In the last post, we covered different ways on determining what your personal style is. We did this by listing our favorite fashion muses, our favorite shops/brands, looking at our Pinterest boards, and taking a style quiz. We also took a look in our closets, determined what styled worked for our lifestyle and what made us feel more like ourselves. Hopefully, through those exercises you have deciphered your style code. This post will help you further define your style by delving a bit deeper and giving examples. If you missed part one of this style series, you can find it here!
Now, most of us are a mix of styles. Take your top three from the last post and read up on them below. This will help you get a better understanding of what you like and don't like and why. Sometimes we become confused with what our style is...why we are attracted to certain things and what works with our personalities, bodies and lifestyles. We are all drawn to certain aspects when it comes to dressing ourselves and this will help to pin point exactly who you are in fashion and how you can focus on that instead of spending money on things you won't wear.
Classic
Simple, clean and traditional. Looks are timeless with tailored garments, neutral colors and simple silhouettes.
Style Muses: Kate Middleton, Jackie O, Grace Kelly, Katherine Hepburn, Renee Zellweger
Shop: Ann Taylor, Gap, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Ralph Lauren, Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor
Key pieces: Striped tops, riding boots, ballet flats, pearls, a white dress shirt, shift dress, plaid button up, tailored shorts, simple jewelry, a tote
You are a conservative dresser that gravitates toward neutrals including black, grey, beige and navy. Your look is simple, clean and traditional. You have a tendency to match your clothing and accessories. Your classic look can come off a bit business-like at times with it's straight lines and nipped waist, but can equally be feminine with soft draping. Your clothing is always perfectly tailored, neat and timeless with silhouettes and colors that rarely change. A classic lady is not into loud prints, faddish trends or making a fashion statement.
Sub-categories include: Preppy, Elegant, Ladylike
Minimal
Monochromatic, bold and powerful. Looks are sharp, tailored lines and seem to be effortless.
Style Muses: Victoria Beckham
Shop: Victoria Beckham, Asos, TopShop, H&M, Forever21
Key pieces: sculptural clutch or handbag, tailored blazer, sunglasses, monochromatic pieces
Your look is powerful and commands attention. You dress monochromatically paying attention to sharp lines that almost seem effortless. Your style is architectural, simple and polished. You play with proportions and varying textures to add interest to your outfit. Clothing does not consist of a lot of details, but is rather clean and crisp with an occasional drape and bold accessory. Your looks can be gender neutral at times. A minimalist does not partake in loud patterns or excessive layering. Less is more in this case.
Sub-categories include: Edgy, Urban
Romantic
Pretty, polished and ethereal. Looks are always feminine with beautiful details and gorgeous textures.
Style Muses: Taylor Swift, Rachel McAdams, Scarlett Johanssen, Emma Watson
Shop: Anthropologie, ModCloth, Victoria's Secret, Paper Crown, LC Lauren Conrad, thrift shops
Key Pieces: A-line skirts and dresses, ruffles, floral print, lace, crotchet, cameos and antique jewelry, brooches, scarves, flower crowns
You are a hopeless romantic and value femininity. You love outfits with any kind of feminine yet whimsical detailing such as pin-tucking, ruffles, pleats, lace, embellishments and crotchet. You gravitate toward feminine fabrics such as chiffon and silk in soft, pretty colors. You are partial to dresses and skirts, especially if they have floral prints and polka dots. Jewelry is often delicate and you love vintage jewels and heirlooms. Your look is sometimes inspired by a previous era, mainly the 20s-50s, but is always feminine and beautiful.
Sub-categories include: Ladylike, Vintage, Whimsical
Eclectic
Playful, fun and creative. Looks are full of a fun mix of colors and patterns, often worn together.
Style Muses: Rachel Zoe, Katy Perry, Zooey Deschanel, Alexa Chung
Shop: Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, NastyGal, Betsey Johnson, ModCloth, thrift shops
Key Pieces: printed shoes, a bag in a bold hue, quirky detailing, vintage inspired accessories, colorful footwear, oxford shoes, loud jewelry, hats, graphics tees, unusual patterns or bold colored garments
Eclectic dressers are known for their unconventional, bold, innovative and off the wall style. Outfits are often dramatic and feature a little bit of everything. You like to combine different styles and eras to make a completely unique outfit. You gravitate toward unusual prints and bold colors to combine them for a high impact look that shows off your individuality, creativeness and confidence. You are experimental with unexpected prints, colors, textures and shapes. Your style is kitschy, quirky and sometimes mod, channeling the 50s-60s. You don't care about what others think, as fashion is about how you feel and what you like, not about functionality or impressing others.
