Finding a New Look after Split

    Are you ready for a whole new look? During your divorce, appearance might have been the last thing on your mind.  But for those ready to begin embracing a new life, an updated wardrobe and appearance can be a great first step towards discovering a stylish new identity.

“How you dress often speaks volumes about your personality,” says Betsy Thompson, spokesperson for Talbots.  “A new wardrobe may serve as a daily reminder that you’ve changed and are ready to face the world in a whole new light.”

Changing your personal style can also be an opportunity to reexamine what you like – and don’t like – about how you present yourself to the world. “Making over your wardrobe is a great way to start fresh, treat yourself to something nice and give your self-confidence a boost,” says Camille Mason, owner of Magnet, a clothing boutique in Berkeley, Calif.  “It's an opportunity to re-assess how you want to present yourself and explore aspects of your personal style that you have otherwise ignored, neglected or been criticized for.”

Winston Chesterfield, a writer for Men’s Flair, an online magazine, suggests that shedding outdated and unneeded items of clothing can even help people let go of the past. “Giving the old clothing collection a makeover can make you concentrate on the future. Certain outfits, and even individual items, can bring back painful memories and they can chain you to the being you were before, during and even after the divorce,” he says. “New clothing and accessories help you to focus on creation after the procedure of dismantling and destruction, and this is a positive way to start rebuilding.”   

Both men and women can benefit from updated clothing and accessories. While the idea of a “makeover” may not be as natural for men, they should not shy away from changing their appearance and personal presentation. “A man with a look of confidence and attention to detail (without being too metrosexual) is a very attractive quality,” says Mason.

Chesterfield agrees that attention to clothing and style can have a significant impact on a man’s success and confidence. “First impressions are extremely important,” he says. “Attention to appearance shows a personal pride and self-confidence which is, to women and men alike, very attractive.”    

Want a new look but worried your wallet won’t be able to go the distance? Relax. A new style doesn’t require a completely new wardrobe. Thompson suggests combining the best of your old items with new and inexpensive accessories. 

“First, consider shopping your own closet for items you haven’t worn in ages but can be brought to life with a little TLC (tailoring, levity, creative mixing),” she says. “Second, invest in timeless styles that are well made and punctuate them with great accessories that provide a glimpse of your personality.  Well chosen accessories are a great and affordable way to update your wardrobe.”