Whether working with a stylist or outfit planning for yourself, it can be very helpful to know three things prior to creating an outfit.
- The style you seek.
- Classic – the workhorse foundation pieces of any wardrobe
- Minimalist – harder to pull off than you’d think
- Edgy – popular choice to keep classic from being to basic
- Bohemian – an easy-going, modern hippie look
- Romantic – the girly-girl look
- How far you want to take that style.
- 1: a hint of the look
- 2: moderate
- 3: full-on version
- The environment for which you are dressing.
- Casual
- Professional/Corporate
- Evening/Dressy
Most people have some trouble defining their style so the list below highlights traits, common stores/brands and style icons for several popular fashion styles. I love to work from a primarily classic wardrobe and then adapt looks to a level 1 or 2 of a different style by using either one clothing piece OR a couple accessories (for level one) or a clothing piece AND a couple of accessories (for level two). Using this formula keeps me from getting bored but allows to me to maintain a wardrobe that consists of primarily good quality, classic pieces. Level 3 looks require a bit more commitment to the style as your signature.
Classic
Traits
- Quality fabrics: wool, silk, cashmere
- Neutral colors but can go into more saturated brights
- Stripes, herringbone, tweed
- Tailored, non-exaggerated shapes
Stores/Brands
Icons
- Kate Middleton
- Jenna Lyons
Minimalist
Traits
- Neutral colors
- No patterns
- Simple lines with dramatic or exaggerated shapes
Stores/Brands
Icons
- Tilda Swinton
- Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy
Edgy
Traits
- Leather
- Heavy use of black
- Hard details like spikes, studs, chain
Stores/Brands
Icons
- Kristen Stewart
- Elizabeth Hurley
Bohemian
Traits
- Natural fabrics and accents (cotton, leather, stone, wood)
- Floral or ethnic patterns
- Flared trousers, flowing skirts, wedge shoes
- Fringe, woven or embroidery details
Stores/Brands
Icons
- Olsen Twins
- Siena Miller
Romantic
Traits
- Floral prints, lace
- Pastels, whites, creams
- Flowy silhouettes, flared skirts
- Feminine accents like ruffles and bows
Stores/Brands
Icons
- Lauren Conrad
- Florence Welch
