Why I Stopped Chasing a Signature Style (and What I Do Instead)
Last week, I realized that although I’d regularly accessorized my daily outfits with a necklace or a cotton bandana, a watch, and my colorful bracelets, I hadn’t thought to put on earrings. For several days running. That might not seem like a huge shift, but for me, it was.
Earrings used to be the one item of jewelry I always wore, and often said I felt “naked” without. From the time I was sixteen and convinced my mother to let me get my ears pierced, earrings were my thing. I skipped over the pearl studs my friends wore, and opted for hippie dangles, then 80’s statement earrings, then hoops and drops. Over the last few years, I’ve gone smaller and lighter as my earlobes started to droop from years of heavy pieces, until I’ve mostly been wearing more diminutive stud designs. (Yes, I tried clip-ons but never found them comfortable.)
After that realization, I tried adding a favorite pair, but they just felt “off” somehow. So I’m listening to my style intuition, and giving earrings a pass for now.
When Your Style Intuition Speaks Up
This got me thinking about the ways that my style has shifted over the years. I’ve always deeply admired those people who seem to have developed a distinctive signature style and stuck to it consistently over the years. Even if it’s a style that I know wouldn’t work for me, it conveys such a sense of “knowing who you are and dressing accordingly.”
But for many of us, “who we are” can shift quite a lot over our lives. Not just the externals, but how we see ourselves and what we want to convey. And it makes sense that our personal style would shift as well. (And if it doesn’t, we may feel out of sorts with our wardrobes, or wind up with a full closet but “nothing to wear.”)
Why I Wore So Much Black
Those who have been reading this blog for many years may remember that I used to wear a lot of black. At the time, I was working in a corporate environment with few women in leadership roles. As a petite woman, I felt I was always struggling to be taken seriously, first as a department head and then as an executive. Black felt serious and solid, and bolstered my sense of projecting authority and competence.
I’d also become fascinated with what was being marketed as French style (hence the original name of this blog) and the cool sophistication of black. And black was easy: easy to find, easy to use as a base for outfits. Not to mention, I’d been told all my life that black was “slimming.” (I’ve since moved past that as a style priority.)
Finding My Way Back to Color
But after I left the corporate world 10 years ago, I started to feel adrift in my style. Black felt heavy and ponderous, but every time I tried to add color, it felt like it didn’t belong. After floundering for a few years, I made an appointment for Color and Style Analysis with Red Leopard in London. It was exactly the reset I needed, and gave me the tools to not only figure out my personal style, but continue to evolve it.
I learned why some colors and styles felt natural on me while others felt forced. Working within my Golden Spring palette and Natural Gamine style parameters gave me a framework that wasn’t about “correcting” anything, but rather being in harmony with my features and expressing my personality.
It was such a life-changing experience, that I knew I wanted to be able to offer this to women (and men) here, so in 2022 I returned to London for an intensive course in Color and Style analysis with Red Leopard.
*mine’s a one-of-a-kind sample piece
👉 If you’re feeling adrift in your own style, or your wardrobe no longer feels like you, I offer Color and Style Analysis in person (Los Angeles area). You can learn more here.
Style Signatures: A More Flexible Approach
Rather than attempting to create a singular “signature style,” I now rely on a few style signatures: elements I consistently choose that make my outfits feel like me. This is how I’ve been able to build a more cohesive wardrobe over time. When I update or add new pieces, they work with what I already own.
My Style Signatures
- my three style words: neat, cool, quirky
- a mix of structured and relaxed, and “softly structured” pieces
- playful accessories: colorful bead bracelets, scarves & bandanas
- a mix of feminine and masculine elements
- simple and functional styles with interesting details
- denim
- stripes
As long as my outfits incorporate at least a few of these, I feel like my best, authentic self in what I’m wearing.
While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with maintaining a defined signature style — and I still admire those who have it — personal style doesn’t have to be static to remain authentic. Over to you…how has your style evolved over time? And what are your “style signatures?”
Related Reading
5 Myths About Personal Color Analysis Debunked
The Navy Guide: How to Find Your Best Shade by Color Season
Personal Style Is a Process (And That’s Perfectly Fine)
The 10 Style Personality Profiles
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I also got my ears pierced at 16 in 1966. The lady down the street did it with a needle, vodka and a potato.
In my youth I would wear large hoops and other styles I love earrings.
I’m not sure I followed you when you were in goth mode, but wow, what a difference a bit of colour makes. Wonderful!
Neat, cool and quirky. Great 3 words. This post resonated with me so much. I definitely need to find my three . Look forward to meeting. In early August.
Hi Robyn, I’m looking forward to meeting you too!
