Awhile back, I wrote an introductory post about a program I recently went through called Dressing Your TruthTM. (You can find that post here if you missed it before.) I mentioned that I would give some more details about my own personal experience with this program, so today I’d like to tell you a little bit more about what it was like for me.
As I mentioned last time, after completing the free course, I decided that I had a primary TYPE 2SM energy with a secondary TYPE 4SM energy.
In case you aren’t familiar with this program, the 4 Types of Beauty are:
- The TYPE 1SM bright, animated woman.
- The TYPE 2SM soft, subtle woman.
- The TYPE 3SM rich, dynamic woman.
- The TYPE 4SM bold, striking woman.
You can learn more about them and find out which Type of Beauty you are by taking the free course. (You can find it here.)
I wanted to start by showing you a before and after. Unlike some of the other Dressing Your Truth transformations that you can see, mine isn’t really very dramatic. True to my TYPE 2 nature, it’s a much more subtle change. In fact, I don’t even have a real “before” picture to show you.
I searched through all my pictures, and this is the best example I could find. It’s actually a picture from a few years ago back when I was in college. I was looking back through all of my pictures, trying to find a more recent one that was an example of clothing that did not match my Type of Beauty, but I couldn’t find a good one. I realized that I had been unconsciously dressing more and more like a TYPE 2 woman over the past few years, and that, for times when I knew that my picture would be taken, I tended to choose the items of clothing that I liked the best, which were actually clothes that were already perfect for my TYPE 2 nature.
(Note: If you go through the free course and find your Type of Beauty, you should definitely take a picture like it’s recommended to do! I really wish now that I had.)
I was wearing a black dress in the picture on the left, and it was one that I wore mainly because I thought it was supposed to be a fashionable color and not because I really liked it. It’s a little harder to tell in this picture because I was so tan from the summer sun, but whenever I wear black, it seems to make my face look really pale and washed out too.
The necklace I’m wearing is one I never really liked either. I had bought it online, and I had liked the way it looked in the catalogue, but when I tried it on, it just didn’t feel right to me. It was too big and heavy, and it didn’t feel comfortable at all. I actually never wore it again after that one day.
In the picture on the right, I’m wearing one of my favorite new scarves and a sweater in a softer, more muted version of my favorite teal color. (It looks a little bright with the lighting in this photo, but in real life it’s a much softer color compared to the very bright turquoise and teal that I used to buy.)
The softer colors, the silver teardrop earrings, and the details on the lace scarf are all things that I really love, and I feel much more “me” when I’m wearing an outfit like this than I ever did when I was wearing outfits like my “before” photo.
How I Was Already Following my Nature Without Even Knowing It
I realize now that the sort of clothing pieces and accessories that are the best for a TYPE 2 woman are the ones that I’ve always loved the most even from the time that I was very little. When I was younger, I always loved playing dress-up and putting on long-flowing princess gowns (aka dresses I found at yard sales), and I remember wishing that my ears were pierced so that I could wear tear drop dangle earrings. Even when I was very young, I was looking for the flowing, downward movement of a TYPE 2 energy to be reflected in the clothing I wore.
Over the years, I’ve bought many items of clothing with colors that were very bright, with bold, contrasting patterns, but the real reason I bought them was because they seemed like they were supposed to be in style and not because I truly liked them.
And because shopping for clothing can be pretty frustrating sometimes, there were many times when I bought things just because they fit or they were on sale, or because I needed a certain item of clothing and I was too tired to keep trying at other stores so I just bought something that was close to what I needed but wasn’t really what I loved.
When I was cleaning out my closet recently, I found quite a few items of clothing that I had only worn a couple of times because whenever I put them on, they just didn’t feel right. There were times when a shirt or a skirt looked great on the hanger, but then when I put it on it just felt like I was playing dress-up again but that this time I was trying to be someone that I really wasn’t.
Here are a couple of pictures of how my closet has changed. These are my fall and winter sweaters and long-sleeved shirts. (I still need to finish sorting through some of my summer clothes.)
Before:
After:
Now that I’ve gone through my closet, I’ve taken out all of the clothes that I hardly ever wore and all of the clothes that weren’t appropriate for my TYPE 2 nature and donated them. When I look in my closet now, all that is left is clothing that I really like, in soft, pretty colors that I love, and it’s so much easier deciding what to wear now because I don’t have to wade through all of the clothing that wasn’t right for me.
One of my favorite things is being able to look into my closet and seeing everything coordinate. I’m one of those strange people who arranges their closet by type of clothing item (like all the sweaters together, all the blouses together, etc.) and then by color in rainbow order within each type of clothing, so whenever I open my closet now, I love seeing this more muted, dusty version of the rainbow. Maybe I’m just crazy, but I really like the way that all of the colors blend and harmonize with each other 🙂
Shopping is So Much Easier!
