5 Easy Steps to Defining Your Style
How do you define your personal style?
A few weeks ago I received this question from someone who follows me on Instagram (@andrea.robitaille). They asked because they felt like they were in a style rut and needed some guidance (side note: I always love when I get questions about personal style and styling outfits because really, if I had to find a new full time career, I would love to be a personal shopper/stylist - honestly).
My style is always evolving and changing. Not necessarily with trends - because my most favourite purchases have always been classic pieces that stand the test of time. My style changes with the season of life I am in (hello, motherhood!), my location, the season and really, from work to weekend. One thing I maintain in my style is making sure I feel like me, and I feel confident in whatever I am wearing.
I put some thought into how I defined my personal style and decided to share my tips with you so that you feel confident in your own personal style.
1. Pick your top ten to fifteen favourite items.
Go through your closet and take out the top ten to fifteen articles of clothing you wear consistently. Pieces that you absolutely love. Now take notice: how do they fit? What's the silhouette? What type of fabric(s) are consistent? Is there a colour theme? As you take notice of your favourite, most worn pieces you will have a better understanding of what you love and you can fill your closet with other pieces and accessories that compliment them like jewelry, shoes, scarves and bags. You’ll notice I love denim, it’s almost a problem. I love how versatile denim is and with the right styling it can be dressed up or down.
2. Lifestyle
This usually dictates a big portion of someones personal style. Consider your lifestyle. Are you on the go? Do you sit at a desk all day? Do you volunteer at your child's school often? Look, I love ankle booties with a great heel - but right now that look just does not suit my lifestyle. Instead, I opt for something with a smaller heel or a flat shoe that I can wear more often. This outfit (below) is my perfect “on the go” outfit for weekend errands and playdates with my family.
3. Trust your gut.
Deep down you know if a trend or piece of clothing suits your body type, personality, lifestyle and budget. When you trust your gut and listen to your own intuition you know that there are certain pieces, trends and accessories that were just not made for you.
On the flip side, there are so many pieces that were made for you! You know that feeling you get when you see a picture of an outfit or an outfit on a mannequin in a storefront window? That's your gut saying that's an outfit I could wear with confidence. Don’t be afraid to try it out!
4. Find a style icon and document it.
When you look in magazines, on Pinterest or at fashion blogs, who do you gravitate to? For years I have followed and loved Olivia Palermo's style. Her classic style always looks effortless while trendy (but not too trendy) and chic - it’s everything!
If you use Pinterest, create a style board and start pinning outfits that you love and match your lifestyle, I guarantee you will begin to see a theme and consistent look.
5. Have confidence.
There's nothing that makes a woman look great in any outfit or trend than having confidence! Confidence is key to expressing your personal style while you're walking down the street with your head held high, standing tall and checking yourself out in that storefront window (it's ok, we all do it!).
Finding your personal style is an experience that will continue to change over time. Embrace it and don’t feel you have to get stuck in one category of style. It's really all about matching the beauty that's on the inside to the beauty that's on the outside!
