We all know that having dear friends is hugely important.

But they are not always so useful when it comes to your style.

If you ask their opinion about an outfit, they will definitely try and give you their best advice, but it may not necessarily be the best advice for you.

I wrote before about my blogger friends advising me to wear more figure flattering clothes and my response to that. Although they may have a point, if you can’t be yourself in those clothes, it is still the wrong advice and you should ignore it.

Here is another example.

You are shopping with a friend and try something on. Your friend loves it and encourages you to buy it. You are not so sure, but with all the encouragement and rave reviews you decide to buy it.

Sometimes this works of course, but often these buys that were encouraged by friends, suited their style preferences more rather than yours. The result may be that these items never get worn.

Shopping with friends can be fun but it will often lead to wrong buying decisions, so beware and bring your do and don’t lists!

Another example.

My friend Greetje recently asked readers to give feedback on her clothes and let her know which ones we felt were dated or did not suit her and which ones were classic (or still good).

The result?

Lots of different opinions which made her even more confused. Most of us could only agree on one outfit not looking good on her.

It became clear that we all have our own tastes and that style and fashion is very subjective.

Only Greetje herself can determine if an item fits her style personality and if she feels great wearing it.

Advices on style | 40plusstyle.com

That is why it’s so crucial to be clear on your own style preferences!

Getting advice and shopping with friends is fun. They will often give you a new perspective, encourage you to buy new things that you had not thought of before and may open your eyes to new solutions for any style issues you may have. I’m definitely influenced by them and sometimes will adjust my own style preferences.

But they can also lead you astray. They will all have their own taste and although they may factor in your style preferences, they will still be influenced by their own.

That is why there is no better person to judge and decide on your own outfits but you.

An outfit has to suit YOUR style, YOUR preferences, YOUR body, YOUR personality and make YOU happy!

Want to get started with a free challenge?

The 5 day FREE Find Your Style challenge will take you a mini style journey so you can get clearer on your style. It’s fun and I promise you that you will learn a lot!

You can sign up here.

How clear are you on your personal style preferences?

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Feature image by Nikki

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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