Back to School Blues - Case Study

Challenge
A high-achieving freshman—honor roll student and basketball team member—was forced to relocate and begin his sophomore year at a new school. Despite past success, the emotional toll of starting over, losing familiarity, and reintroducing himself to peers left him discouraged and withdrawn. His mother, concerned and unable to reach him, shared his story with me.

This wasn’t just a wardrobe dilemma. It was the Back to School Blues—a quiet crisis many upperclassmen face, especially when transitions disrupt their sense of identity.

Approach
With my own experience in frequent relocations and emotional resets, I recognized the weight of his frustration. I approached the consultation holistically:

Emotional Inventory: I listened deeply to his concerns—identity loss, social anxiety, and fear of invisibility.

Image Discovery: We explored how he currently sees himself and how he wants to be seen.

Color + Style Analysis: I took measurements and assessed his skin tone, hair, and eye color. I noted his current style and the aspirational style he admired.

Mindset Shift: I reminded him of his rare duality—an athlete and a scholar. That truth sparked a smile. I emphasized the power of presence, attitude, and the legacy he already carries.

Execution
Created a personalized checklist of wardrobe essentials tailored to his complexion, body type, and style preferences.

Included aspirational pieces that reflected the version of himself he wanted to embody.

Reinforced emotional tools: posture, smile, and mindset as part of his “uniform.”

Outcome
The scholar lit up with hope. He began to envision the school year not as a restart, but as a continuation of his legacy. He felt empowered to walk into new spaces with confidence, style, and emotional clarity.