There are times in a woman’s life where she feels in a fashion rut. Trends have passed her buy and she finds herself wearing the same outfits for work rest and play. These are often pieces which she feels comfortable in but lack style and do not convey the person she really is.
Now is the time to develop (or fine-tune) a fashion personality. One that says something about her, makes her feel confident and gives her a sense of style.
A woman’s fashion personality will evolve (and continues to change) as she gets older. It is less about following fashion trends and more about style. Says American designer Carolina Herrera, famous for her classic white shirts, “women can find their personal style be ignoring trends and choosing classic timeless pieces.
Types of Fashion Personality
Fashion personalities can be broadly categorized into the style they represent. Some typical fashion personalities include:
- Classic – think Jennifer Aniston
- Lady — think Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn
- Fashion Forward — think Madonna
- Bohemian — think Sienna Miller
- Preppy — think Pixie Lott
- Eccentric — think Gwen Stefani
- Bombshell — think Jennifer Lopez
How to Develop a Fashion Personality
Establishing a fashion personality or fine tuning an existing one means first understanding a woman’s body shape, her spirit, the lifestyle she leads and taking on one or two trends but not being a slave to them.
- Get out of a fashion rut by trying on as many different styles as possible. Don’t be drawn to the same cuts and shapes be willing to adapt and step out of the comfort zone. Try a new color, a dress instead of a pair of pants. Diane von Furstenberg, iconic designer of the hallowed wrap dress advises “ keep and elastic body and an elastic mind and be as flexible as you can.”
- Establish your body shape and then learn what pieces will accentuate your assets and play down your flaws. Play to body strengths. Women with good legs should wear skirts and dresses, those with small waists can accentuate it even further with accessories and waist-cinching cuts and for those with a great bust then ditch the baggy shirts and and show off some cleavage (tastefully) in V-neck tops.
- Consider what personality is to be conveyed. Girlie, feminine, flirty, hippy-chic, classy, fashion forward, luxury lover, sex siren, subtly sexy. Think about favorite fabrics and pieces which you feel most confident and comfortable in.
- Get help and advice. This could be an appointment with a personal shopper (usually free) at a local store or buying a relevant style guide which gives hints and tips. Alternatively enlist the help of an honest friend who can analyze your look and help purge your wardrobe. Keep clippings from magazines and newspapers which reflect elements of the desired fashion personality.
Choosing a wardrobe that reflects a woman’s lifestyle, passions and dreams is the way to finding her own individual style and establishing her fashion personality. This means stepping out of the box for many.
Sources:
- Harper's Bazaar Great Style — Jenny Levin, AurumPress 2008
- Full Frontal Fashion — Melissa Sones, Plume Publishing 2005
Gill Hart - Gill Hart is a fashion and image professional who specializes in women's fashion over 50.
