What is Style?
Have you ever seen someone who just looked brilliantly put together and seemed to command yours and everyone else’s attention?
I’m not talking about a beautiful looking person – someone in expensive clothes, or the latest fashion, but a look where the whole package, every detail just looked right.
You may have found yourself taking another glance and trying to identify what it was that made them look so good.
We know it when we see it, but can’t necessarily pinpoint exactly what it is that makes a person look stylish.
The Oxford dictionary describes style as – A distinctive appearance, determined by the principles according to which it is designed. Something of superior quality.
Style has also been described as characteristics combined and expressed in a particular (often unique) and consistent manner.
There is a difference between the style of your clothing ie trendy, bohemian or classic and being stylish, which is creating a personal image that is flattering, unique, consistent and coordinated. It is more than just the clothes, it is an expression of your personality and a commitment to looking your best – always.
A Stylish person can take a clothing style and make it their own by adapting it to fit them.
So here are a few of the features that set the stylish apart from the rest of us.
- Stylish people know who they are and what looks and feels good on them – They wear colours and styles that flatter their physical appearance and reflect their personality.
- They wear their look with conviction and confidence, because it is a part of who they are, and they know it works.
- There is an integrity to their dressing because it is consistent – they often have a formula or philosophy about their clothing and image.
- They understand how to show off their assets, whilst drawing attention away from their flaws.
- They may use a limited colour palette that they love and works best for them.
- Their clothing fits well, and is in good repair, and looks easy on them.
- Their clothing all works together creating an interesting and attractive look. It is obvious that they have thought about their choices.
- They are well groomed, even if theirs is a relaxed, unfussy look.
What do they do?
Of course achieving their winning individual style doesn’t just happen, there are things that stylish people do to get their results.
- They dress for themselves not anyone else, and they are not trying to make a statement.
- They start the day right by dressing right. They know looking great will make a difference to their day and don’t leave it to chance. They have already thought about what they are going to wear before they even wake.
- They are smart shoppers only buying what they love and know will look great.
- They buy items that have flexibility – that will go with more than 1 other item in their wardrobe, and quality where they can.
- Stylish people aren’t slaves to fashion, they will add something new to their look only if it fits in with their philosophy. They don’t feel a need to wear the latest trend.
- Stylish people may have a philosophy or formula about their clothes – perhaps the fabric, the tailoring, colour combinations or the shape.
- They often have a “go to” look that they repeat with minor variations.
- They think about their outfits and choose items that work well together, they don’t just throw a top on over some bottoms.
- Their outfits are appropriate to the weather and occasion.
- They understand balance, and how to use colour, texture, pattern, and accessories to enhance their look.
- They care about the details – perhaps in repetition of colour or shape.
- They keep their clothing in good repair, and don’t go out in ragged shoes or stained shirts.
- They coordinate their accessories. Eg shoes to match bag or beads etc. and they know when to stop.
- Hair and makeup are also just right for them. They may wear the same colour lipstick every day because they love it and it works with everything they wear.
- It’s not just their clever clothing choices that set them apart either, but how they wear them and put them together. This is where their own flair comes to the fore. It may be the way they push up their blazer sleeves, tie a shirt or blend different styles together.
- Being stylish is also about manner, grace, posture, and speech.
How do I do it?
This is probably more a process than simply following a few tips.
Style is as individual as you are. Your colouring, body shape, personality and lifestyle among many other factors will determine your style.
There is no set formula, but there are some principles which will help you to achieve a look which is uniquely you and stylish.
Following these principles will result in a well put together look which will show that you care about yourself and take pride in your appearance.
Start with understanding what your colour palette is, and how to best dress your body. Find your best and favourite colours – it doesn’t matter if you only wear a few, and it makes planning a co-ordinated and versatile wardrobe not to mention packing for a trip a lot easier. The same goes for the shape and cut of your clothing – wear what works, don’t try to force your body into designs that are unflattering. Don’t deviate here, you want to look your best.
From here you can work out what your clothing personality is, what sorts of looks and even multiple looks appeal to you.
Getting started
Do you have something in your wardrobe that really sings to you – that is at the heart of what you would like your look to be? A tribal print scarf, an asymmetrical skirt you bought in Bali on holiday years ago, but that always makes you feel attractive, or a white shirt that shows off your curves?
Create a look book or board on Pinterest of outfits and ideas you would love to copy. Try things on that you previously haven’t – you will soon be able to tell if the look doesn’t work for you. Often a look can be modified to suit you tho’ so don’t give up too quickly.
If you don’t feel comfortable in it, then it’s probably not right.
Don’t buy clothes that don’t fit well (unless you are a great seamstress or know one), because you will never be happy with them.
Make a note of outfits that you have put together that looked and felt great so you can reproduce it – take a selfie.
Work on building a coordinated wardrobe so that you can create complete looks.
Stay with neutrals that you love, unless print is fundamental to your style, until you build a core wardrobe.
Pay more for key items, but otherwise buy what you can best afford.
Accessories can make all the difference and usually are an important part of the stylish woman’s armoury so don’t overlook them. They don’t have to be expensive, but they should enhance your outfit, not fight for attention. Don’t overdo it tho’.
Plan ahead and try things together so you are confident about how something will look. Especially for an important event like an interview or wedding, make sure the new shirt you bought will look good over the skirt you plan on wearing.
Allow yourself plenty of time to get ready everyday but particularly on important occasions, then you can step out the door feeling attractive and confident.
Underwear – don’t underestimate the importance of well- fitting underwear – it can make all the difference to how your clothing hangs on you.
Look at yourself from the side and back in the mirror, other people are seeing all of you not just front on. Can you really wear that bodycon dress?
When you see looks on others that you like and think could work for you – try them. I recently saw a woman in dark blue denims with a mustard jumper and blue scarf knotted loosely around her neck. She looked gorgeous and very stylish – a reminder of the value of well chosen accessories. The colours were fantastic together. I can’t wear mustard, and I can’t do a knotted scarf either, but I could change the colour and neckline of the jumper and wear the scarf unknotted or tied low. Learn from others, but just make adjustments where needed.
So what are you waiting for?
Personal style can last forever. If it’s right you can still wear it with some modification into your old age. Often some of the most stylish women are older, perhaps because it can take time to discover and develop your own sense of style or maybe they are just a lot more comfortable in their skin. Have fun with it, let your style evolve until you are completely at home in it, you will never look back.