I’m also loving how easy and how fun shopping has been lately. When I walk into a store, my eyes are immediately drawn now to the colors that are in my TYPE 2 color palette, and that gives me a starting point for where to look. Once I find items in the colors that are right for me, I can look at the design lines and patterns, and feel if it seems comfortable and if it’s something that I like.
Having a color palette as a guideline narrows down the items in the store so that there isn’t an overwhelming array of choices, and it’s easier for me to decide which ones I really like enough to spend money on.
It’s also been fun for me to give myself permission to wear things that I really liked but that I might have been afraid would seem too “frilly.” Now that I can see why my TYPE 2 nature was drawn to the graceful draping design lines of a flowy scarf or the intricate details of lace trimming, I’m giving myself full permission to wear those items of clothing without worrying about whether they might seem like “too much.”
The Fun of Trying New Things
It’s also been fun to try some new colors and styles that I might not have given a chance otherwise. I used to gravitate toward brighter colors because some of the more pale, muted colors seemed a bit washed out in comparison, but I’ve been trying more muted colors lately, and I’m really liking them!
Just recently I bought a pale blue shirt that I probably would have walked right by before because I thought it was a “nothing” color that would just be invisible, but now I love the color, and it’s one of my favorite shirts.
Here’s a photo of me wearing the shirt (and one of my favorite pairs of earrings, too). The shirt looks slightly more blue in real life than it does in this photo. It’s really hard to find the right lighting so that you can see what the colors really look like.
And, just for fun, here are a couple more picture of some more of my new favorites that are appropriate for my TYPE 2 nature:
Scarves (You can never have too many of those!)
And some flowy, lacy tops, all in soft, muted colors:
It’s Not Just About the Clothes
Like I mentioned in my first post, Dressing Your Truth is about so much more than just clothing. Going through this program has helped me to understand myself much better than I used to, and I’ll go into some more details about that in another post since this one is already so long. (Update: you can find that post here:)
If you’ve already taken the free course and discovered your Type of Beauty, I’d love to hear more about how the experience has been for you! Feel free to share with us in the comments below.
You can also see more pictures of clothing and accessories that I love on my Dressing Your Truth Pinterest board here.
Other Posts in the Dressing Your Truth Series:
- Does Your Clothing Reflect Who You Truly Are? Why Dressing Your Truth Matters
- How Your Clothing Affects Your Health
- Dressing Your Truth Before and After – One Year Update
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Hey there, I’m also a 2/4 with – *gasp* – high cheekbones. As if that one feature would preclude a person from being the type they are. I had to add to the support; you have responded absolutely softly and supportively to each person who had a legitimate (as in, non-trolling) comment or question. Well done for your beautiful contribution to the world. 🙂
Thank you so much for your support and thoughtful words! I really appreciate your taking the time to let me know that 🙂 I never would have thought that having high cheekbones could be so controversial, haha!
Thanks for replying. It’s very precious for me.
Hi ☺️ i’m type 2 too. Where did you get your clothes? I think you have delicate laces and florals.
Hi! It’s nice to meet you! I’ve gotten my clothes at several different places. Several things I found at Kohls, Target, JCPenny, and other similar department stores, and I found a few things at stores like Forever 21 too. The clothes in these photos are a few years old, though, so they wouldn’t likely still be available in any of those stores today. But in general I’ve found that many stores can be good options for finding Type 2 clothes – you just have to wade through the non-Type 2 items a bit 🙂 I know that the DYT Lifestyle program has a thing that they call StyleInspire, too, where they put up clothes for each Type each week with links for where you can buy them, so that might be an option to consider too.
Oh my… I can’t understand all those negative and invasive comments that question your type, Lori. It’s something that has a great effect on me: all those bullies telling other people (anonimously!) how “wrong” they are even without anybody asking for their feedback or opinions. I felt the need to say something and to show you support: of course YOU know who you are! Not some arrogant, emotional unstable and vulgar troll from the internet. Keep up the good work, fellow 2/4! Much love!
Thank you so much for your support, and I really appreciate your taking the time to let me know that! You’re absolutely right that I know myself better than someone on the internet who has never even met me in person before. It’s so nice to know that there are still kind and considerate people like you on the internet amidst all of the trolls. Much love to you too!
You go girl! 🙂
I am a child of the 80’s. Graphic prints. Black and white. Hot vivid fuchsia and turquoise colors. I also like frills (left over from early Diana days). I seemingly am a Type 2. I will slowly try to weed out my wardrobe for softer colors – however – do you think they are appropriate for business attire? I already have embraced grays. Only wear silver jewelry (very minimal). Trying to figure out how the Type 2 can have a working closet – not just for personal time, but also work. Help! Also – besides thrift shops – any stores help Type 2’s out in your opinion.
