Wear What We Tell You to Wear

Wear What We Tell You to Wear: Fashion Commandment #1

When we were all forced to work from home for two years, fashion took a backseat. The question on everyone’s mind was, What’s the point of getting dressed? Who cares how I show up? The world collectively embraced loungewear. All. The. Freaking. Time. It became our uniform.

The sales of tees, leggings, and pajamas skyrocketed into the billions. Meanwhile, dresses, heels, and skirts plummeted in demand. The world of fashion was turned upside down.

But times are changing again. Now that businesses have reopened and social gatherings are back, a new fashion movement is taking over. The biggest trend for 2024 is here: Wear What We Tell You to Wear: Quiet Luxury and the Old Money Aesthetic.

The New Look: Quiet Luxury & Old Money Aesthetic

This trend is all about timeless, elegant fashion. It means ditching flashy labels and trendy statement pieces in favor of high-quality fabrics, structured blazers, knee-length skirts, and classic pullovers. It’s a look that speaks of success without trying too hard. It’s dressing as if you’ve arrived.

You might be thinking, Oh, I’m not about following trends. I just wear what I love! Or maybe, That style is too fancy for me!

I get it. I’ve said the same thing. Many times. And so have millions of other women. We all like to believe we won’t cave to fashion trends.

But you know what? We always do.

The Inevitable Shift: Why We Follow Trends

No matter how much we try to resist, we eventually conform. Why? Because when stores only stock one style, we have little choice but to adopt it. And once everyone else starts dressing a certain way, we begin to feel outdated in our old look.

There’s a powerful truth behind fashion trends. Remember that iconic line from Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada? It reveals an uncomfortable reality:

“It’s sort of comical how you think that you’ve made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry, when, in fact, you’re wearing the sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room from a pile of stuff.”

That’s the game. Whether we realize it or not, fashion is curated for us long before we ever step into a store. But here’s the silver lining—now that you know this, you can take control.

The Power of Choice: Follow or Resist?

Now that you’re aware of this cycle, you have the power to choose. Do you embrace the Old Money Aesthetic, or do you stick with your current style? If you’re happy in loungewear, great! If you’re ready for a change, that’s great too. Fashion should be about authentic self-expression.

But let’s be real—transitioning from sweatpants to structured blazers isn’t just about switching clothes. It’s a complete identity shift. It requires a new mindset and a fresh perspective on how you present yourself to the world.

Dressing for Success: A New Identity

When you dress in casual, relaxed clothing, your attitude follows. You feel comfortable, laid-back, and at ease. It’s easy to curl up on the couch, binge-watch Netflix, and snack mindlessly. You move through life in “comfort mode.”

But when you wear elevated, polished outfits, your energy shifts. Think about it—would you eat a greasy burger in a crisp white silk blouse? Probably not. Dressing well demands that you step up.

This is where your High-Value Woman comes into play. Dressing in a quiet luxury style isn’t just about looking good—it’s about showing up in the world with confidence, poise, and intention.

The High-Value Woman Mindset

Instead of asking, What’s the point of getting dressed up?, start asking:

• Who is my High-Value Woman?
• What dreams is she stepping into?
• Why does she command respect?
• Where are these clothes taking her?
• To what levels is she elevating her life?

The adventure begins here. Fashion is more than just clothing—it’s communication. Your style speaks volumes before you even say a word. It’s time to break old-fashioned commandments and step into a look that truly represents you.

Ready to Elevate Your Style?

If you’re interested in redefining your image, check out more in this series. Up next is Fashion Commandment #2: Confidence & Image.

Embrace the journey. Dress for the life you want.

Annie Den Haan