I love the idea of having three style words. I’ve pondered that and have not figured out what mine are yet!! Thank you for your talent, I enjoy reading you! 🙂
In a way my style has come full circle to the more preppy styles of my youth. For years I loved a gothy, rocker edge which was a great counterpoint to working in big law and corporate America. I’m a dark winter (and always knew I was a winter since the 80s) so it worked-until it started feeling costumey. That plus some trips to NYC pushed me to a more modern, minimalist style, with black and navy as a base, but with pops of my colors. I remember a girl on the subway dressed in black with hot pink ballet flats. That’s very me. I still love that NYC style (similar to Paris but without that girly edge), but these days I want more color, some whimsy, and I want to wear the things I have loved and saved all these years. My biggest signature is still wearing my colors. I’ve also love a masculine element, prefer streamlined styles, love cardigans, one bold jewelry piece, artisan stuff, Bright shoes. Starting to crave some patterns. I think we are always changing, and how boring would it be if we didn’t!
I’m curious about your style word, “cool”. What sense of the word are you using here?
Hi Jill Ann, I’ve described it here as follows: to me it’s shorthand for a modern, relaxed vibe. Cool avoids anything too stiff, fussy, frilly, overdone, contrived. Color, yes, but not too much at once.
I feel that my style has not changed dramatically over the years but I have refined it. When I was younger my clothes were cheaper because of my budget. Now I can spend more so most things have been upgraded – better jeans, better shoes, nicer jewelry etc. I have an old photo of myself when I was about 20 – white tee shirt, jeans, and a camel trench, long dark hair. My hair is white now, but I would still wear a very similar outfit today. I love good shoes and how they can elevate a simple outfit. Then my jewelry was costume and bought at the mall, but now I have a few pieces that I love and that actually qualify as jewelry. Since my color analysis, I am further refining my wardrobe and enjoying the process.
Forgive me P.A., but I’d argue plastic can be great jewelry if it enlivens your outfit and makes you smile: Lea Stein, Alexis Bittar, wonderful Bakelite bangles, if you’re lucky enough to find some. I’m a big fan of platinum, too, but good ornament comes in many forms.
Great post Susan! I remember your ‘black’ days and you are so right that black is so easy to find and easy to put together. Back in the day black was beatnik–so very cool! I grew up in Southern California on the beach so it was jeans and tee shirts for me–and barefoot or flip-flops. I had absolutely no clue about ‘best colors’ and I felt like my short waist and small bust was difficult to fit in terms of dresses and there weren’t any ‘girls’ jeans so it was boy’s Levi’s period! Later, working as a Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care I had to wear comfortable clothes that could be easily laundered but when I moved into a specialty clinic I started to wear ‘business casual’ under my lab coat (to look more ‘professional’). After I retired I watched you go through your color and style transformation, and discovered Annie! After getting Annie’s consultation (via Zoom during the pandemic) I realized that certain colors and styles were better and why! My life in retirement has remained casual 95% of the time and my wardrobe reflects that. My ‘signature style’ seems to be minimalism — minimal (if any) jewelry, usually no scarves or belts, frequently monochromatic or neutrals (despite being a Vibrant Autumn) jeans, cotton sweaters or tees. I do love a fun shoe ;-).
I love how you transitioned from your work style to a great different kind of work and retirement style….my stupid problem is post work into retirement is I have a closet full of clothes but I tend to stay in my gym work out clothes too much. I love learning from you and your style and will keep trying…….
I am in the same boat – a closet full of clothes and I wear the same workout clothes most of the time, running errands, gardening, etc. unless I dress to go out for dinner/lunch… I am still working as a nurse (at at 74), and wear scrubs which eliminates the need for a “work attire”.
Always appreciate all these ladies who always look so put together!
Me too, Robin 😉
Susan, thank you for your posts, blogs/vlogs and style advice. Over the past 4 years, I have followed you, and though I’m not petite and have a pear shape, I find that many of your choices can work for me. As I am your age, your style has shown me that I don’t have to be frumpy or try to dress like a 20 year old! Thank you for your work and how you so faithfully giving style choices for les femmes d’un certain age! It’s very encouraging.
If someone had told me 25 years ago that at 70 you will own a dozen dresses, I would have scoffed. Not in this lifetime. But I do and wear them often as it is the most comfortable attire in the heat. Things do change.
Thank you for the great article on evolving style. I used to wear a lot of black when I was working – it was so easy! Now that I’m retired I hardly ever wear black any more, and I mostly use navy as my base color. I really struggle with style and color – I haven’t figured out really feels like “me.” I’ve followed you for a while and I like the balance you have struck with your style.
