Knowing your clothing style is a strategy that minimises the effort when buying and wearing clothes. Once you know the colours you look your best in and combine that with a consistent style, you will have the formula to shop for clothes and combine elements in your wardrobe knowing everything will go with everything and will look great on you. You will save money and time in the store.
Because I know my colour and style profile, I can scan a shop from the doorway and know if it’s worthwhile spending time in the store. For instance, if there is mainly black on the rails it’s not for me. I don’t wear black, it’s too hard for me and is ageing. It’s not in my palette, so I have no reason to wade through rails of black clothing. Chocolate brown and navy are my black.
Adopting your unique style by dressing authentically with your personality and lifestyle can be a fun process. It’s a way to express your personality and individuality through your clothes. Here are some ideas to help you work out your personal style:
Look in your wardrobe: What do you wear most often? What do you feel most comfortable in? These are likely items that reflect your personal style.
Consider your personality: Are you relaxed and playful or are you more formal? Are you a flowery romantic, or do you have a more dramatic nature? Believe it or not, these characteristics will also show up in your body type and are considered in professional style analysis. E.g people who are relaxed and playful could be a pixie, ‘gamin’ type or a ‘natural’ depending on other combined factors.
Think about your favourite brands: Are you attracted to certain brands or designers? This can give you an idea of the types of clothing that you prefer.
Assess your lifestyle: What do you do on a daily basis? If you have a more active lifestyle, you may prefer athletic clothing or leisurewear. If you work in a formal office setting, you may prefer a more professional look.
Consider your body type: It’s important to choose clothing that flatters your body type. If you’re petite, you want to avoid clothing that is oversized because it will swamp you, causing you to disappear. For years I wore a size larger than I am (there are lots of reasons we do this .. that’s another article). When I realised and started wearing the correct size, my clothes suddenly looked better on me. Conversely, if you’re taller, you may want to avoid clothing that is too short or tight and might go up a size.
Experiment with different looks: Try on new things and see what you like best. You can do this in the privacy of a changing room just for fun. You might discover that you enjoy a more bohemian, laid-back style, or that you prefer a more polished, classic look.
Consider current trends: While it’s important to not get too caught up in trends, it can be helpful to see what’s popular in the fashion world. You may find that you like certain trends and want to incorporate them into your personal style. Adding accessories on trend is a way of looking up to date but retaining your personality.
Take inspiration from others: Look to celebrities, influencers, or friends whose style you like. See what they wear and how they put outfits together and try to recreate a similar look for yourself. You can often replicate outfits you see more economically.
Be true to yourself: Ultimately, these points are only guidelines and ideas. The most important thing is to be true to yourself and wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Don’t worry too much about what others think or what’s “in fashion”. If you feel good about what you’re wearing, that’s all that matters.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works for you. You’ll be able to figure out your clothing style and develop it as you add pieces to your wardrobe.