6 Simple Ways To Identify|Define Your Style

6 Simple Ways To Identify|Define Your Style

If you look back to the 60’s, 70, and 80’s you’ll see a more linear, dress code approach to fashion. In the sense where bell bottoms, acid wash jeans, platforms and hippie hair do’s were just some of the themes at the forefront. Nowadays, it really does feel like anything goes, and while that may be true at times, there are still fundamentals to respect. Hygiene, proper social etiquette and style, style, style!

The way I see it, fashion isn’t always intrinsic nor does it have to be constricting. Principles abound, there are exceptions and those exceptions are your personal style. Style and fashion should be fun, and figuring out what works for you should be even more enjoyable. Accepting trends is one thing, but how you interpret those trends is up to you. It boils down to what makes you feel good, what inspires you and what you want to communicate. The last part is the hardest. What does that even mean? Well, that’s why I’m here so listen up!

Essentially, the ideal way to define your style is to identify it. Consider for a moment, your wardrobe a repertoire for self-expression. Actually take a moment (if you’re not at your 9-5) and look at your closet.

 

What are your favourite colours?

What’s your personality like?

Are you an introvert who wants to keep in the background, or do you want the most positive kind of attention?

 

The ironic part is that a good way to gauge what kind of attention you gather is the way people talk to you, look at you and respond to you whether verbally or non-verbally. Your clothing ensemble or collection should translate who you are, how you feel or where you’re going, present or future. Non- verbal communication at it’s finest.

Some may say that staying true to trends and fundamentals while modifying certain looks is not only how you reveal your authentic self but a way to get noticed. More importantly to be taken seriously in a way where people listen when you talk. I know I do.

We know trends are cyclical, thus short-lived. Identifying your style is about taking those trends and making them your own. It’s about knowing what’s IN and what’s passé.

While some may have the view that clothes are just something to dress yourself with, others also know the power of a properly chosen outfit.

Never underestimate colours, cuts and fabrics and what they can do for you. As they say, clothes make the man. (Alright, to an extent).

The worst thing you could do is follow trends to the T. You never want to look like your trying too hard. Not being your authentic self is usually transparent to many. I am a big believer in being unique and separating yourself from the crowd. However, I also believe in sticking to a certain set of principles when you leave the house (i.e. proper hygiene). It speaks (or smells) volumes and shows a profound respect for yourself. Better yet, someone who commands it.

 

Style Is Personal

Distinct, individualized and unique. Your style is a reflection of the dialogue you have with yourself and others. The problem is, I see too many men use their lax personal style as an excuse to declare their uniqueness. That doesn’t have to be the case and I’m here to prevent that.  Try these steps. There sure to get on the right track.

 

Know Who You Are

When you have a firm grasp on your personality type and what you want to convey, then identifying your style becomes a lot easier. If you’re not entirely sure, ask your closest friends, family or colleagues.

Who would you say describes your favourite style?

Who do you look at and say I wish I could pull that off.

Well good news, you can! Remember that shirt, those pants or that awesome belt. Ask people where they shop and go out there, try it on and really see if it suits you. If you love it.

Style is an attitude. It’s an interpretation and appropriation of fashion trends. So when you catch something, whether on the runway, on Queen or wherever really, just remember that style can be changed, modified and tailored to your liking, to who you are.

While clothes don’t necessarily give me my attitude, they do help to define it. I can get up in the morning feeling a certain way, then walk into my closet , where something from my wardrobe will jump out at me and, once I put it on, will change my outlook for the entire day.

–  Samuel L. Jackson

 

It starts with your closet

Love is a battlefield. Your closet shouldn’t be. It should be the epicentre of all things fabulous.

How you navigate your relationships is personal. How you select your clothing and accent pieces is highly personal. It’s a unique process, it’s indicative of your taste and quality of life.

One of the best ways to go about selecting and choosing what works for you is to hold on to the concept of quality vs. quantity. You’ve probably heard this several times before, and for good reason. It’s the uncompromising belief that many fashion mavens adhere to. Being selective and not buying impulsively will allow ample time to decide what works and what doesn’t.

A closet should be clean and organized. This will help tremendously when picking outfits. It takes the guesswork out and maintains the integrity of your clothes. Keep that in mind for a second. If your buying quality, the fabric used and how it’s created was done so with care. Keep that cycle going and watch how that care slowly trickles into other aspects of your life.

Another wise way to make things easier in defining and identifying your style has a lot to do with colours. A colour coordinated closet allows you to properly visualize how you feel that day and what pieces to match.

 

Don’t be afraid of labels

Labels don’t define style or whether or not you come across as trendy. With that said, most people shy away from labels because of the price tag and fear of being ridiculed by society because they come across as “materialistic” or “pretentious”. I say the hell with what people think. Ok labels denote status but they also convey and are quality. Gentlemen, you should never minimize your grandeur by sticking with the status quo. Don’t be afraid to own at least one thing by a designer you love. Just please make sure it isn’t gaudy.

 

Know your body, know your colours

Understanding your body will go a long way when selecting and purchasing clothes. Whether a long torso, or your incessant weight fluctuation, or however you might be proportioned is a huge factor in determining your style. Be cognizant of the area of the body your shopping for. Some garments could either accentuate certain assets or just make you look bigger than you are.

Going back to favourite colours, while one colour may be a one you love it might not be working for you. For example, yellow might be a colour you love, but it’s actually making you look even paler than you are. Courting the right colours can compliment or enhance your skin tone , eyes, or other special features that belong to you. Colour coordination is a key element to any sharp outfit.

 

Choose signature pieces

Signature pieces can be worn at any time with anything. Choose a few garments that are universal, that you know you can mix and match with something casual and even formal. When I speak about pieces, for example, I refer to

  • a comfortable pair of jeans
  • classic and versatile watch
  • a superb set of Oxfords, or the Chelsea boot

 

Pieces like this will not only save you time and money but will make your days feel a little more effortless.

 

Be selective 

There’s no denying that being selective takes a little more thought. At least in the beginning of rearranging your wardrobe. When you start to follow these simple steps you’ll see that choosing your clothes becomes a seamless endeavour.

Think of that selection process as an investment when you shop and assemble your outfit for the day or any occasion. Doing so will create a far greater impact in the long run than you think.

 

What do you own that you feel defines your style?

 

 

Photo Credit: (Source: Max Poglia)