By now, you’ve probably journaled, plunged icy waters, and upped your protein intake in pursuit of wellness. But have you considered looking inward for a style that offers peace of mind? At the onset of 2025, a new generation of stylists is suggesting we explore exactly that—a holistic approach to dressing that quietly nudges us toward self-care.
“Everything’s connected,” says former Vogue stylist Lisa Von Weise, whose one-on-one sessions start with listening, reflection, and gathering memories associated with her clients’ clothing. “If you’re working out, sleeping, and eating well, then categorizing your closet is the obvious next step; it helps put things in perspective, so the different areas of your life work together.”
Getting things in order is an established January ritual, and there’s no better time to discover a sartorial through line than when the urge to indulge in a shiny new outfit with a discounted price tag might hit. Says esteemed TikTok stylist, Allison Bornstein: “If you’re unsure of who you are, you’ll keep buying the wrong pieces, get discouraged, and add to the waste. I provide a framework to put you on the right track.” Her playful route includes the Three-Step Method, where clients choose a trio of adjectives that sum up their likes and dislikes to save time and money going forward. “That new item you’re obsessing over isn’t going to change anything,” she insists. “Personal style can’t be bought—you have to find it within yourself.”
Copenhagen-based content creator, Lea Rohe, whose buzzword is “authenticity” couldn’t agree more. Rather than avoiding trends she believes the best ones resonate on an emotional level, long after the thrill of discovery. Get it right, she urges, and they can regulate your nervous system or, at the very least, boost your mood. For instance, Pantone’s color of the year, Mocha Mousse might appeal because “it’s earthy and grounding, but, like your favorite coffee, there’s an energy to it,” she poses. Your desire for a new wool polo sweater, meanwhile, might indicate a need for connection rather than just warmth: “There’s unity in wool’s creation process, which, in turn, offers a sense of emotional security,” she explains.
Without being prescriptive or adding layers of judgment—both are contrary to the holistic process—the overarching concept for more advanced adopters’ veers toward women-owned, BIPOC, and regenerative brands. But, says Von Weise, “It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping at Gap or Chanel, it’s about taking off masks and separating from outside opinions.” However, she adds, “people do start making different choices and choosing labels that reflect their ideals.”