Yes, it’s definitely possible for a Type 2 to have a business-appropriate wardrobe! This video done by the DYT experts is a great resource on how you can have Type-appropriate clothing that also works for professional wear: https://my.liveyourtruth.com/dyt/club-night-professional-wear-for-your-type/
Type 2s can find a balance between soft and comfortable and structured and polished. I don’t usually need to wear business attire very often, but when I do want to look more professional, I choose clothes that have a softened structure to them, and I usually tend to have at least one item of clothing that leans toward the darker end of the Type 2 colors. And, like you mentioned, I usually go a bit more simple and minimal with the jewelry and accessories, too. As far as stores that are good for Type 2s, it’s a bit hit or miss. I haven’t found any store that I would call “Type 2 stores,” but I’ve been able to find several good Type 2 items at stores like Kohls, Target, and JCPenney, and I’ve heard other Type 2s say that they’ve found good things at Maurice’s, although that’s one I’ve never shopped at personally since there aren’t any near where I live.
On February 4, 2018 I rediscovered myself watching Carol Tuttle’s videos. I am a type 2/1. At 63 it’s exciting to realize that there wasn’t anything wrong with me all these years. No wonder I never liked trying to be aggressive or confrontation. For so many years I kept thinking if only I could live in a more quiet and gentle place. My mother died in 2014 and since then I’ve been trying to find the real me again. Over the last 1 1/2 years I’ve been moving away from the chic all black look. I also realize that color is only part of it. It’s my energy that is most important. I really do fill at home beginning to wear softer colors. Even some muted florals that I hated before. Think that was because my mother didn’t like my soft, gentle nature. She wanted me to be very talkative,outgoing and aggressive. I’m so glad I found DYT and your site.
That’s exciting to hear that you have rediscovered yourself and that you now know about your Type 2/1 nature! I agree with you that it’s such a good feeling to know that the things we thought were “wrong” about us really aren’t wrong at all. I’m sorry to hear about you mother, and I’m glad that you are discovering the real you and starting to feel more at home now in the Type 2 styles, and most importantly, the energy. I wish you all the best as you continue with this process and journey!
I feel like I’ve found my tribe 🙂
I recently started following Carol’s system and believe I’m also a 2 with a well developed secondary 4 but those 2 types seemed so at odds (caring vs. abrupt, flowing vs. structured, diplomatic vs. opinionated) that I’ve been struggling to accept that – and of course over analyzing! It’s awesome to find other women who are the same type.
I work with and was raised by an engineer and I think the analytical side of my mind thrives in that arena, but I also have a soft, creative side that I’ve suppressed for a number of reasons during different times in my life. The bottom line, though, is that I’m happier when I have a balance of the two types in my life, with more emphasis on the Type 2 way of living. I really resonated with your statement that you feel more tired when you dress as a T4. I find it can be exhilarating and exciting, but in the end I need to recharge with soft, comfortable, muted clothing. I also like to balance the softness with some structure, contrast, simple lines. It all makes sense now – thanks!
I know what you mean about Types 2 and 4 seeming at odds with one another sometimes! Their both lower movement types, so in that way they feel similar, but “soft and subtle” and “bold and striking” definitely feel like opposites! And if you’ve been in a very analytical environment for a long time, it would make a lot of sense that your mind would thrive in that way. I completely agree with what you said, though, about feeling happier with a balance between the two types with more of an emphasis on Type 2. I used to try too hard to live more like a Type 4 and it felt unbalanced for me, but settling into Type 2 as the main emphasis with Type 4 being a supporting role just feels right. And finding a similar balance in clothing helps with that, too, I think and makes everything feel more balanced.
Have you had your type verified with an expert? Cause I’m with the crowd who also thinks you must be 4/2 (with what is clearly an overdeveloped 2), with those high cheek bones. I think posts like yours are what make DYT so confusing for people who are struggling to type themselves. Unless you’ve verified, it’s kind of unproductive to go public with your conclusion, especially in the comments where there is so much confusion and stubbornness. The way you handle responding to people screams type 4. Just trying to help since who knows how many people you’ve confused by now.
No, I’ve never had my type verified before. By the time I heard about DYT, Carol was phasing out the option for the personal “confirm your type” sessions with her, and I haven’t been a guest for any of the more recent Fb live events she’s done. It seems, though, that one of her biggest points of emphasis lately has been on empowering women to be their own experts about which Type they are and that many of the resources that she has been providing have been geared toward making Type confirmation by an expert something that isn’t necessary for women to feel confident in their choice of Type. I agree with you that I have high cheekbones, but I put much more weight on how I feel when living and dressing as a Type 2 than I do on one individual facial feature. I’m a bit confused by why you think the way I handle responding to people screams Type 4, especially since most of the Type 4s I know are much more abrupt and concise in their replies. The confusion you mentioned, though, is the reason why Carol has always said that it’s best not to try to tell someone else what their Type is because it’s such an individual process and each woman knows best for herself which Type she is.
