How To Find Your Sense of Style
HOW TO FIND YOUR SENSE OF STYLE
JANUARY 31, 2021
BY BRONZE AVERY
When you think about style, your first thought is probably related to fashion.
It probably centers around depictions of fashion stereotypes, cultural clothing differences, and Miranda Priestly telling someone their coat looks like cheap cotton.
While fashion can be an element of style, ultimately it has a shorter lifespan and changes with societal trends. Style is a larger idea that tells the story of your inspirations and tastes.
“Style is very personal. It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is over quickly. Style is forever.” — Ralph Lauren
Style can look like having a love for sustainability and unique pieces, therefore you favor thrifting and vintage shopping over buying new. Style can look an appreciation for earth tones that seep its way into your closet, furniture, and decor.
A defined personal style requires having a deep understanding of what you're not inspired by, what you're inspired by that can be incorporated into your life, and what you're inspired by but doesn't fit into the majority of your interests.
Here are suggestions to think of when defining your personal style
MAKE A STYLE GUIDE — Whether your medium is digital or physical, having a collection of images, textures and type can help craft a visual idea of what your style looks like. Take the time to write a sentence or two that encapsulates those feelings into words so that you have a mental idea of what your style feels like.
FOCUS ON WHY AND HOW — With a loose idea of what describes your style, you implement those ideals into your life with every action and decision. Before any action, be gently aware of your intentions and notice that "how" you do something or react to something fill in the gaps of your style.
MAINTAIN CONSISTENCY IN ANY SCENARIO — Fashion icons are easy to spot. Their sense of style is so distinguishable and stands out regardless of what's going on around them. Dolly Parton is able to carry her essence in an intimate setting, on a stage, or on the internet, regardless of what she's wearing. Style is championing every unique quality you have and presenting it like the rarity it is.
An inviting thought is remembering that style is more about the decision. It's not the items, but rather why you chose those items, their through-lines, and your overall consistency in those choices.
