Developing Your Personal Style, Part 1

As mentioned, I'm going to be posting a three part series on how to develop your personal style. Enjoy! The photos are taken very out of context from one of my gazillion craft books...

1. Be Yourself



When I first considered writing this series, it occurred to me that I should be writing about things like fit, colour, tailoring and trends, but as I considered the topic more I realized that none of these things are as important as discovering what works for you as an individual. The first key to style is simply knowing who you are and being comfortable with your decisions.

If you aren't quite there yet, or think you are lacking in confidence about your style decisions, here are a few things to consider. First, go to your closet and pull out a few pieces of clothing that make you feel comfortable and confident when you are wearing them. Pieces that work for a variety of occasions. Your absolute favorites.

Think about why you love these pieces so much. Do they fit you perfectly, accenting your body type? Do you recall receiving compliments when you wear them? Are they linked to a special event? Your fave colours? Make a list of what articles of clothing you have pulled out (red skirt, black blouse, etc.) and beside the item description write why they work (red skirt = colour inspires confidence, black blouse = can pull it on without a thought and know I look good, flattering cut/details).

Look for connections and repetitions in the list you have written. Maybe you've just pulled out five dresses. A dress is the easiest fashion item there is, you just put it on and look fabulous. You don't have to think about making an outfit or putting pieces together. Yet, you still look polished. What does this say about you? - That you like no fuss outfits, but you still want to look pulled together.

See what lessons your favorite clothes teach you.



One thing you might notice is that your favorite pieces, the ones you wear the most, are extremely versatile and appropriate for many occasions. This is something to keep in mind when you are shopping. When you pull an item off the rack, think - could I wear this for a night out? Could I also wear it to work? Will I like this piece for a long time? How long? Does it work with other things in my closet? (If you have read my post on shopping in your own closet, you'll see I'm a fan of carrying around lists of things I need and want). Do you absolutely love it?? If you are considering buying something new from a store, test yourself by putting it back on the rack, visiting several other stores and coming back. Do you still want it now that you've seen other things and have had time to think about how it fits with your wardrobe?

Now, head back to your closet and pull out a couple things you only wore for one season, and a couple that just don't work with anything, and a couple things you don't wear but you aren't sure why. Think back to when you bought them and what was in your head. I'm guessing it's pretty likely that these items were either impulse buys, don't fit you properly, or were purchased in order for you to feel "on trend," yet somehow the trend didn't work for you.

Trend is kind of an evil word. We want to feel like we're in style so we go and buy something that fits with a current trend, even though it may not look good on us. We want to project a look that others can do successfully even if it never feels right or comfortable. Why do we do this? Well, we are advertised to and we want to fit in. I don't need to explain to you how this works, you've read it before and you know. But what I can't understand is why people want to dress like everyone else? How boring is that? Being "in style" is not the same as "having style."

When you are looking for clothes, look for things that work for you, only you, and wear them in a way that only you can pull off. Be confident and trust your instincts. If a trend works for you, cool. If it doesn't, leave it on the rack. Let your own mind ultimately influence your style decisions, not a magazine, not a sales person, not even your best friend who tells you that you look good in everything.

Stop trying to look like everyone else. Just look like you. It may take awhile to figure out what "looking like you" means, but when you get there you will love it.

And I want to say one more thing, just a tiny nudge from me - you know all those clothes you have that are as comfy and slobby as pajamas? Wear them at home, not to work, not out to dinner, not unless you are heading straight to a friend's couch for a lazy movie night. And you know all those high heels and fancy dresses you save for special occasions? Sling those stilettos on with your jeans when you hit the corner store - it's only a block away so you won't get blisters and you will feel uber hot. Wear your fancy dress for an ordinary night on the town, even when you know your friends will be dressing down. Trust me, this is fun.

It feels so good to put even the smallest effort into looking your best. This might sound superficial, but it isn't. This is about being confident and knowing who you are.