3 Steps to Discover and Define Your Style

Um…exactly who are you again?

Whether it’s jeans and a tank or a couture cocktail dress, stunning style begins with you. After all, style is nothing more than an expression of who you are as a person. Think of it as a spotlight that highlights and enhances your identity as you take to the stage of day to day living. For this reason it’s important that your style truly reflects your individuality. Otherwise, someone else might be stealing the show.

Now before you roll up your sleeves and begin pondering the age old question of “Who am I?” let’s put this into perspective.

At some point in your life, you probably closed your eyes and wistfully envisioned the person that you wanted to be. Perhaps it was an athlete, a businesswoman, a teacher or even becoming a mom. Whatever it was, there was something special about this image that connected to you.

Maybe it was the surge of adrenaline from winning a championship that inspired you or the authoritative role of leading a board meeting to shape the direction of a company. It may be that you’ve always had a knack with helping someone to understand complexities or perhaps nurturing has always been of a second nature to you.

Similarly, your personal image is in many ways an emotional connection as it is visual. How we feel about ourselves and how we wish others to perceive us often affects our everyday appearance. So it comes to no surprise that at the beginning of your makeover journey, the most important question you can ask yourself: How do I envision myself?

Why?

How you envision yourself is the baseline for every decision you make in your life, including what to wear. Nine times out of ten if you envisioned being an athlete, you weren’t running down the track in a tutu, and more likely than not your tee and yoga pant combo didn’t make it into the board room. That’s why it is essential to understand what defines you as a person in order to define your style.

So, let’s get started.

Step 1:
Start by taking a moment to envision yourself at present. This isn’t the new you after the promotion, after losing 10lbs or my personal favorite –post lotto winnings. This is you in your day to day life -going grocery shopping, at work, walking the dog, running a business. Pay attention to the clothes you have on, the colors you wear, how’s your hair looking today? Any makeup on?

As these images begin to build in your mind, write them down. At the end you should at the very least, have a brief description of how you see yourself right now.

Step 2:
Now that you’ve got your brain warmed up, how do you envision your life as a result of your makeover? This is your transformation , so have fun with it. What shoes are you wearing? What job do you see yourself acquiring? Did you cut your hair? Are you wearing a new color? Getting married?

Step 3:Once you have completed the description of Step 2, place it next to the description from Step 1. Take note of the differences and similarities between the two descriptions. Jot down what you discover. By pinpointing the differences, as well as consistencies, you will begin to see the tiny elements that we’ll later use to define your style.

How?

Glad you asked. Most women are a combination of styles, however there are key dominate traits in every woman that makes her look unmistakably distinct. These traits have been grouped into six categories:

Classic. Classic women have timeless looks that never go out of style. They prefer to dress in silhouettes that create a clean, smooth line. Being the antithesis of trendy, they pick up “fashions of the moment” in the details of their accessories. Classic color selections include blue, khaki, black and white.

Dramatic. Dramatic women prefer vivid colors and patterns that catch the eye. They love to dress in cuts and silhouettes that flatter the figure for a striking appearance. Creativity is their anthem and is reflected in their makeup and hair styles.

Elegant. Elegant women enjoy creating looks that are polished and classic. Quality fabrics and clean lines play a key role in their style choice. Subtle ruffles and feminine details can be found in their wardrobe, but nothing too extravagant or over the top.

Natural. For the natural woman, comfort reigns supreme when selecting clothing. Fabrics that move freely with the body, in carefree colors and earthy prints give a bohemian air to her look. Simple hair and makeup characterize her, highlighting her natural beauty .

Romantic. Sugar, spice, and everything nice. Romantic women create looks that are soft and feminine. Satins, lace, and flirty trims are sprinkled throughout their wardrobe. Soft makeup and pastel colors contribute to their ambiance of romance and love.

Sporty. Smart trainers, cropped trousers, and vintage tees. Whether dressed up or down, sporty women prove that it’s possible to dress comfortable and still look great. Simple hairstyles, whether cropped or pulled back compliment their look and makeup is usually minimal.

Take both descriptions from Step 1 & 2 and compare them to the above style profiles. What similarities do you see between what you envisioned and the descriptions provided?To which style do you connect most closely?

Once you determine the style that best aligns with who you are as a person, you can then begin shopping for clothing and accessories that emanate it.

After all, this who you are.

This is your life.

Go for it.