When you think about your style – particularly those things that define your signature look – what three words come to mind? Quick … take a moment to jot them down.
Maybe you described your fashion sense as bold, authentic and confident. Or, perhaps you think of yourself as elegant, casual and effortless.
No matter which words you chose, give yourself a huge pat on the back! You’ve just established your style identity. Simply put, it’s a self-described list of qualities that you believe makes you unique or distinct. And, it’s the first step in helping you determine what will ultimately become your signature style.
Now, take another look at your list of words, then think about your favorite “go-to” outfit. Are the clothes a reflection of the words you selected? Odds are they aren’t.
That’s because our style identity is based largely on how we see ourselves, not necessarily on how others see us.
Signature style is designed to give others insight into who you are. And, when you think about the fact that first impressions are lasting, the million dollar question becomes: What do you want people to know about you?
That’s why the words you choose are important. They’re what helps you understand that thing that makes you different. What makes you stand out. What makes you uniquely you. Essentially, it’s your brand.
As you start to work through the process, here are some questions to consider:
1) What’s your motivation for creating a signature look?
2) What would you like it to do for you?
3) What about your style/look makes you feel confident?
4) What about your style/look makes you feel insecure?
5) Think of your favorite style maven. What is it about that person’s style that inspires you?
6) When people look at you, how do you want them to think of you?
These are just a few of the questions that will help you get focused and find your style identity. I’d love to hear about your process. Leave a comment below and tell me about the words you chose and if the questions I asked made you think differently about your personal style.
My style is comfortable. I always try to look my best, but at this point, I just want to be comfy.
I hear you! Comfort is key!
I love these questions! They definitely do help you define your style. I’d say confident, friendly, and approachable, but not overly powerful. I also like adding bright touches of color to my outfits!
Penn&Quill || Robin
I love the words you chose, Robin! Add some bright colors and that means you’re a very fun girl to hang around! 🙂
I am all about comfort but my style mavens are not! I love your tips!
Aww, thanks. Here’s to hoping you find your style muse soon.
This is some great information for finding your signature style. Doing so is one of my goals this year and I think having a blog is so beneficial in helping me discover that. It really allows me to see what works and what doesn’t and what I truly love. Thanks for sharing!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
Yes, keep exploring. When you find something that makes you feel “fierce” you know you’ve landed on the right look for you.
I love that look! Your style is amazing! I realized after a while that a lot of my style was based on pushing the envelope for both me and people around me. Like, “What’s making a statement? How much edginess and I’m comfortable with?” and it became less of a chore to learn it and more of an exciting challenge!
Yes, I love that you push the envelope. Challenging yourself is good!
Great tips, lady!
Thanks!
What a great blog post! This is a struggle for me, but I’m finally getting to a place where I’m narrowing it down. I think my look can be described as a bit edgy, a bit hipster, and a bit french.
Karin
http://www.truncationblog.com
Ohh, I love your words! They’re very visual, which is great!
I never put much thought on my outfits, let alone on a style. But, I go comfort. So it’s mostly tee and jeans. And BLACK! 😀
And that’s okay. Lots of people prefer comfort above all else.
My Style is definitely comfort above all else! I don’t like to be fussy. There is always a way to look stylish without it looking forced or uncomfortable. I also love solid colors.
So, your style would be effortless. That’s a good descriptive word.
What fun boots! I never thought of a style for me.
Thanks. Hopefully, this post got you to give it some thought.
Great post to get you thinking about your personal style! And I adore that skirt.
–Melissa
http://www.melissamchee.com
Thanks so much!
I used to have style. Then I gained a bunch of weight and now I am happy if I can find something that fits and is comfy…working on the weight gain…and I will find my style again.
Those boots though!!!
Size doesn’t matter, Brianna. But, if you’re doing something to feel better in your clothes, that’s great and I wish you much luck!
Because of my back injuries, I had to ditch the heels and now wear tennis shoes. Comfy clothes are a must. I wish I could find some stylish comfy clothes because mine are anything but stylish.
I love a good pair of tennis shoes. In fact, Converse are my “go-to.”
