The Perfect Personal Style
What sets a truly fashionable woman apart from her peers? Is it a huge budget? A personal shopper? A sixth sense for being able to find the best items on sales racks? Of course not! Truly fashionable women have something that anyone can get with just a little bit of work -- a strong sense of personal style.
Trends come and go, but a woman with a strong sense of personal style will always look chic. Whether she’s sleek in a Chanel suit or Boho in bangle bracelets and a felt hat, a woman is most beautiful and fashionable when she looks undeniably like herself. What’s more, developing your personal style saves you money. I promise! Once you’ve honed your look, you won’t be tempted to buy new pieces that will inevitably end up collecting dust in your closet.
So how do you get that perfect personal style? I would start by asking yourself these questions:
What are the three words that you would use describe the types of clothing you like most? Are you feminine, flowy, and colorful or structured, monochromatic, and modern? Perhaps pieces that don’t fit any of the descriptors should be revaluated
Who are your style icons? A woman who loves the glamour of Elizabeth Taylor will want to buy very different pieces than those who love Rihanna or Taylor Swift. Where would your style icon shop if she was out in your city?
Where do you spend most of your time? What are you wearing there? I tend to spend a lot of time at work. Even when I have an evening event to attend, I often have to go straight from the store to the venue. Therefore, I look for pieces that can go day-to-evening, and don’t spend much time looking at luxe cocktail dresses.
What pieces do you find yourself wearing all the time? What ends up in the laundry basket at the end of the week can tell you a lot about the types of clothing you should be buying. Do you gravitate towards certain colors, cuts, or pieces (dresses vs. skirts, for example)?
Once you give these questions some thought, look through your wardrobe with a critical eye. What pieces don’t seem to fit in? Try packing away some of the clothing that you love but might not have any of the three words you chose to describe your style. You might find that doing so actually makes getting dressed easier. If you love a piece, but it just doesn’t seem to fit your style goals, try styling it differently. Belting a flowy dress can add instant structure, or pairing a dress pant with a silk camisole can create a beautifully feminine look. Never underestimate the transformative power of jewelry and other accessories! Even basic jeans and a t-shirt can become sophisticated, preppy, eclectic, or sporty when paired with the right accents.
If you think you need to go shopping to complete your new look, approach any potential purchases as you did the pieces in your closet. When you find yourself falling in love with the beautiful dress in the shop window,first ask yourself if it makes sense with your personal style: Can you describe it using any of the three words you chose? Would your style icon wear it? Does the piece fit into your lifestyle? How often will you wear it? Buy pieces that will become signature looks in your collection. Don’t forget about accessories – nothing says “classic elegance” like a simple pearl necklace, even if you are pairing it with the same LBD that’s been hanging in your closet for years.
Crafting your personal style may take a little time and effort, but the results can be amazing! A cohesive closet and signature look are what set most fashionable women ahead of the pack.
What words would you use to describe your style? Who are your style icons?
