CREATING YOUR STYLE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
There are hundreds if not thousands of posts about style or “finding your style” that are readily available at our fingertips. It can be overwhelming at times, trying to figure out how to be stylish or how to have style. Most approaches often focus on the individual’s style and how they style themselves. This can be inspiring and entertaining, but how did they get to that point? How did they “find their style”? Which brings me to another point. Well, more like another question… why is it “finding” your style? This may be a personal thing of mine (let’s face it, it is a personal thing of mine, sigh) but I tend to associate the word finding, if I have lost something. I don’t believe I lost, or we lose our style. I believe it changes throughout our lives and, in some cases, it can be hard to achieve. Style is elusive and ever-changing. However, with a bit of effort and understanding what it involves to have style, you’ll be well on your way to creating your best, most stylish self.
Let’s start with what is Style? The word Style means: a way of doing things and a distinctive appearance. This is according to trusty Google of course. So, by pure definition, I would say we all have style, right? We all like to do things a certain way and we all have our distinctive looks (thanks mom and dad). So there, we all have style. Well, maybe not. By definition we do, but is it the style we want? Is it the style we associate with being Stylish? Probably not, but we can change that. Often, to have style or to be stylish, is related to conforming to current fashion. Though this may be true, let’s be honest, fashion and style are NOT a one size fits all. That is why, it’s best to create a style that is distinct and identifiable to YOU.
Below are a few guidelines I’ve come up with by taking my own experience working in the fashion industry; owning and reading more books about style than I can count. Browsing constantly through fashion and style blogs and not to mention; the countless nights in with girlfriends combing through their closets and playing style advisor. I’ve also included some of my favorite style quotes to inspire you as you go through the journey of creating your style. A little encouragement never hurts, right? The most important thing to remember, is to have fun while you’re at it. If not, it’s just not worth it.
Guidelines:
1) It starts with the visuals:
Sometimes you need to have something to inspire you and help you see the big picture of what you want your overall style to be. A good place to start - is to create a style board. A style board helps you visualize the overall feel and aesthetic you want to achieve. You can add your board as a wallpaper on your computer or phone as a handy dandy reminder. And guess what? (insert shameless plug here) I’ve created a guide with 5 simple steps on how to create your style board. Go ahead, take a look and then come back… you’re back! You never left, did you? … Ok, moving on!
2) Be yourself, know your style:
Style is so much more than what you wear and how you wear it. It’s also about how you carry yourself and letting your personality shine. It’s important to be honest in what you like and what you are comfortable in. You can always elevate your style, by making small adjustments, but not to the point where it starts to feel uncomfortable and unauthentic. Know yourself, know your boundaries. And always remember - YOU wear the clothes; clothes don’t wear you.
3) Try on, try off – getting to know your body:
Knowing your body and how things fit, is the biggest achievement when it comes to style. You can look for and read guides on how to dress for your body shape, but sometimes that’s not enough. You must try on clothes in different cuts, different fabrics, different brands/ labels and colors - because they don’t all fit the same, feel the same or look the same. Sometimes you need to try on a size up or a size down. Believe it or not, this is supposed to be the fun part. Yes, I know, sometimes it can be a hassle; it can be exhausting, it can be frustrating. It can even be infuriating. No matter your size. However, it’s important to be aware and to appreciate your body and dress it in a way, that makes you feel proud. By doing this, and by trying on clothes, you’ll get a sense of what works. Regardless of trends or what everyone else is wearing – choose what works for YOU. Look at pictures on your style board; look at your style icons and inspiration. Break down the different components and ask yourself: Are you attracted to the colors? Is it the type of clothes she’s wearing? Is it the accessories she has on? Is it all of the above? Take from each of those components and try them on you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles or silhouettes. See how you feel, if it works great! If not, rinse and repeat. Like I said, this is supposed to be the fun part. Enjoy the process.
4) Playing to your strengths and owning your look:
Do you have a love affair with shoes? (who doesn’t, right?!) Are your friends, family or even strangers, constantly complimenting you on your shoe game? Or how you wear accessories? Maybe you have a way with belts or scarves? Or, you haven’t met a basic little black dress you didn’t like? but you always know how to make it look anything but basic? Moments like these, play to your strengths. You know how to do a lot, with very little. Your outfit always has an element of visual interest, and that within itself, is being stylish. Combine this with the guideline listed above and you are on your way to completely mastering and owning your style.
5) Pulling it all together: the final touches
Last but not least and something that should never be overlooked, is all things beauty! By beauty, I’m referring to taking care of yourself, inside and out. Practice self-love and self-care. Nurture your mind, body and soul and put your best foot forward in your appearance. A little can go a long way. Keep your hair and nails on point – this can be from a fabulous blow-out to a simple ponytail and even minimal maintenance on your nails. Keep dry shampoo and clear nail polish handy and they become your BFF. Hydrate and remember to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize, your skin. As for makeup, master a “go to look”. Something that no matter what you’re wearing, will always look good. You can make this as simple or as complex as you like. Just make sure you highlight your best features. Achieving and owning your style also involves paying attention to little details. It’s about all of YOU. So, put on a smile and enjoy your hard work.