My style’s urban thrift :)… When they sell that in the boutiques they call it BoHo Chic. Fun post.
Urban thrift … I LOVE it! 🙂
I don’t think I have a signature style unless it comes to purses. I definitely have a signature style there
That’s not a bad place to be. Handbags were a signature for Coco Chanel, too.
What a great post! My style is what you would call colourful, I love to colourblock i.e. pink with baby blue and chesnut and aubergine ect!
Ohhh, yes, Ana! Those color combos are perfect!
I like casual and colorful. I love your hair.
Aww, thank you! My hair is what most people notice first about me. 🙂
My style is smart and sexy. I somehow love black, blue and I rarely do bold colors. love you entire outfit!
Thanks, Michelle! I’ll be talking about color in an upcoming post, so stay tuned!
I have no signature, except the smile on my face. Then I just wear what works for me and the mood or attitude that I am in or want to express. 🙂
Love it! 🙂
I developed my so-called signature style around my favorite color, which is black. I wear black everything almost all the time, and use lipstick for a pop of color or something to that effect. Lol. Thanks for the tips!
I love the color black as well. The pop of color on the lips is a great idea!
My style is more whatever fits and doesn’t make me look fat. Ha!
Ha! I hear ya Beth!
Its funny how when I stop to think about these questions, it makes me think I need to be asking them every day. Usually I just wear what I’m feeling that day, but I definitely have a few different sides to my wardrobe. Cute outfit and you are rocking those heels!!
Personal style is a very emotional thing, Jen. So, it makes sense that the clothes you select are based on how you’re feeling.
what a great tips. My mom would love this outfits for sure
Awesome! Feel free to share this post with her.
I’m the one who’s current signature style is a tank top and sweats… Yeah. One of my new year resolutions was to figure out my own personal style and dress for success.. these tips are super helpful for me!
Jenn, if the lifestyle you lead means you’re most often in a tank top and sweats, that’s awesome and I’m a little jealous! 😉
Great questions! I really need everything you said. I recently reached a milestone age that’s put me in an entire different age group. I’m finding my style needs to adjust a bit. Thanks!
So true, Cathi! It’s great that you recognize that a change needs to occur. I bet your sense of style is fabulous!
These are good questions. Mine is comfortable. I love your boots.
Thanks. I think the comfort factor is in the Top 5 for most women.
Just the post I needed. I’m currently reevaluating my style as I do a capsule wardrobe. Cute boots!
Yes, having an editing eye is important. Good luck!
I’m pretty much all about comfort. If I’m comfortable in my clothes, I feel so much better and more confident in general.
I’m the same way, Liz.
I have no idea what my style is. I just find things I like and wear them.
That’s a good start, Krystle! 🙂
I don’t really get out much except for the weekly grocery run so I never really got a chance to develop my style. In the past I’ve been more of a colorful and bold kinda gal. But now my style is transitioning to more comfy and minimal with a dash of color every now and them. My style also depends largely on my weight so sometimes I feel very insecure in some outfits and other times I completely own it!
Personal style is a very emotional, transient thing, so you’re not unlike other women who are experiencing the same thing.
Hmmm..
I don’t have a signature style..
at times I love wearing skirts and cropped tops..
sometimes dresses..
and most of the time candy colored jeans and sweatshirts..
I guess I wear what makes me comfortable and depends on the weather 🙂
If style and personality coincide..
that may explain..
I wear what I feel at the moment 🙂
Your style sounds really fun, Jen.
I really need to put some thought into these questions. I’m more of a jeans and t-shirt kind of person – so no signature style.
Believe it or not April, that is signature style! If it’s comfortable and makes you feel like “you,” it’s perfect.
What a great post. i really love your style especially the boots
Thanks, Nicole!
What a great style. I bet my sister would love this outfit for sure
Definitely share the post with your sister, Lexie!
I love the questions, they are thoughtful.
Thank you for this insightful article.
I’m glad you found the post helpful Colette.
These are great questions to ask yourself. I love this outfit on you. The boots are my favorite.
The boots are my favorite, too Ann! 🙂
My style is comfy and casual. I love your outfit and those boots just put it together!
Aww, Tonya! Thanks.