Style is very personal. It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is over quickly, style is forever Ralph Lauren
Do you have style or are you just fashionable?
I remember once telling a friend that I was going to book a session with a stylist because I needed to find my style. Seemed like an honest quest and one that we have all, probably set out on, at one time or another. She looked at me with one of those perplexed kind of looks, which was confusing. It all made perfect sense to me! She simply said, “you already have style and your own way of putting things together. You don’t need anyone to tell you what to do, just do you!”
Isn’t that what we all need to do?
I love the quote by Ralph Lauren that reminds us that fashion comes and goes but style is timeless! It’s not what you wear; it’s definitely how you wear it that counts! And I think the key to making it count is all about finding that confidence in yourself and your style. How many times have you seen a woman (or a man) wearing something that you would deem outrageous and you would never put together but they somehow manage to not only carry it off but also look ah-mazing?
Here are 10 things to keep your style on track.
- Understand your body
This has to be your starting point. Stand naked in front of the mirror (go on you can do it!) and identify your body shape are you a pear, an apple, a rectangle, an hourglass, or an inverted triangle? Check if you are on the right track by using the body shape calculator. Now look at yourself even more closely. What parts of your body make you really smile. For me these are my legs, my calves and my boobs (and of course my eyes and my smile but I’m not dressing those here). All your clothes should accentuate your body shape and give those favourite bits a space to show off.
- Find your style personality
What words would your use to describe you. Outgoing, reserved, quirky, ladylike, modern, edgy, bohemian, or classic? How can you make your style reflect this?
- Know which colours suit you best
What is your favourite colour to wear. Does it make your personality shine through? Know what colours work best for you and which ones don’t. Eliminate the colours that don’t work for you, even if they are trendy, from your wardrobe.
- Declutter your current wardrobe
Is your wardrobe bursting at the seams with things that do nothing for you? Or that you have not worn in years? Time to let them go!
- Only buy things that work for you
Just because you like the look of it doesn’t make it the perfect addition to your wardrobe. Think back to 1 and 2 above - Create your own style board
Pinterest has given you a fabulous space for you to explore different approaches to your style. Explore different ideas of bringing your style to life and keep them all in one place. - Picture yourself
We are now a world of photographers, so take pictures of yourself in your favourite outfits, the ones that epitomize your true personal style. They will not only help lift your spirit in those low moments. They will also help when deciding to add another style piece to your wardrobe.
- Identify your signature piece.
Join the likes of Audrey Hepburn – cropped pants and ballet flats – Jackie O – oversized sunglasses – and create your own signature piece. Yours can be as simple as a scarf, a personalised piece of jewellery or a handbag accessory.
- Don’t forget the accessories.
Style is more than just about clothing. A line in the movie Steel Magnolias tells us “the only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorise.” And the great about accessories is that they are the easiest way to pull any look together regardless of the vibe you want to achieve. - Be authentic
The single most important thing when developing and maintaining your style is to be true to yourself. Don’t focus on your size or even the designer label. It all boils down to feeling good in your own skin—your style should reflect and celebrate your life, your individuality, and personality. Own your style, be proud of it, and embrace fashion as a way to express who you are and who you want to be.
Since writing this post, I interviewed Ben de Lisi, a leading American dress designer, and he complemented me on my style, so it’s true show up as you and style will always follow!
I need to be committed