What Dolly Taught Us About Style
You should wear what you're comfortable in, what fits your personality, what you feel good in!
~Dolly Parton
At a recent style workshop, I asked the women in the room to think about the words they wanted their style to communicate. One woman shared that creative was especially important to her. Even when she's simply going for a walk, she wants to put something on that feels creative, because that's what makes her feel like herself.
I loved that!
It was such a simple reminder that personal style isn't just about what we wear to work or an important event. It's about the connection between what we put on and how we feel. Sometimes a color, an interesting accessory or an unexpected combination is all it takes to think, Yes, this feels like me.
And it got me thinking about one of the greatest examples of knowing exactly who you are and dressing accordingly: Dolly Parton.
The big blonde hair. The heels. The rhinestones. The color. Dolly never needs an introduction.
But what I find most interesting about Dolly's style isn't the sparkle. It's the certainty behind it. She knows what she loves, knows what feels like her and owns it.
And there are a few lessons in that for all of us.
Know who you are:
Dolly's style is unmistakable because it's rooted in who she is. She loves color, sparkle, fitted silhouettes, big hair and heels, and she owns every bit of it.
Your wardrobe doesn't need to look like anyone else's. In fact, it shouldn't.
Style lesson: Pay attention to the pieces, colors and details that consistently make you feel like you. Those are the clues to your most authentic personal style.
Stay current without losing yourself:
Dolly's look has evolved throughout her career, but she has never abandoned the essence of her style. Trends changed. Silhouettes changed. Dolly was still Dolly.
I talk about this with my clients all the time. Updating your wardrobe doesn't mean becoming someone else. It's about making thoughtful changes so your outside continues to reflect who you are today.
Style lesson: Before buying something simply because it's “in,” ask yourself: Does this feel current—and does it still feel like me?
Dress for your strengths
Dolly understands her proportions and what works for her. She uses silhouette, heels, color, her hair and yes, even showing off the "girls" to create presence.
When you understand your own proportions, best colors and silhouettes, getting dressed becomes easier. Instead of focusing on what you want to hide, think about what you want to highlight.
Style lesson: Dress the body you have today and celebrate what you love about it.
Let your personality shine through Personal style shouldn't erase personality in the pursuit of looking polished. Dolly's clothes tell us something before she ever says a word: joyful, feminine, playful and confident. Your version might be an unexpected shoe, fabulous glasses, a signature color or a great piece of jewelry. Or, like the woman at my workshop, maybe it's adding something creative even when you're simply going for a walk. Style lesson: Polish and personality can absolutely coexist. In fact, that's often where great personal style begins. |
Own What Makes you Different
Dolly could have toned herself down. She didn't.
Instead, the things that made her different became part of one of the most recognizable personal brands in the world.
We can spend so much time trying to minimize the things that make us different when sometimes those are the very things we should embrace.
Style lesson: You don't have to blend in beautifully. You can show up intentionally.
Maybe the greatest lesson Dolly offers us has very little to do with clothing.
Know who you are. Keep growing. Don't lose yourself in the process. And use what you've been given to make someone else's life a little brighter.
You don't need Dolly's rhinestones, heels or big blonde hair to learn something from her style.
You simply need the confidence to know what feels like you, and own it.
Because style isn't about becoming someone else.
It's about showing up as yourself, intentionally.
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