6 Words to Tell Yourself Every Morning
Celebrity stylist Erin Walsh teaches the 'art of intentional dressing' through six transformative words: 'How do I want to feel?' Instead of approaching clothing as something to dread, this method turns your wardrobe into tools for embodying your best self by pausing before getting dressed and choosing three feeling words to guide outfit selection.
Summary
Celebrity stylist Erin Walsh, author of 'The Art of Intentional Dressing,' introduces a revolutionary approach to getting dressed that transforms how people see their closets and themselves. Walsh, who has styled major Hollywood celebrities, argues that fashion isn't frivolous luxury but essential tools we all use daily. Her core philosophy centers on six words: 'How do I want to feel?' Rather than opening closets and asking 'what should I wear?' or focusing on what looks acceptable to others, Walsh teaches people to pause and identify three feeling words that represent how they want to embody their day.
Walsh explains that most people's closets are 'graveyards of old versions of themselves' filled with clothes that no longer fit or represent who they want to be. This creates emotional minefields that trigger feelings of inadequacy. By shifting from external validation to internal intention, people can use clothing as tools for empowerment rather than sources of shame. She emphasizes that this isn't about buying new clothes, following trends, or achieving perfect style—it's about alignment between inner intention and outer expression.
The conversation demonstrates this method through three team members: Jessie, a new mother struggling with postpartum body changes; Amy, a postmenopausal woman who initially resisted the concept; and Cindy, a grandmother and breast cancer survivor. Each woman used the six-word question that morning and shared their experiences. Jessie moved from words like 'practical' and 'calm' to embracing 'powerful,' 'beautiful,' and 'confident.' Amy discovered she wanted to feel 'creative,' 'empowered,' and 'magical.' Cindy chose 'bold,' 'empowered,' and 'confident,' wearing a vibrant pink vest she'd previously limited to certain seasons.
Walsh provides practical advice including the importance of proper-fitting undergarments as foundational self-care, trying on everything in your closet to understand how each piece makes you feel, and investing in tailoring. She recommends creating a 'laboratory' in your closet, taking photos of outfits that work, and quarterly closet audits. The method extends beyond clothing to jewelry, accessories, and even what you wear at home, emphasizing that every choice tells a story about who you are and how you value yourself.
About this episode
You will not believe how much better you feel when you say these 6 words. This is one of the most transformative conversations ever, on the Mel Robbins Podcast. And it’s about… your clothes. If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet thinking: “I have nothing to wear.” “Nothing fits right.” “I don’t feel good in my body.” “Whatever… I’ll just wear the same thing again.” This conversation will change that. Erin Walsh is a celebrity stylist and Women’s Wear Daily Stylist of the Year who teaches the psychology of getting dressed with intention. She is also Mel’s stylist who dressed her for the Golden Globes! In this conversation, Erin will show you how to stop walking into your closet and picking the same jeans, the same black shirt, the same outfit on repeat. Instead, Erin will teach you the 6 words that will transform the clothes you already own into tools to help you become the “supernova” version of yourself. No shopping. No trends. No pressure to be “a fashion person.” You need to start this tomorrow morning, here’s why: You have to get dressed every day, so why not get intentional about it? In this episode, you’ll learn: -A brand-new way to get dressed that makes you feel BETTER, not worse -Why your clothes are keeping you stuck - and how to change that -Why you don’t need to buy anything to feel fabulous -How to stop hiding and start dressing to feel confident, powerful, and beautiful -The mindset shift that changes your mood, confidence, and energy all day -Why “I have nothing to wear” is almost never true (and what’s really going on underneath it) -Why “cleaning out your closet” feels impossible and how to do it the right way -One simple trick that will finally help you donate clothes you never wear (this is so freeing!) -The BEST and most unique gift idea for every woman you love (my daughters will be getting this every year for the holidays. It’s brilliant!) -The ONLY item to buy if you feel like you need something new Mel and Erin put the method to the test with women on Mel’s team: a new mom, a postmenopausal woman, and a breast cancer survivor. You’ll hear the real emotion (yes, some tears), the honesty, and the surprising transformation that happens when you stop getting dressed to hide – and start getting dressed to live the life you always wanted. For more resources related to today’s episode, click here for the podcast episode page. If you liked the episode, check out this one next: How to Stop Negative Thoughts & Reset Your Mind for Positive Thinking Connect with Mel: Order Mel’s new product, Pure Genius Protein Get Mel’s newsletter, packed with tools, coaching, and inspiration. Get Mel’s #1 bestselling book, The Let Them Theory Watch the episodes on YouTube Follow Mel on Instagram The Mel Robbins Podcast Instagram Mel's TikTok Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes ad-free Disclaimer
Key Insights
- Walsh argues that asking 'How do I want to feel?' before getting dressed fundamentally shifts the approach from seeking external approval to honoring internal needs
- The stylist claims that most people's closets function as 'graveyards of old versions of themselves,' causing emotional distress rather than empowerment
- Walsh contends that fashion is not frivolous but consists of essential daily tools, since everyone must get dressed, making intentionality crucial
- The expert explains that when people dress for how they want to be seen by others rather than how they want to feel, they disconnect from themselves and feel uncomfortable
- Walsh observes that women often lose connection to their feminine energy and beauty when focused solely on 'doing' rather than 'being'
- The stylist argues that proper-fitting undergarments represent foundational self-care and the first step in honoring yourself daily
- Walsh claims that structure in clothing helps people feel more grounded, especially during life transitions or when feeling disconnected from their bodies
- The expert states that trying on every piece in your closet is crucial because you must understand how each item makes you feel on your body
- Walsh explains that holding onto clothes that don't fit keeps people stuck in the past rather than embracing who they're becoming
- The stylist argues that color choices, particularly pink as 'divine feminine,' carry energetic significance beyond mere aesthetics
- Walsh contends that people typically wear only eight pieces repeatedly because they stick with what feels safe, limiting their potential for growth
- The expert claims that small intentional choices in dressing create ripple effects that influence how people approach all areas of their lives
Topics
Transcript
Hey, it's your friend Mel, and welcome to the Mel Robbins Podcast. This is going to be one of the most eye-opening and transformative conversations you've ever heard on this podcast, and I am startled that it's about the clothing that you put on your body. Our expert today is going to tell you that fashion, clothing, the things that you already have in your closet are not things to dread. They are tools that you can use to feel how you want to feel today, to embody the kind of person you want to become. You're going to learn a six word sentence that you need to ask yourself every single morning before you walk into your closet, and…
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