Rediscovering Yourself Through What You Wear

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As we all know, motherhood changes everything. And this can even include how we see ourselves when we look in the mirror. Between sleep deprivation, postpartum recovery, body changes, and keeping tiny humans alive, getting dressed for the day can feel like just one more thing on our endless to-do list that many of us usually don’t have the energy to put much thought into. Because we’re exhausted, we just grab the best, cleanest thing that fits and works for what we need for the day. It may seem small and silly, but choosing how you present yourself to the world can actually make a bigger impact than you think. And what if this daily decision could be something that lifts you up instead of weighing you down?

In this episode of Chick Chat, I sat down with my friend Sarah Villarreal, a certified Style Coach and personal stylist who helps modern moms reclaim their confidence through style. As a mom of two herself, Sarah deeply understands the identity shift that happens in motherhood and how what we wear can be a powerful way to reconnect with ourselves during that transition.

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Who Is Sarah Villarreal?

Sarah Villarreal is a certified Style Coach® and personal stylist dedicated to helping modern moms rediscover their confidence through style. A former fashion designer and a mom of two, Sarah understands firsthand how clothing tells a powerful story about who we are, especially during the identity-shifting years of motherhood.

With a degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, she’s designed apparel for some of the industry’s top brands and worked in technical design for handbags. Her career has taken her from styling clients on Rodeo Drive to navigating the raw, real seasons of postpartum life, giving her a unique perspective on the connection between fashion and self-care.

Over the years, she became the go-to resource for friends and family who needed help with their wardrobes, whether for family photos, vacations, or just finding that perfect everyday look. Her time as a stay-at-home mom reinforced a powerful truth: investing in yourself — how you feel, how you show up — positively impacts every area of life.

While fashion has always been her passion, Sarah knows that style can feel overwhelming or out of reach for many women. She’s been there, too. Now, she’s on a mission to show moms that prioritizing themselves isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

What We Talked About

This conversation was such a fun and refreshing take on style, self-care, and identity in motherhood. Sarah and I chatted about the deep connection between what we wear and how we feel, especially during the tender postpartum years and beyond.

Here are a few highlights from our conversation:

• Why style matters (especially for moms). Sarah shared how clothing isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling good and honoring the season of life you’re in. When your outside reflects your inside, you walk taller, speak with more confidence, and show up as the best version of yourself.

• Why investing in your wardrobe isn’t selfish. For so many moms, spending time or money on clothes for themselves (not their kids) feels indulgent or unnecessary. But Sarah reframes it as an investment in your mental and emotional well-being. It’s not about the clothes. It’s about coming back to you.

• What to do when nothing fits or feels right. Whether you’re in the thick of postpartum or years into motherhood, we’ve all had those “I have nothing to wear” meltdowns. Sarah offered simple mindset shifts and practical strategies to help moms build a wardrobe that fits their real body and real life.

• Her go-to “mom outfit formulas” that are cute and functional. Think: leggings + oversized blazer, joggers + tee + denim jacket, maxi dress + denim vest. Sarah shares ways to build outfits that make you feel polished without sacrificing comfort.

• How to navigate style challenges and body image changes. Sarah shares the most common struggles she hears from moms and how to gently overcome them without comparison or pressure to “bounce back.”

• How to use style to reclaim confidence. We talked about how getting dressed can be an act of self-love. Even the smallest outfit tweak or intentional choice can shift how you carry yourself throughout the day. And with our kids watching how we show up in this world, this is a great example for them, too. It shows them that it’s not only okay but essential to put ourselves on our own priority list.

Final Thoughts

Motherhood doesn’t mean losing yourself. And it definitely doesn’t mean you have to settle for a wardrobe that no longer reflects the amazing woman you are. With a few thoughtful choices and some encouragement, you can slowly build a closet (and a confidence) that supports your real, beautiful, ever-evolving life.

To learn more about Sarah’s work or to book a session with her, you can find her at sarahvillarrealstyling.com and on Instagram @styledbysarahvillarreal. Be sure to use our exclusive code CHICKCHAT for 10% off her services!

Cheers to feeling your best and showing up with confidence!

Mentioned in the episode

Sarah Villarreal’s Resources

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