Where do you draw your fashion inspiration from? Did you
learn the fashion ropes from your mother or older sister or from
the pages of fashion magazines? Like most of us, you probably
moved through the fashion phases of the decades with
trial-and-error experiences. But maybe you still haven’t found
that specific look that incorporates figure-flattering,
right-price-for-your-wallet and true-to-your-personality style.
Does such a combination even exist? Of course it does! It just
takes some creativity and effort on your part to create your
very own signature style. Read on for our fabulous fashion tips…
Dressing Your Body
When dressing for your body type, think in terms of a
silhouette. You don’t want your signature style to showcase a
part of your body you dislike. Instead, you want your signature
piece or style to camouflage your trouble areas while playing up
your best features. For example, tall women look great in
straight leg pants and women who want to elongate a short neck
should favor v- and scoop-neck shirts. If you don’t know which
clothes will look best on your body type, consult Slimming
Clothes and Fashion Accessories for must-have advice.
Dress Your Personality
Are you the ultimate girlie girl or more of a sporty sister?
What movie stars, past or present, do you idolize? Whatever
style you admire or gravitate toward, clothes can reflect that
part of your personality or persona you want to play up.
Fashionistas usually fall into one of these personality
categories: sporty, romantic, sexy, classic and funky (keep in
mind that your style will also depend on where you’re going – to
work, the grocery store, a party).
* Sporty: Casual, breathable materials, layers
* Romantic: Florals, lace, silk, dainty jewelry
* Sexy: Figure-hugging, bold colors, sensual fabrics like
velvet or satin
* Classic: Rich fabrics, minimal jewelry
* Funky: Colorful, mix and match, trendy
While your friends and family may associate you with one of
these fashion styles, you shouldn’t be afraid to mix it up by
blending each of these styles and coming up with your own
signature style.
Mix It Up
Mixing classics with the unexpected is a fabulous way of
finding your fashion style, especially if you’re drawn to both
vintage and modern clothing. In fact, it’s trendy to mix and
match styles. For example, pair a military style jacket with a
bohemian skirt to incorporate both masculine and feminine
elements. A true fashion chameleon will keep people guessing by
mixing and matching clothes that reflect different elements of
her personality. Once you develop a signature style, be sure to
keep it fresh by pairing new finds with those pieces you may
have been hesitant to experiment with before.
Clothing and Accessories
Shoes, handbags, jewelry – these are a few of our favorite
things. Accessories can take an outfit from nice to knockout in
no time, so use all accessories to your advantage. But just how
do you accent your outfit with accessories to make it stand out?
You have to start thinking in terms of color, embellishments,
textures, and size. You don’t always have to color coordinate
perfectly. For example, your shoes and purse don’t have to
match. Feel free to experiment within the same color palette or
opt for combinations like gold shoes and a green purse. A soft
floral dress will look great with chunky gold jewelry. Be
creative with your clothing and accessories, and if you make an
occasional fashion mistake, you’ll live!
So you’re looking to leave your current style rut and spice
up your fashion profile, but just exactly how do you go about
creating that signature style? Try these fashion tips on for
size:
* Take a trip to your closet (pull up a chair if you’re lucky
enough to have a walk-in) and really examine the clothes, shoes
and other accessories you own. What is the theme? Do you own a
lot of beige? Are you partial to t-shirts and tennis shoes? What
would you like to change or incorporate more of (supposing price
isn’t an issue)? What new combination of clothing and
accessories can you make that you would have never thought of
before? Do you partake in new fashion trends?
* What do you want to achieve with a new fashion style? Do
you want to become more trendy, dress more age-appropriate, or
dress in more memorable outfits? Figure out your fashion style
goal and go from there.
* Don’t change everything all at once. After all, you want
people to still remember who you are before totally
transforming. Start slowly by incorporating items like new
shirts, shoes or hair accessories. See how comfortable you feel
with each new item on and welcome the input of those around you.
* Flip through the pages of fashion magazines or flip on the
Style Channel to see what is current. Do you admire the style of
a celebrity or fashion designer? There’s nothing wrong with
“copying” a style, just make it signature with your own twist.
Always keep your eyes open for the new fashion trends, but don’t
think you have to throw something out immediately if Vogue deems
it “so last year.”
Finding your fashion style and making it signature doesn’t
have to be a mirage in the fashion world, nor should you ever
look artificial or like you’re trying too hard. Once you attain
a style you feel reflects you and what you want to portray to
those around you, the key to looking your very best is to own
it. That is what makes you and your fashion style truly
memorable, just as it did for women like Audrey Hepburn and
Madonna. So whether your signature style is a funky brooch that
decorates your shirts and sweaters daily or a full-blown
vintage-inspired look, wear it with confidence!