Personal Style: What is it? How do you define it?

Earlier this week, I posted a quote on Instagram. Let me repeat it here: “What’s my style is not your style, and I don’t see how you can define it. It’s something that expresses who you are in your own way.” ~Iris Apfel

This quote basically sums up my philosophy about personal style. By the way, if you don’t know who Iris Apfel is, Google her. She’s a 97 year old fashion diva with her own PERSONAL STYLE.

So, back to the question…. How do you find and define your own personal style? Well, you can hire me to help you assess what steps you need to take in order to discover looks that work for you. I know, that’s a tease.

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Basic Steps to Start Defining Your Style

Typically, when working with a client, I start out with a few of the basic steps below.

• Start in your closet

Do you have pieces that you haven’t touched in ages/years? Choose one way to handle those items. Either out with the old, in with the new or move pieces that you haven’t worn to an area in your closet where you will reach for them.

• Mix up colors and patterns that you wouldn’t have used together before

Be creative. Be brave! Remember that 2-piece outfit you bought together years ago? Well, mix it up by combining one older piece with a newer item you recently purchased.

• Rediscover your accessories

Remember that belt, necklace, bracelet, watch, scarf, or other accessory that’s buried deep in your drawer? Find it and put it on!

• Style is an emotion

Check in with your mood. What are you feeling? Casual? Sporty? Sexy? Trendy? Fancy? A combo? Wear those items that illustrate how you feel.

Yes, you can wear that fancy blouse with those torn casual jeans! Like I mentioned earlier, be brave and have fun with your wardrobe.

• THINK style outside the box

Shop someplace other than your usual locations. Have you visited that vintage shop across town recently? Checked in with consignment boutiques in neighboring cities (see my consignment blog). And yes, thrift stores always have some surprises!

There are no rules to finding your personal style. It’s PERSONAL.

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Make Style You Admire Your Own

You can take CLUES from those whose style you admire (I have a few myself), but you certainly don’t need to COPY. The idea behind personal style is that it’s yours and yours alone! Start with the concept of the style you admire then add your own twist, your own mark or your own pieces.

One last tip: consider your body type. This is more than just a closing comment, it’s a larger topic. As such, I will touch on this aspect of finding your style in another blog post.

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Need Help?

In the meantime, if you are having a tough time with any of the tips above, or if you’d like some one-on-one personal attention or personalized tips on finding your personal style, feel free to call or email me for a Felicia’s Closet style consultation. Together we can help you discover your own personal style.