
Like most women, I lived and breathed the makeover shows of the early 2000s.
Yet, as I played more with my own style and grew more confident in creating outfits that reflected 'me', I realised something big.
That not only were many of the rules problematic and linked to diet culture, they really didn't help us get clarity on how to dress. They just made it more confusing.
Rules and individual creativity just don't mix. They stifle intuition and reduce confidence because you're so worried about breaking a rule that you forget the true delight that comes from creating an outfit that you feel comfortable and confident in.
Watch: Leigh Campbell styles Annaliese. Post continues below.
As a 58-year-old woman with (finally) balanced hormones — so, fewer f*cks to give and a deeper understanding of how I want to show up in the world — I've found I'm increasingly up against it when sharing my personal style online. And it's not coming from men.
I caveat "not all Gen X women", but there is a vocal and righteous corner of my generation on the internet who take great delight in telling me just what they think of my outfits.