Issue 46. What is intuitive style?

Authenticity isn't a performance

Jan 23, 2025

what do all these images have in common? a strong sense of self

Intuitive style is about becoming aware of the choices we make when we get dressed.

Dressing intuitively doesn’t require us to reject trends, rules, or external validation—it’s about recognizing and honoring why we make those decisions and doing so with intention.

The benefits of dressing intuitively

The pressure to ‘perform’ authenticity can feel just as restrictive as the pressure to follow traditional trends. For me, the idea of being “stylish” used to come with a very specific definition: a closet filled with variety, bold choices, and constant reinvention. I believed that if getting dressed was too easy, it meant I was being boring or uninspired. This mindset held me back from simplifying my wardrobe for a long time, as I feared I wouldn’t be “doing enough” to express my individuality.

Approaching style intuitively makes space for all the reasons we may choose one way of dressing over another, including those pressures we internalize about what it means to be stylish. Sometimes we dress to express joy or creativity; other times, we may prioritize safety, fitting in, or seeking validation. All of these choices are valid, especially when we’re aware of them and feel that they serve us in the moment. Dressing intuitively invites us to pause, reflect, and notice what feels right based on our needs—whether that’s blending in for a sense of security or standing out to make a statement.

Intuitive dressing is a practice

Like the practice of meditation, dressing intuitively requires practice. In meditation, we don’t expect ourselves to feel completely calm or clear-headed every time we sit down to meditate. The goal of meditation isn’t to achieve a perfect, peaceful state every time—it’s about observing and accepting whatever comes up, without judgment.

Sophie’s Obsessed shared an incredibly relatable post about how an outfit that felt authentic when she put it on ended up making her feel inadequate later:

Dressing intuitively doesn’t guarantee that every choice will feel perfectly aligned. In those moments when dressing for ourselves falls flat, we have an opportunity to observe what’s happening, accept it without judgment, and move forward.

What dressing intuitively is (and isn’t)

Dressing intuitively is:

Acknowledging the reasons behind your clothing choices
Recognizing when you need to express creativity, fit in, or prioritize comfort
Being flexible and open to change based on how you feel in the moment
Taking a mindful approach, free from the pressure to conform to trends or perform authenticity

Dressing intuitively isn’t:

About rigidly following trends, rules, or external validation without understanding why
Using style as a performance meant to impress others or forcing yourself into a look just to appear ‘authentic’
Judging yourself when an outfit doesn’t feel right or when your needs change
A fixed way of dressing; intuitive style evolves with your experiences and needs

So, now that we’ve unpacked what intuitive style really means, you might be thinking—how do I actually make this happen? How do I shop and dress with more intention and less pressure?

Well, that’s exactly what this newsletter is here for. Plus, I’ve rounded up a few resources to help you dive deeper into intuitive style, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been exploring for a while and are open to new techniques and prompts.

Resources for dressing and shopping intuitively

My new podcast, Intuitive Style!

Through thoughtful conversations, we’ll explore how practicing mindfulness and self-awareness can transform the way we get dressed. Each week, a guest shares their approach to getting dressed—to show there’s no one right way, just the one that works for you.