Personal Style Is a Process (And That’s Perfectly Fine)

Life is complicated enough…your personal style doesn’t have to be.

Find out who you are and do it on purpose.

–Dolly Parton

Your Style Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Personal style is about knowing who we are, and dressing accordingly. But “who we are” doesn’t remain static. Our lifestyles change, our priorities change, and yes, our bodies change. Styles that worked seamlessly a decade ago may now feel a little “off”, or even discordant with our sense of self. And making tweaks and updates to our style is a way to honor our evolution.

Signature Style: What It Really Means

Remember when we used to talk about “signature style?” In a trend-driven media environment, it’s been interesting to see all of the focus lately on Caroline Bessette Kennedy and her very distinctive, minimalist style. But I always wonder, a) had she not been so strikingly beautiful, would her pared back look have made as much of an impression, and b) had she not tragically died so young, how might her style have evolved over time?

Developing a signature style can help us streamline our wardrobes and the process of getting dressed — for any occasion. But “signature style” doesn’t have to mean a head-to-toe look, repeated ad nauseum. It can be a silhouette, a color (or color combination), use of accessories, or an overall vibe.

My Own Style Signatures

Above, some of my style signatures: jeans, stripes, leopard print, fun eyewear, colorful bracelets. (Use code SUSAN15 for 15% off the jeans and other items from Ruti!)

Finding What Works: A Process, Not a Formula

Some people seem to be born with a clear idea of their style; for the rest of us it’s an ongoing process of both filtering out what doesn’t work, and leaning into what does. That can take some time, and some trial and error. We all process information differently — some people are visual learners, while others do better with explanations and guidelines. (And for some, it’s a combination of both.)

I’m more in that second camp. I may see an outfit or image that inspires me, but find some quantifiable guidelines helpful in trying to translate the inspiration to my outfits. And guidelines like Seasonal Color Analysis and Style Personality Profiles have helped me to assess why something does or doesn’t work.

Not Sure Where to Start? Ask Yourself These Questions

A clear sense of personal style and a cohesive wardrobe go hand in hand — and the good news is, they reinforce each other. When you know your style, building a wardrobe becomes more intentional; and when your wardrobe is cohesive, getting dressed becomes easier and you’ll feel more confident. If you’re still finding your style signature(s), or feel like your style is in a state of flux, here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What is my lifestyle (casual, professional, urban, frequent travel, active, social, quiet, etc.)? What is suitable for this lifestyle?
• What looks or styles always make me feel like myself? (Your Three Style Words can help quantify.)
• Are there pieces in my closet that I love but never wear? What do those pieces have in common, if anything?
• Look at someone whose style you admire…what is it about their style that attracts you, and how might you incorporate those elements in your own way?
• Does this feel like “me,” or am I trying to please someone else? (mother? spouse? friend? sales associate?)
• When you look back at photos of yourself, which outfits still feel right — and which feel like a costume? What do the ones that feel right have in common?
• Are you drawn to the same colors, silhouettes, or details repeatedly — in clothing, in interiors, in things you pin or save online? (Patterns in what we’re attracted to are often clues to our instinctive style.)
• Has your lifestyle changed significantly in the past few years? Is your wardrobe keeping up — or are you still dressing for a life you no longer have?
• When you feel most like yourself in an outfit, what specifically is it — the fit, the color, the level of formality, the overall vibe?

Ready for Some Personalized Guidance?

If you’re in that ongoing process of figuring out what works — and why — that’s exactly what Seasonal Color Analysis and Style Personality work are designed to help with. Sometimes having a framework makes all the difference between getting dressed with confidence and staring at a closet full of “nothing to wear.” If you’d like some personalized guidance, I offer in-person Color Analysis, Style Analysis, and other style services. Check out my Style Services page for more information.

(And don’t forget, the Red Leopard Spring Color Event is returning to Los Angeles in May! You can book your Personal Color Analysis HERE, and sign up for our new seminar, Pack Less, Wear More: A Guide to Smart, Stylish Travel. )

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