Fashion

Fashion Files – Personal Style

by Bliss Windlow.

Ever see one of those women who just knows fashion?  Everyone else tries to copy her to no avail and no matter where she goes she stands out?  Those types of women are said to have a “personal style,” a real “fashion sense.”   Some would argue, give me enough money and I could be a fashion queen too, but that does not work.  I remember Oprah admitting once that she does not have any fashion sense.  She can look at a mannequin and say … “I like that,” and buy it.  But she cannot pick up a skirt and figure out what to put with it on her own.  Even with all her money and now… her experience with clothes … NO-ONE has called Oprah a “fashion icon.”  At best she is photographed wearing great designs.  That is it.

So how does one develop “personal style?”  “Personal style” is exactly what it suggests .. a style personal to you .. not duplicated by everyone else… something so uniquely, specifically you… that other people sit up and take notice.  It has nothing to do with tons of money, and everything to do with these few tips.

1. Know what looks good on you.  Be very clear about your assets and flaws and learn what lines and styles accentuate the positive and camouflage the negative.  Stick to these styles and shapes.
2. Organize your wardrobe so you can see what you have and keep things together in groupings for easy mix and matches so you get maximum use out of what you have.  Regularly purge what you have not worn in the last year UNLESS it is a classic piece such as a little black dress etc., that simply does not go out of style.  DO NOT keep 4 different sizes of clothes in your closet.  Be realistic.  Keep what fits you.
3. Follow the fashion magazines but do not worship them.  Use them for ideas, think about ways to incorporate the things you like into your style … so if animal prints are big and a whole suit would make you look huge, try a scarf or a bag.  Take the look but incorporate it into those flattering shapes.  Look for similar, cheaper duplicates.
4. Buy basic classic pieces and update them with accessories and the new hot trends.  A great skirt can be made into many different presentations depending whether you belt it with wide or thin, wrap a scarf around it, wear a blouse over it or tucked in, a jacket, leggings or hose, a boot or a heel … etc.  Keep the trendy things that change from year to year, season to season, as complimentary pieces.  If you buy a whole wardrobe of the trendy things they will most likely be completely out of style next year and you will have to find a whole new look.
5. Don’t forget jewellery  - that is one place where you can really create a signature look or style.
6. Check out the vintage shops for some really unique pieces that not everyone else is going to be sporting.
7. Sew if you can – again it allows you something that everyone else is not going to have.
8. Be Creative, be bold, be original and willing to try things and make mistakes.  You may be surprised what really works if you are willing to take a chance.
9. Never underestimate the body compliments…. a great manicure, a good hair cut, nice skin, cleanliness.
10. Remember attitude is the most important fashion ingredient.  If you are comfortable in your own skin, happy and relaxed, you are sure to draw eyes.  Being yourself is something NO-ONE else can ever duplicate!