Sub-categories include: Whimsical, Mod
Casual
Laid back, comfortable and practical. Looks are clean and put together, but never fussy.
Style Muses: Audrey Hepburn, Jennifer Anniston, Cameron Diaz, Gisele Bundchen
Shop: J.Crew, Old Navy, American Eagle Outfitters, PacSun, Lucky Brand
Key pieces: loose, relaxed tees and tanks, boyfriend jeans, sweatshirts, tunics, oversized tops, sneakers, flip flops, denim
You dress for comfort and functionality rather than to make a statement. Clothing is softly tailored for a loose, yet structured look that is still put together. Outfits are easy and effortless with infinite layering options and minimal detailing. Sometimes outfits can look androdynous or tomboyish. You may be drawn to a more classic look, but prefer to wear it in a more casual, relaxed way. Hair is often effortlessly touseled with simple, natural make up.
Sub-categories include: All-American, Sporty, Gamine, Urban
Bohemian
Relaxed, natural and easy going. Looks are full of ethnic prints, flowy fabrics and a mix of delicate accessories.
Style Muses: Nicole Ritchie, Vanessa Hudgens, Sienna Miller, Kate Moss, Kate Hudsen
Where to shop: Free People, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, thrift shops
Key pieces: tunics, maxi dresses, fringe handbags, rugged knee/ankle boots in suede or distressed leather, exotic jewelry, gladiator sandals, peasant tops, bangles, fringe scarves, headbands, wideleg pants
You prefer to wear clothing that is comfortable, yet self expressive. Clothing is often loose fitting and exotic looking with layers of jewelry adorning the majority of your skin. You prefer neutrals such as brown, creams or deep, rich hues that often emulate themselves in floral, paisley or other worldly prints. Your outfits are relaxed, lived in, flowy and often made of natural fabrics. You like to accessorize with headbands, floppy hats, bangles, and long beaded necklaces or pendants. You are individualistic, creative and unconventional.
Sub-categories include: Romantic Boho/Woodland
Bombshell
Confident, alluring and glamorous. Looks are always feminine with wild or trendy elements.
Style Muses: Jessica Simpson, Marilyn Monroe, Dita Von Teese, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez
Shop: Bebe, Mango, Topshop, BCBG
Key pieces: pencil skirt, statement necklaces, leopard prints, tie neck blouse, waist cinching belt, platform heels, faux fur
You are dramatic and bold, often commanding the center of attention. As a confident lady, you love to stand out and make a fashion statement. Clothing often hugs the body and reveals skins, but is never distasteful. Your look is luxurious, glamorous and ultra feminine, but can also be quite edgy. You love structured pieces that are polished yet flirty to show off an hour glass figure. You love to add bold sparkly jewelry, red accessories and leopard print. Your hair, make-up and nails are perfectly put together everyday. Looks can often emulate vintage pin-up style.
Sub-categories include: Trendy, Glamorous
Avant Garde
Innovative, bold and forward thinking. Looks are often monochromatic and include interesting or unusual details that make a statement.
Simple, clean and traditional. Looks are timeless with tailored garments, neutral colors and simple silhouettes.
Style Muses: Kate Middleton, Jackie O, Grace Kelly, Katherine Hepburn, Renee Zellweger
Shop: Ann Taylor, Gap, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Ralph Lauren, Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor
Key pieces: Striped tops, riding boots, ballet flats, pearls, a white dress shirt, shift dress, plaid button up, tailored shorts, simple jewelry, a tote
You are a conservative dresser that gravitates toward neutrals including black, grey, beige and navy. Your look is simple, clean and traditional. You have a tendency to match your clothing and accessories. Your classic look can come off a bit business-like at times with it's straight lines and nipped waist, but can equally be feminine with soft draping. Your clothing is always perfectly tailored, neat and timeless with silhouettes and colors that rarely change. A classic lady is not into loud prints, faddish trends or making a fashion statement.
