08 Sep Defining Your Style and Exploring Others

I think back to college where I would wear a plaid mini skirt and matching jacket one year, and black pants and a Metallica tee the next. I really didn’t have a defining style. I have always felt fashion should be an extension of yourself, a place to express myself in a creative manner. I do think it wasn’t until I felt more comfortable in my own skin where my style became more apparent.

( a Fall Style as an example of a statement necklace) I love a great  statement necklace

When you look in your closet- do you notice a theme? Do you have all classic pieces with a few trends? Is your closet a mixture of flattering colors or do you keep it simple within a few shades you like to wear?

I have thought of several ways to help define my style. If there is an outfit I LOVE and feel my best in, I take a picture. ( well, as a fashion blogger I make note !) What about this outfit makes it attractive on me?

I also use Pinterest to pin my style and other styles I love that suit me.

Showing my best features. I have noticed throughout the years, I choose clothing that accentuates my best features- I like my legs- so I may wear mini skirts and tights in the Fall. Dresses appeal to me as I enjoy how they make me feel and they  bring out my feminine side. How do you choose clothing to accentuate your best features?

Have a signature piece you like to wear that signifies you!

I collect vintage brooches and love the story behind them

Glasses- I have a bit of a cat eye collection and love wearing this vintage style. Most are Zenni Optical and Warby Parker

I also love great bags, If you follow my blog, you will notice a bit of a collection. -Bags that are quilted, detailed, structured. I love Kate Spade, Rebecca Minkoff, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton. A handbag can add a pop of color to an outfit, or texture to a look. i.e. quilting or fringe.

In the Fall I love patterned tights which can add some fun and funkiness to your style.

Dresses_ I love dresses and skirts more than I do love wearing pants/jeans. It doesn’t mean I don’t wear those items, I just would define my style as a love for feminine dresses. Dark florals are big this Fall!

Comfortable Yet Stylish Heels: Block heels are my saving grace!

Lace and  Florals–Mixing texturesThese are two signature styles that frequent my wardobe. Bold-florals, well made lace.

Almost finally- I would say my signature style is COLOR. Lots of bold colors. I love greens- emerald, olive, khaki. Red, rust, orange, mustard, burgundy, there are so many colors I enjoy wearing! Fall is my favorite season as there is so much texture and color I love to wear!

How could I forget my hair? I suppose I get nice compliments on my red hair. My hair is now going grey with some white on the sides.. so I get a bit of help from my stylist! ( I hope to do a post about how hair can change after Menopause)

How do you describe your style? Romantic, classic, funky, rock and roll, ladylike,boho etc… What other style appeals to you? I don’t think any one of us have just one style, but more of a combination, although we do lean in one direction. What other type of style appeals to you. that you want  to try? Look in your closet, is there a piece/ or pieces that stand out from what you typically would wear? I do enjoy the Bohemian style, the long flowy dresses, easy footwear, looser fitting style, embroidered, flowy.

Do your clothes “say” what you want them to say about you. Look at your closet. Write down some adjectives describing articles of clothing you pick up. IS there a consistant description or do you find your clothing lacking something? I might look at my closet and say, vibrant, colorful, romantic, classy, vintage inspired., fun. I love the descriptors and find that I can express myself this way. As I mentioned, when I think of bohemian, i think “free”, easy, flowing, romance, fun, feminine. Some of these characteristics overlap with my current clothing and style of dress. I will be adding a piece here and there- perhaps a long, flowy , dark floral dress.. and styling it with some ankle boots for Fall.This piece was a bit boho inspired with my fringe sandals and color.

So as you look at your closet-

1.  Do your clothes convey what you want them to say to people?
2. Is there a Theme? ( certain styles that you love to wear)
3. Take pictures of some outfits that you feel GREAT in.
4. Pin clothing and outfits that you love to Pinterest.
5. With your style- do you have a signature piece? ( a great leopard coat, moto jacket, piece of jewelry)
6. What other style would you like to explore that can show your personality?

Hopefully these tips will help you get a handle on your style and consider what/if you want to explore another.

I would love to hear your thoughts on “Defining Your Style”- Share in the Comments section . 🙂 and how you Define your style.

Friday Favorites with Lizzie in Lace

Fun Fashion with Fashion Should Be Fun

#passion4fashion with Rachel the Hat

Fancy Friday with Nancys Fashion Style

Fabulous Friday with A Pocketful of Polka Dots

Vanity and Me Link Up

And really, these are my two BEST ACCESSORIES! ( That I love to take everywhere! 🙂

Gibson, my boy and Truffles, my girl

I will be linking up some of these items. Many of what I have shared here are several years old, but I can find some similar pieces. So do check back if interested. Also, I do buy items on Poshmark, read post on more info. 

Have a great weekend!

jess xo

Outfits: 1st dress- ASOS- paper dolls ( old) Zara block heels. Red clutch- GIGI New York

2nd outfit- burgundy sweater- Ann Taylor ( yrs old) Zara faux leather leggings, Rebecca Minkoff quilted bag

3rd – Green Karina Dress– The Katharine, Brooches from Etsy

4th Rust top-F21,  Zara brown pleated faux leather midi skirt, Louis Vuitton Speedy 35, Burgundy booties Zara ( last season)

5th – Cream Peplum top ( ann Taylor Via Poshmark- Read How to Shop at Poshmark), Lace Skirt- Ann Taylor, Shoes: Nude Tstrap- ASOS ( last season), Balenciaga pink bag

6th-Lace skirt- Ann Taylor ( old) Brown pointed suede shoes: ASOS ( 2 seasons ago)

7th- Karina dress- The Ruby in a dark floral ( 4 yrs old), vintage kitten heel ( poshmark)

8th-Bandage red dress, Coach kitten heels ( poshmark), Leopard clutch Express

Jacquard shoes, ASOS. Pearl Decorated block heel ( Betsey Johsnon-DSW)

Brown Leather Jacket ( Speigel-older) Lace Dress- Zara ( 3 seasons ago) OTK boots ( Sole Society)