How To Find Your Signature Style In 4 Easy Steps

Veronica Beard Leopard Blazer similar here // Black Coated Jeans // Gucci Belt // Alexander Wang Sandals similar here // Valentino Clutch similar here and here // Chanel Lipstick 135 Enigmatique // Quay Sunnies

I’ve been styling women for 16 years and I often hear the comment “I have nothing to wear” when in fact, I know these women have a closet full of clothes. The answer lies in fully understanding your own personal style… that ‘go-to’ look that makes you feel the most comfortable, gives you the most confidence and leaves you little guessing on what you should or shouldn’t be spending your money on.

Let’s discuss how you can find YOUR signature style in 4 easy steps.

MY SIGNATURE STYLE:

Keep in mind that style is ever-changing and that defining your personal style doesn’t mean you have to stick with it forever. As I have evolved and grown as a person, my style has also evolved. I would describe my style as ‘classic with an edgy twist”. Right now, I am most comfortable in pants (usually jeans) and a great jacket or blazer. I’ll be in booties and close toed pumps for fall and a pretty block heeled sandal or wedge for spring. I also love interesting blouses, wide legged pants and walking coats.

I was once told by a designer that each room in my home should have a touch of leopard. When I think of my signature style, I keep this in mind as well.

Today’s look is how I most love to dress…a chic blazer and pants. This Veronica Beard leopard blazer was a total splurge for me, but I had been eyeing it for awhile and knew I would wear this blazer for years and years to come. This leopard blazer here and here are also beautiful and half the price. I’ve paired my blazer with my favorite black coated jeans but it will look equally fab with a pair of denim jeans or over a black dress or skirt.

This entire look is appropriate for date night, GNO, our contemporary service at church, lunch with girlfriends and many more occasions. In fact, this is MY go-to look and how I dress to feel most confident and comfortable.

HOW TO FIND YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE IN 4 EASY STEPS:

Your personal style is always evolving and will change over time depending on various factors relating to your lifestyle. However, being clear on who you want to present to the world is unlikely to be drastically different no matter what stage of life you’re at.

So how do you find your signature style? It’s really quite easy if you follow these four simple steps:

STEP 1: Analyze Your Existing Wardrobe

A successful signature style is one that makes you feel confident and happy. Take a careful look at items in your closet and carefully focus on those items you wear and adore. Marie Kondo and the konmari method would ask you “Does this item spark joy in your life”. If it makes you happy, then it’s a keeper. If you feel like the item represents who you are then keep it, if it doesn’t, set it aside.

Here are the three rules of thumb when doing a closet clean out:

If you haven’t worn the item in the past year, chances are you won’t wear it again. Get rid of it.
If the item doesn’t fit, either get it altered immediately or get rid of it.
Would you purchase this item today? If yes, keep it, if no, get rid of it.

Now analyze the items that are still in your closet. Do you see a common theme? For me, it was quite obvious…tailored jackets, jeans and pants that fit, signature blouses.

STEP 2: Label It

Think about the items in your closet. Are they casual and comfortable, timeless and classic, bold and contemporary, preppy, floral and feminine? Settle on a handful of words that feel true to you; You will most likely notice a lot of similarities which 100% tells you that you’ve found and clarified your style. Write these words down and have them at the front of your mind whenever shopping for new pieces.

STEP 3: Seek Inspiration

Seeking fashion inspiration from celebrities and style bloggers is a great way to help hone in on your personal style. Pinterest and Instagram (I hope you will follow me) are great places to find inspiration and having a few style icons is always handy when developing your personal style. I adore Jennifer Aniston’s classically edgy style and Carolyn Bessett-Kennedy was so effortlessly elegant.

When you find people who portray a signature style or something similar to what you want to portray, it is really helpful to keep them in the back of your mind when out shopping or when you are cleaning out your closet. If I am unsure about something, I will sometimes ask myself…”would Jennifer or Carolyn wear this?” If the answer is yes, chances are this item will fit perfectly with my signature style.

STEP 4: Stay Confident

So you have analyzed your wardrobe, developed your ‘key’ signature words to describe your style and sought out inspiration. Remember, the most beautiful woman is the confident woman. Just because every celebrity is out there wearing that current ‘IT’ piece or ‘IT’ color, if it doesn’t make you feel good or look good on you or your body shape, DO NOT wear it. You need to be able to recognize what you DO NOT LIKE.

Having a strong personal style means you are confident that you will be able to find something you love every day, so there’s no point in holding onto things you loved while they were on trend, but are no longer wearing.

Sell, donate or throw out any worn out styles, or garments that just don’t represent your personal style.