Sub-categories include: Preppy, Elegant, Ladylike
Minimal
Monochromatic, bold and powerful. Looks are sharp, tailored lines and seem to be effortless.
Style Muses: Victoria Beckham
Shop: Victoria Beckham, Asos, TopShop, H&M, Forever21
Key pieces: sculptural clutch or handbag, tailored blazer, sunglasses, monochromatic pieces
Your look is powerful and commands attention. You dress monochromatically paying attention to sharp lines that almost seem effortless. Your style is architectural, simple and polished. You play with proportions and varying textures to add interest to your outfit. Clothing does not consist of a lot of details, but is rather clean and crisp with an occasional drape and bold accessory. Your looks can be gender neutral at times. A minimalist does not partake in loud patterns or excessive layering. Less is more in this case.
Sub-categories include: Edgy, Urban
Romantic
Pretty, polished and ethereal. Looks are always feminine with beautiful details and gorgeous textures.
Style Muses: Taylor Swift, Rachel McAdams, Scarlett Johanssen, Emma Watson
Shop: Anthropologie, ModCloth, Victoria's Secret, Paper Crown, LC Lauren Conrad, thrift shops
Key Pieces: A-line skirts and dresses, ruffles, floral print, lace, crotchet, cameos and antique jewelry, brooches, scarves, flower crowns
You are a hopeless romantic and value femininity. You love outfits with any kind of feminine yet whimsical detailing such as pin-tucking, ruffles, pleats, lace, embellishments and crotchet. You gravitate toward feminine fabrics such as chiffon and silk in soft, pretty colors. You are partial to dresses and skirts, especially if they have floral prints and polka dots. Jewelry is often delicate and you love vintage jewels and heirlooms. Your look is sometimes inspired by a previous era, mainly the 20s-50s, but is always feminine and beautiful.
Sub-categories include: Ladylike, Vintage, Whimsical
Eclectic
Playful, fun and creative. Looks are full of a fun mix of colors and patterns, often worn together.
Style Muses: Rachel Zoe, Katy Perry, Zooey Deschanel, Alexa Chung
Shop: Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, NastyGal, Betsey Johnson, ModCloth, thrift shops
Key Pieces: printed shoes, a bag in a bold hue, quirky detailing, vintage inspired accessories, colorful footwear, oxford shoes, loud jewelry, hats, graphics tees, unusual patterns or bold colored garments
Eclectic dressers are known for their unconventional, bold, innovative and off the wall style. Outfits are often dramatic and feature a little bit of everything. You like to combine different styles and eras to make a completely unique outfit. You gravitate toward unusual prints and bold colors to combine them for a high impact look that shows off your individuality, creativeness and confidence. You are experimental with unexpected prints, colors, textures and shapes. Your style is kitschy, quirky and sometimes mod, channeling the 50s-60s. You don't care about what others think, as fashion is about how you feel and what you like, not about functionality or impressing others.
Sub-categories include: Whimsical, Mod
Casual
Laid back, comfortable and practical. Looks are clean and put together, but never fussy.
Style Muses: Audrey Hepburn, Jennifer Anniston, Cameron Diaz, Gisele Bundchen
Shop: J.Crew, Old Navy, American Eagle Outfitters, PacSun, Lucky Brand
Key pieces: loose, relaxed tees and tanks, boyfriend jeans, sweatshirts, tunics, oversized tops, sneakers, flip flops, denim
You dress for comfort and functionality rather than to make a statement. Clothing is softly tailored for a loose, yet structured look that is still put together. Outfits are easy and effortless with infinite layering options and minimal detailing. Sometimes outfits can look androdynous or tomboyish. You may be drawn to a more classic look, but prefer to wear it in a more casual, relaxed way. Hair is often effortlessly touseled with simple, natural make up.
Sub-categories include: All-American, Sporty, Gamine, Urban
Bohemian
Relaxed, natural and easy going. Looks are full of ethnic prints, flowy fabrics and a mix of delicate accessories.
