The Journey of an Expat: Finding My Identity Through Style

As an expat for 15 years, I’ve undergone a significant transformation. Living in different countries has shaped my worldview, taught me countless lessons, and connected me with wonderful people along the way. It’s been a rollercoaster of experiences, each adding to my growth in unexpected ways.

I still vividly remember my first winter in Europe back in 2012. I arrived feeling completely prepared, with my thick red coat, a pair of jeans, and a pullover I had never owned before. But the biting cold quickly proved me wrong. I’ll never forget standing outside, freezing and overwhelmed as we searched for a place to live. The cold pierced through my layers, and I could feel tears welling up—not just from the temperature, but from how lost I felt. I spent so much money trying to piece together a wardrobe that made sense for the climate, all while struggling to come to terms with the fact that I didn’t even recognize myself anymore.

A few years later, we returned to the tropics, and life slipped back into its comfortable rhythm. But comfort can be tricky. When we were uprooted again to a colder climate, I thought I knew what to expect. I thought I had learned enough. But it turned out that I had changed in ways I hadn’t even realized. It took two years of trial and error—both in style and in life—for me to find my identity again. This time, with more confidence and a wardrobe that truly reflected who I had become.

I often think back to how lost I felt, wishing there had been someone to guide me, someone who truly understood what I was going through. That’s the reason I strive so hard to be an image consultant and personal stylist. I know how challenging it is to adapt—not just to new surroundings, but to the person you’re becoming along the way. There’s something incredibly powerful about stepping into clothes that make you feel like yourself.

Now, I have the joy of helping others on their own journeys. I’ve learned that our outer appearance is more than just clothing—it’s a reflection of the changes we’ve gone through and the person we’re becoming.