How to Have a Mini Image Reinvention

Most people, at some stage in their lives, have a moment where they look in the mirror and feel frustrated.

This could be due to several factors.

You might feel bored of wearing the same clothes, day in, day out. You might have put on, or lost more weight than you’re happy with.

Or that hair-style, which you first got several years ago, might be dragging you down.

One solution to change the way you feel is to have a complete image overhaul.

That’s not always possible of course, and while it is fun, it can get expensive. (A few years ago after doing the BodyCoach programme I pretty much had to throw out ALL of my clothes! It was expensive and time consuming to replace them).

The alternative is to have a mini makeover or reinvention instead. Here’s how.

The budget-friendly, effective image reinvention

• Tackle your emotions as well as appearance. Try to identify the root cause of why you’re feeling down about yourself. For example, are you anxious about life in general, and this is manifesting itself as a loathing of your image? What’s triggering those feelings? It’s important to explore your negative emotions as this will help you to tackle them more effectively.

• Focus on what you want to look like. Get an idea in your head of the image you want to present to the world. Remember to keep it real (and embrace some self-love at the same time). For example, wanting to look like Naomi Campbell if you’re 5ft 2 isn’t very realistic! Don’t feel pressured to make this image a reality – just use it as a ‘framework’.

• Be inspired by others. If you’ve got friends with fabulous fashion sense, take inspiration from them. What is it about their style that works so well? Remember that style is a personal thing too – simply copying them won’t work for you; you need to find your own unique look instead.

• Go for the chop. Changing your hairstyle is one of the quickest, simplest ways to completely reinvent yourself. Do your research first though. Identify styles which suit your face-shape, and ask other people’s opinions on them. Sometimes, our friends and family are very good at spotting what will suit us, and what definitely won’t!

• Accessorise. You don’t have to spend a fortune buying a new wardrobe of clothes. Pull out all the garments you’ve got, lay them out of the bed, and consider how you can reinvent them with accessories. For example, a loose shirt dress looks completely different with a belt, and a tight top is transformed with a neck-scarf.

• Don’t forget the details. Even minor changes can make a big difference. Swapping your black eyeliner for a forest-green one, for example. Or changing your usual perfume for a new one (Copycat Fragrances have some good options for a cheaper price). Even wearing your hair tucked behind one ear instead of over your face can radically change your look.

• See it as a ‘work in progress’. Your reinvention doesn’t have to be an overnight process. For example, if you’re looking to embrace your natural grey, you might want to phase it in over time, to give yourself a chance to adjust. And above all else, remember to stay positive about it. This is an experience which should boost your self-confidence, which can only a good thing.

I’d love to know, have you given yourself a mini reinvention at all?

How did it turn out?

In the last 18 months I’ve changed the way I look. It’s been therapeutic as I head towards my 50th birthday and I feel great about how I look and the styles I choose. I didn’t do it for anyone else, just me, and the impact on my mental health has been immense.

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