💌 Style Mail: They can't steal our joy

Here's how I'm trying to help...

Everything feels really heavy right now. If the past ten days are any indication of the coming four years, we’re in for a bumpy ride. We’ll be dealing with a lot of things that we can’t control. And some things that we can. And at times, it may be difficult to tell the difference.

And it may be hard to cope. And avoid doom-scrolling. And finding a balance between being informed & trying to stay sane might look different each day.

One way that I’ll be coping is looking for joy. And doing my best to spread joy. Because they can’t steal our joy (unless we let them). So, I’ll stick with what I do well - I’ll use my little corner of the internet to help you find joy in clothes. Because you have to get dressed everyday - so why not enjoy it?

This does not minimize any of the very serious challenges we’re about to deal with. Actually, I think it supports us in our fight. Because I believe that we can fight & find joy at the same time.

So, here are some ways to find joy in your closet (especially in the depths of winter).

---

🗒️ Style Notes

You may default to a sweater & jeans all winter long. But guess what? Not all sweater & jeans outfits are created equal.

Check out how to make your sweater & jeans feel totally fresh.

What’s a sure-fire cure to the ‘winter blahs’? A date night (or girls’ night or any kind of night out)! But what can you wear when it’s freezing out?

Here are 6 ‘night out’ outfits that are perfect for winter weather.

If you keep wearing the same pants & boots & fleece jacket, you may be in a winter style rut. But you probably have more things that you could be wearing.

These are 5 ways to wear more of what’s already in your closet.

---

🕶️ Style Tip

It’s right about now (in late January) that everyone seems to feel the ‘winter blahs’. So, my favorite cure to the ‘blahs’ is color. Color adds energy. Color is a mood lifter. Color can be powerful.

And when I say ‘color’, I mean obvious doses of fun color (as opposed to neutrals) - aka the red-orange-yellow-green-blue-indigo-violet color spectrum (ROYGBIV for anyone who learned it like I did). So, go ahead & wear a bright pink sweater. Or your yellow rain boots. Or a multicolor wool coat. And let color bring a smile to your face.

I’ll be sharing specific strategies around color in the next paid-subscriber post. So, now is a great time to upgrade your subscription.

---

❓ Ask Paul

I got this question recently on Instagram:

“How can you elevate an athleisure-style outfit?”

My favorite way to elevate leggings & a hoodie or joggers & a sweatshirt is with structure. And by that, I mean adding a structured piece to finish off your outfit. It could be a denim, utility or moto jacket. Or a relaxed blazer. Or (if you live somewhere warm) even a button-down shirt thrown over your t-shirt.

You can also elevate a piece (or two) in your outfit - swap your sweatshirt for a sweater. Trade your skin-tight leggings for a wide leg knit pant. Or switch your workout sneakers to cute (non-workout) ones.

Do you have a question you’d like me to answer next month? Leave a comment (start it with ‘Ask Paul’) or just reply if you’re reading this in your email.

---

Let’s Work Together!