeless pieces you love for decades, not chasing every passing fad. It means selecting jewelry that holds meaning, clothing that fits beautifully, and accessories that whisper rather than shout. Simplicity is, in truth, confidence. It says: I know who I am. I do not need the world to tell me.

Your Style, Your Story

Your wardrobe is not just clothing. It is your narrative and communicates your standards, your spirit, your strength, and your soul.

And remember, your outer beauty must always be in dialogue with your inner beauty. When your clothes reflect your values and your spirit, the woman others see is in harmony with the woman you know yourself to be.

Darling, your style matters because you matter. Present yourself with love, with care, and with intention. In doing so, you tell the world who you are before a word leaves your lips. When simplicity is your foundation, your style will forever speak with grace and confidence.

Simplistic Style Leads to Lasting Confidence

Fashion fades, but style endures. It is not in extravagance, but in simplicity. It is not only what the world sees, but what you feel. When the two are aligned, you will always walk taller, shine brighter, and live more fully in the woman you are meant to be! Amen.