Having had a life of military uniforms and scrubs, combat boots, lab coats for many, many years, my wardrobe ‘off duty’ was off! for years. Even events had military uniforms required often. Off duty. meant jeans and sweaters or tee shirts and one or. two good dresses, a pair of heels , raincoat, coat and that was it. Now in retirement jeans, pants and tees/sweaters are there plus linen and a small amount of real jewelry. Your offerings have really helped so much! as I have been sticking to a short range of options for daily dressing. Thank you!
Susan, I’ve followed you through the “black” years and have learned so much about adding color to my wardrobe from your posts over the last few years. I have brightened up my black & white centric closet with winter reds and blues thanks to you, and appreciate all that you share! I wear silver or pearl earrings daily as I need the brightness near my face with my gray hair. I am careful though as I like to wear scarves, necklaces, and bracelets so the earrings are generally just a little punctuation mark.
This was such a wonderful post, Susan! I feel like my ‘signature style’ has stayed fairly constant over the years, but it’s also quietly evolving as I age — funny how both things can be true. I’d love to come down at some point and have you do an official color analysis on me! (Full disclosure: I still wear a few colors I know aren’t ‘my best’ — I just love them too much to give them up.) But I do think knowing your best colors is a tool everyone should have in their back pocket.
I’ve also been off earrings for several years- or small diamond studs when I feel inspired. One of my fashion choices is to always purchase quality fabric, typically natural but some cashmere silk blends. It has to feel good before and after cleaning so for me no viscose etc. I guess this isn’t a style choice per se but it’s a constant. Is there a word for this?
I think my style has been fairly consistent. I look at photos from my younger days and completely relate: no big hair, no huge shoulder pads ever. I have known my best colors for years and prefer unstructured clothing for the most part. Even my purses have soft silhouettes, no boxy shapes. I like color, and pattern and tend a bit boho but in a sophisticated way. My style and colors are very different than yours but I still enjoy your blog. I love France and always travel carry on so that’s where I most connect to your guidance.
Susan, I think you looked great in black, do you ever wear that color now that you transitioned to a more colorful wardrobe? My issue is I like several styles of dressing so my wardrobe consist of a ‘little of this and a little of that’, so to speak. I’ve been retired for 11 years now from the Insurance business so I dress mostly classy casual and a dash of modern boho when I’m in that mood. I live in the northeast so winters are long and dreary and that’ when I love wearing black.
I meant ‘that’s when I like wearing black😊
I started following you shortly before you discovered colour. I liked your style but wasn’t sure how to translate it into my autumn colouring. I have enjoyed your continual transition.
I especially appreciated today’s post. My style in essence hasn’t changed but it has. I used to wear structured suits. Now I wear pants and skirts with structured knitwear, like my two “Betty” jackets from Sezane. Even in my casual wear there is still a relaxed structure. With jeans and tees I often wear ballet flats and carry my designer cross-body bags.
My style evolved very similar to yours. Working in bank, although in the less corporate advertising department, meant I walked on high heels and wore dresses and skirts. Mind you, never too much black and as it was the advertising department, jeans were allowed too. My colour analysis back in 1995 was really good for me to avoid buying things that didn’t look good on me near my face (at the bottom it doesn’t matter what colour).
Since my retirement 6 years ago, I threw out my high heels (not immediately and it still hurts), most days I walk on sneakers or flat shoes. And I wear jeans a lot. Still, I want variation so the odd long wide skirt moves into my wardrobe and I have many trousers in other fabrics than denim. Now I am gradually saying goodbye to clothes that have been in my wardrobe for a very long time and feel a bit outdated (think tight(er) jackets, 3/4 trousers. My words for new clothes are: arty, edgy or modern. The last word is my escape for when I want something I absolutely love but isn’t arty or edgy. Clothes styles I definitely do not buy anymore are romantic or bohemian.
Susan
I always loved how you looked in black!!!
very sophisticated. and one reason I started reading your blog after moving out of my working life.
I still wear black even in Florida.
I will never give it up.
You can always jazz it up with jewelry or some color.
You do always look cute!
Susan, Great post.. Funny how we suddenly realize something we thought was our signature thing, we can do without. I too have shifted from black and neutrals…. and changed other things.
You look so good in color. I had no idea you weren’t always wearing it.
Hope you have a good week. xo Kim
Thanks, Kim!
During the 80s, I wore such big earrings that my ex used to say we could use them to charge the car’s battery. 😀
HAHAHAHA!
I wore black all through the 90s because I was a classical singer, and that’s what we DID. We wore black, with a scarf artfully draped around the throat as a pop of color and to protect the instrument. There was one day when we got a call from our union to wear black that night in support of the orchestra, which was on strike, and I looked down at my clothing and said, “Done!”