Defining your Personal Style

WHat is personal style, anyway?

What does “personal style” mean? Well to me, it simply means you wear clothing that reflects who you are and/or expresses what you want to convey to the world. Clothing is like a creative art form (albeit providing a specific function) and the wearer gets to put clothing together to express their desired feeling - whether it be a powerful leader, a quirky character or cool rebel. Having a personal style can be helpful because you know exactly what works for you and what you like. Rather than being limiting, it’s actually very freeing to know your style so well that you can walk into a store and know EXACTLY what you want. Not being confused by trends and too many options is the real definition of style success.

How do i participate in a Style Exploration?

While many clients come to me already understanding their style and just needing my assistance to execute, some need help identifying what their personal style is. They may get overwhelmed easily when shopping because they haven’t identified their specific point of view. As someone who has always innately had a specific point of view with my style, I get excited that I can help someone embark on their personal style journey.

When someone needs to start from square one, we schedule time for a “style exploration” appointment. The goal is to get them to not only understand the elements of clothing they prefer, but also to be able to communicate their general likes and dislikes. I find that going through a variety of common styles helps them identify what they are attracted to, what they hate and where they want to take their wardrobe. One’s personal style is often a combination of overriding styles.

What are the styles?

Here is an overview of the common styles we see and the elements that make them unique:

MINIMALIST/MODERN

Streamlined shapes, a small selection of colors and simple silhouettes. Simplicity is the key to pinpointing this style - often resulting in capsule wardrobes.

ROMANTIC

Romantic style is defined by a more “feminine” approach to fashion. This clothing contains a lot of detail and flourishes like ruffles, lace, dramatic silhouettes, flowy fabric and color. Floral patterns are often used in these romantic outfits.

BOHO

Boho (short for Bohemian) is a style of fashion drawing on various artistic and hippie influences. Flowy dresses, embroidered details, earthy tones, fringe and flared silhouettes are popular elements of this style. The essence of “boho” style is about being free and having a care-free attitude. 

CLASSIC

A preference towards timeless looks, simple and elegant cuts, and fine fabrics. This style is less interested in trends of the moment and more about finding those pieces that never go out of style.

EDGY

This style derives a lot of its influence from rock music and musicians. Black is a staple color and the look is also defined by harsher fabrics and details (like leather and studs). Like Boho, this style embodies a certain attitude.

STREET

This look includes a lot of oversized elements and juxtaposing that with skin or tight-fitting pieces. I would say this is the trendiest style of the moment. Sneakers are a key staple of this look as are graphic prints and accessories. 

ECLECTIC

This style is all about having fun! It doesn’t take fashion too seriously and encourages a lot of mixing of fabrics, colors and prints. This style is not for the faint of heart and requires you to trust yourself because the mixing of fabrics may not feel natural.

GEEK CHIC

This style is a mixture of several styles and can present itself in a variety of ways. When I think of Geek Chic, I think of “Madewell” and it’s mixing of boho elements (like prints) with classic silhouettes like tees and blazers. It’s leaning into the ”geeky” shoes, ironic mixing of patterns and laying into androgynous elements. 

STYLE EXPLORATION IS A TOOL

I lay these out in the style exploration appointments not to put my clients in a box, but to help them understand the characteristics of a variety of styles. By explaining the elements of each, they can better identify the aspects of the clothing they like and want to incorporate in their own closet. 

And just because you have a personal style, doesn’t mean it has to be static or that you have to stick to it 100% of the time. While I have a lot of “edgy” pieces in my closet, I also have boho items and classic items so I can blend them to create my own unique style. In the summer, I like to lean into super hippie vibes and wear my flares and crochet tanks but when meeting with clients, I prefer the classic pieces in my closet. Again, knowing these preferences is very freeing and allows me to easily build outfits.

Maybe you often are attracted to edgy black clothing (if so, you are in good company) but if you’re in the tropics, you want to wear a frilly bright dress! That’s okay! Style exploration is not meant to put you in a box - it’s just meant to guide you so you are not so overwhelmed by all of the choices out there.

Once you begin to understand the elements of each style and identify with certain styles you like, you begin to have a cohesive and useful wardrobe. One where everything in your closet sparks joy and resonates with you! That is my goal for all of my clients.