Most people have trouble defining their style so this post highlights traits, common stores/brands, and style icons for various fashion styles. Let’s dive in and get to know your signature style!
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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
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.
Knowing Your Style
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
Did you find this post on knowing your style helpful? If so, I’d love for you to share it with a friend or on your social media by using the sharing buttons at the bottom of the post. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out other posts in the Wardrobe Building Series.
