Developing a signature style is a way of expressing your personality and creativity through fashion. You probably know a few people who have done this well. They might wear things that make others say, ‘oh, I could just never pull that off the way ___ does’. Most times, it’s not body shape or beauty that allows the person to achieve the look successfully–it’s confidence. People who have signature styles do something unique with their wardrobes. In some way, they make what they’re wearing so them.


We see this with celebrities, too. Anna Wintour definitely has a signature style with her bob and oversized glasses. She’s a pinnacle in the fashion world, but never sacrifices her style for fleeting trends. Nicole Richie’s look is a bit more trendy, but she definitely has a signature style that could best be described as bohemian glam. And, of course, there’s Mary Kate Olsen who pretty much epitomized bobo-chic. Though some have criticized Mary Kate’s style, saying she ‘pays to look poor’, her personalized style has inspired many style-seekers because of its daring and creativity.

A new year is a great time to consider and work toward achieving a signature style. This doesn’t mean you should change your style overnight or that you should go out and buy a bunch of new stuff. You probably already have some sort of personal style that you may not even realize. Here are some tips for realizing and achieving a signature style.

How to Develop a Signature Style

Assess Your Current Style

Look at your current wardrobe with a critical eye. What themes do you notice? Is there a certain color that prevails? A certain style or fabric?
If you feel brave enough, talk to your friends and/or relatives. What do they perceive to be your style? What do they tell you is so you? What do they think you look best in?

Determine Style

What style do you gravitate toward the most? Determine if your desired style is classic, sporty, preppy, feminine, bohemian or sophisticated. If you have a basic style in mind that you feel most confident with and have the most fun wearing, you can begin to rethink your wardrobe. Consider how you can create new combinations with what you already own to achieve your desired style. When you shop for new pieces, purchase items that will accentuate that style.

Consider Comfort and Confidence

Once you have a style determined, you can begin to think about which specific pieces you might wear to achieve that style. Consider what you feel most comfortable and confident in. This is where you might consider body type and which styles look best on your figure. I constantly have to remind myself that my height has a lot to do with what does and does not look good on me.

Review What’s In Your Closet

Now that you’ve determined the style you lean towards, the style you desire and what you’re most confident wearing, revisit your closet. Reconsider each item. Is there a new way you can wear it to make it fit more with your style? You don’t have to wear an item a certain way. Adding a belt or pairing with a new item can completely change the look. If you still don’t think the garment will work with your style, begin a Goodwill pile and clean those unwanted items out of your closet to make room for those that do.

Ways to Create Signature Style

Signature style does not have to come from your clothes alone. In fact, a great way to experiment with different styles is by concentrating on your hair, makeup or accessories. Just remember to keep things simple and sophisticated. You don’t want to look like Mimi from the Drew Carey show…

Don’ts

No Uniforms

If you’ve found a style that works well for you, it’s easy to just buy the same thing in lots of different colors. The problem with this is that instead of creating a signature style, you’ve created a uniform. Instead of buying the exact same thing, consider what it is about the outfit that makes it so desirable. Then, find other pieces that share those characteristics. Choose new accessories to make the outfits unique.

Avoid Trends

It’s important to consider trends and what’s fashionable. But, it’s necessary to avoid trends when creating your signature style. Just think what would have happened if you’d made legwarmers your signature piece…

Don’t Mimic

Reading fashion magazines, noticing celebrity fashion and admiring your friends’ fashion are all great for developing your own personal style. You should not, however, just copy someone else’s style. What looks good on one person probably does not look good on another. Different body types, personalities and levels of confidence make styles look very different from person to person. What you can, and should, do is take bits and pieces of what you like and know will work with your style to further create your own unique style.

Research

Here are a few great books for helping you realize what works best for you.

Last Words

Remember to consider what works best for you, what matches your personality the best and makes you feel the most confident. Your signature style should not put you in the running for participation at the freak show. It should make you feel comfortable, fashionable and confident.


What do you think about these tips? Share your quest for personal style with other ssasychic readers in the comments.