Style Muses: Nicole Ritchie, Vanessa Hudgens, Sienna Miller, Kate Moss, Kate Hudsen
Where to shop: Free People, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, thrift shops
Key pieces: tunics, maxi dresses, fringe handbags, rugged knee/ankle boots in suede or distressed leather, exotic jewelry, gladiator sandals, peasant tops, bangles, fringe scarves, headbands, wideleg pants
You prefer to wear clothing that is comfortable, yet self expressive. Clothing is often loose fitting and exotic looking with layers of jewelry adorning the majority of your skin. You prefer neutrals such as brown, creams or deep, rich hues that often emulate themselves in floral, paisley or other worldly prints. Your outfits are relaxed, lived in, flowy and often made of natural fabrics. You like to accessorize with headbands, floppy hats, bangles, and long beaded necklaces or pendants. You are individualistic, creative and unconventional.
Sub-categories include: Romantic Boho/Woodland
Bombshell
Confident, alluring and glamorous. Looks are always feminine with wild or trendy elements.
Style Muses: Jessica Simpson, Marilyn Monroe, Dita Von Teese, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez
Shop: Bebe, Mango, Topshop, BCBG
Key pieces: pencil skirt, statement necklaces, leopard prints, tie neck blouse, waist cinching belt, platform heels, faux fur
You are dramatic and bold, often commanding the center of attention. As a confident lady, you love to stand out and make a fashion statement. Clothing often hugs the body and reveals skins, but is never distasteful. Your look is luxurious, glamorous and ultra feminine, but can also be quite edgy. You love structured pieces that are polished yet flirty to show off an hour glass figure. You love to add bold sparkly jewelry, red accessories and leopard print. Your hair, make-up and nails are perfectly put together everyday. Looks can often emulate vintage pin-up style.
Sub-categories include: Trendy, Glamorous
Avant Garde
Innovative, bold and forward thinking. Looks are often monochromatic and include interesting or unusual details that make a statement.
Style Muses: Bjork, Cate Blanchett
Shop: Alexander McQueen, lesser known labels, re-work clothing from thrift shops
Avant garde dressers are ultramodern and high fashion. Interesting details, textures and shapes are used often to create interest in a monochromatic (often black) outfit. Looks are dramatic, sculptural, industrial and always deem to make a fashion statement. You like to experiment with sculptural jewelry, interesting accessories, unusual details, and structured asymmetry for a look that is inventive, original, and looked at as "different." Clothing is forward thinking and often verges on costume, but you don't care what others think as you are fearless and have no desire to blend in. You are the "fashion nerd" of the pack, always pushing your creativity and looking at your clothing as wearable pieces of art.
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With that being said, it is not unusual to be a mix of things. You can like elements of different styles, yet not be 100% of a certain style. Being a mix of styles make each of more unique and interesting.
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Example:
As promised, I am going to reveal my results from the quiz (although, I'm sure you already have a good idea).
I am a mix of Romantic and Eclectic with a touch of Bohemian. By diagnosing my closet, pinterest, favorite stores and muses, it certainly lines up.
The aspects I like from the Romatic style are: all the girly details such as ruffles, lace, crotchet, chiffon, etc. I almost always wear dresses and skirts and have a sweet spot for the 20s-50s. I love softs pastels, cream colors and would wear floral crown everyday if work allowed it. Floral prints and polka dots dominate my closet, but so do whimsical prints which brings me to Eclectic dressing.
I equally love bright, fun colors and interesting details. I love mixing prints, colors, and textures. I love creating different looks that are unique to who I am.
Although, my style is more put together and ladylike, I do enjoy the relaxed beauty of Bohemian and the details that come with it: flowy maxi dresses, floppy hats, stacked rings, bangles and ankle boots. All of these things mixed together create a style all my own.
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Looking back at part one, I can see that a lot of the muses picked lined up with my style quiz results. The reasons why I liked my muses and shops lined up as well what draws me to certain pinterest pictures.
This should ring true for you. Of course, you will have outliers....for instance, I am not a classic dresser to the T, but I do enjoy looking put together in lady-like outfits, however I did not score classic in my quiz. These outliers make us even more unique than we already are.
Now that I know my true style, what I like and what I am drawn to...and what I know that I will actually wear, I can begin to dissect my closet and purge the things that I thought I would like, but never actually wear...or those outfits that looks so cute on other people, but just really aren't my style. That way, I can fill my closet with things that I love, that go together and that I feel good while wearing.
I hope this has truly helped you define your personal style and discover a bit more about yourself.
Be on the lookout for more posts in this series!
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