I just discovered DYT. I am not sure what Type I am yet. I do know I’m not a 3 or 4. Everything about Type 2 is soothing to me but my facial features may be more T1. I am enjoying all of the posts from others, very insightful for me. I like the suggestion to think about who you were as a child. I look forward to reading more from your site.
Sometimes it can take some time to figure out which Type you are, but the journey of discovering your Type can be just as helpful of a process as actually knowing which Type you are. I wish you all the best as you gain more clarity about your Type! 🙂
I knew I was a type 2 (few yrs. ago) as soon as Carol said ” comfort is the #1 importance in the wardrobe “. My husband used to say ” why don’t you wear suits, they are perfect for your professional position”, ZNO WAY, I can’t stand the structure of suits !! I Adid find a suit once that was soft & unstructured, more elegant material & construction .. it was heavenly ;). NOW I know & he knows WHY I balked at getting a regular suit …
my husband just watched the 4 type Fred energy profiling & THANK GOD realizes he is a three while I am a two .. I gave a Carol/Ann video for him to watch on the relationship aspect if 2/3’s … CAN’T WAIT ! He seems to be getting WHY we are different – finally …
This could be a game changer !!
Oh yes, comfort is SO important!!! Even if I absolutely love the way something looks, if it doesn’t feel comfortable when I’m wearing it, it usually ends up just sitting in the back of my closet.
That’s really exciting that your husband watched the profiling course, too, and is going to watch the 2/3 relationship video! It’s so nice to be able to have that insight and understanding of each other!
Ahhhhh. That’s how I feel right now. I have struggled to be so many things in the past few years-especially as a mother. I’ve read so many books and blogs that tell me how I should Do this or do that. And I became anxious and fierce and that’s not the real me. So often I’d end up tucked away somewhere just to cry and cry bc I couldn’t live up to this super woman ideal that I see around the internet. But. I am definitely a type 2. The facial lines, the movement, the frills and lace, the lack of punctuality, the questioning (especially second guessing myself), the doodles, my earrings are 99% of the time teardrops, the extreme dislike of loud, wanting to be comfortable and feminine, feeling easily overwhelmed. I just feel this complete sense of tranquility knowing that I’m ok just being who I naturally am. It even shows in my relationships. I am more relaxed and others are more respectful of me. I especially have trouble with my type 3 almost teenage daughter. We have always clashed! But now that I know this, I am able to be more patient with her. And as I’m living more in line with my type 2 self, she is more respectful towards me. I think others take you more seriously when you are true to yourself. At least that is my experience. So it’s really more about Living Your Truth than just Dressing Your Truth. (On a side note, my favorite pants this summer have been type1 pink capris, but they go so well with all my type 2 flowy, frilly tops! And I feel happy in my clothes. So I think it may be ok to mix and match a bit. I’m probably a secondary type 1as I relate to that type a little, but overwhelmingly I’m a type 2).
I’ve read all your posts and replies in this series and thank you for sharing.
I’d like to find more blogs by type 2 women living their type. I feel I’ve been influenced so much by what I’ve read in the past 20 years that pulled me away from my natural self. So thank you again!
Sorry this is so long!! I even tried not to write every little thing I wanted!
That’s so wonderful that you have that sense of tranquility in knowing it’s ok to be who you are! Everything you wrote sounds very “Type 2” to me and I can relate to so much of what you said. I completely agree with you that it’s the Living Your Truth (rather than just the dressing aspect) that can have such a big impact. It’s been so eye-opening to have these insights and to be able to understand other people better as well as understanding our own natures better. (And I mix and match sometimes, too 🙂 Most of my clothes are Type 2, but I have a few “borderline” ones that I still wear either because I just really like them or because they have good memories attached to them. As long as you feel happy in your clothes, that’s the most important thing!) And no need to apologize for writing a long comment! I think I remember hearing one of the DYT experts saying that Type 2s have a tendency to write longer than most other types do. I’ve always had that tendency and I’ve never been good at being concise! 🙂
I hear you about the not wanting too loud & can get overwhelmed … relate to much you say. I, however have lived my life in a male dominated industry so I have developed a style that is NOT lacy or frilly .. I like elegant, clean lines .. more simplistic designs – however I DO like to have a cool scarf or other jewelry .. the details are everything … Live your Truth is the main thing .. the dressing cones pretty naturally after that I find .