How to Find Your Personal Style
It’s that time of year again. The beginning of a new fashion season when all the glossy magazines are telling us what we should and shouldn't be wearing for the next six months. As someone who loves fashion, there’s nothing I like more than working my way through the new-season specials, but understanding your personal style is more than just what you see in the pages of magazines.
Great style isn’t just about following trends, it’s about finding your own. The women I find the most stylish are the ones who look current, but timeless at the same time. Women whose style is really identifiable to them, and yet always looks so effortless. For me, this is the essence of a truly great personal style.
In this article, we’re looking at how you can identify and own your personal style, helping you to feel confident and love the skin you’re in.
Top tips for finding your personal style
Define your style personality
The first step to finding your personal style is to understand exactly what clothes suit your look and personality. While it’s great to look to others for inspiration, what looks good on them doesn’t necessarily translate in the same way on you. This is why it’s so important to get to know what styles, colours and shapes suit you personally. By staying true to your personality, you’ll never feel (or look) like you’re wearing something you’re not comfortable in.
Identify your body shape
The second step in the process is to consider your body shape. No matter what shape you are, whether you’ve curvy, athletic, hourglass or somewhere in between, there will always be particular styles that suit you more than others. Learning what cuts suit you is key to feeling your best in the clothes you wear, with the ability to cover areas that you’re less confident with, and accentuate the areas you love. It can be frustrating when current trends aren’t suited to your body shape, but there will always be an option that helps your personality and figure to shine through.
It’s how you wear it
Great personal style isn’t just about what you wear, but how you wear it. You can give two people the same outfit, but it’s how they put it together that will set them apart. The turn of a cuff, layering in an unexpected way or adding a simple accessory - it’s all in the detail. The more you understand and develop your personal style, the more these simple touches will come naturally to you, helping you to create a completely unique look that is instantly recognisable.
Get a Parisian attitude
The French are considered to be some of the most stylish people in the world, yet in a way, they are actually anti-fashion. They don’t buy into every new trend each season, but instead stick with classic wardrobe staples like a great pair of jeans (always with heels), a well-cut jacket, a silk blouse, a cashmere jumper and black - lots of black. So why do they stand out so much? It’s all about the ‘attitude’ they wear their clothes with. They have a far more relaxed attitude to life and beauty, focusing instead of alluding an air of confidence. They don’t aspire for perfection, but rather imperfections that make them unique.
Have fun with it
For me personally, I think there’s always room in your wardrobe for classic staple pieces, as well as the latest trends. I think fashion is something that should be fun, something to be toyed with and enjoyed. You should love the clothes you wear and use them to make you feel a certain way. Whether you want to feel energised, powerful, more colourful, they should help you to feel ready for whatever life throws at you. In the words of Vera Wang, “A woman is never sexier than when she’s comfortable in her own clothes.”
The role of a personal stylist
As a personal stylist, I’m here to play a pivotal role in helping people to discover and refine their personal style. I’m not just here to suggest outfits that are fashionable, but act as a knowledgeable guide on your journey to self-expression. With my knowledge and understanding of trends, body types, colour palettes and individual preferences, it’s my job to curate ensembles that reflect my client’s personality and enhance their confidence.
Whether you’ve got a style or inspiration in mind, or are coming into the process completely fresh with no idea where to start, I can help you to embrace your authentic self and align this with your wardrobe.
If you’d like to find out more about what I do, take a look at my Services page, or get in touch.