A Change of Style: How I Changed my Wardrobe

I moved to Mexico City 8 years ago. As a Brazilian, the hot weather didn’t bother me much. However, when I moved to London, everything changed. I lost my sense of style, and I only cared about staying warm during the cold days.

The crisp London air, which initially felt like a refreshing change, soon became a constant adversary. What used to be a playful sun-kissed wardrobe in São Paulo, where I was born, and Mexico City, where I lived for three and a half years, was transformed into a monotonous parade of puffer jackets and woollen scarves. Even though I’m an image consultant, gone were the vibrant colours and carefree silhouettes, replaced by practicality and a desperate desire to retain any semblance of body heat.

Losing my style was just an inconvenience, a sacrifice to London’s unforgiving climate, at the beginning. But as weeks turned into months, a deeper sense of disconnection settled in. The city’s vibrancy, once so captivating, felt dulled beneath layers of thermal clothing. I longed for the days that my outfits would reflect my personality rather than just my ability to endure cold weather.

One dreary afternoon, nestled in a cosy cafe with a steaming cup of mocha, I spotted a woman across the room. Despite the biting wind outside, she exuded an aura of warmth and confidence. Her outfit, a clever fusion of bold textures and unexpected layers, seemed to defy the chill. It was a spark, a reminder that even in London’s wintry grasp, personal style could still shine through.

With a renewed sense of purpose, I set out on a mission to rediscover my fashion identity. I searched through various shops in London to find exceptional pieces that were not only warm but also reflected my unique character. I experimented with different layering techniques and delighted in the process of combining textures and colors in unconventional ways. Gradually, but surely, my wardrobe began to reflect my personality once again, but with a distinct London flair.

The journey was far from easy. There were days when the allure of my warmest coat was almost irresistible. But with each outfit conquered, I felt a renewed sense of confidence and connection to the city. London, once a battleground against the cold, became a canvas for my creativity. Its unpredictable weather, initially my adversary, became a wellspring of inspiration, urging me to embrace new styles and uncover a resilience I never knew I possessed.

The Brazilian image consultant, who loved the sunny weather, learned to appreciate the beauty of London in winter, not only despite the cold but also because of it. The city’s harsh winds and moody skies served as an unexpected backdrop for my personal transformation, proving that even in the most challenging environments, one can always find warmth in self-expression.