A unique question I actually get pretty often is, “how do you know what your style is?” While it’s a loaded question, it’s actually a really good one to think about. When I am bored, I will literally go through my closet and mix and match new pieces, finding ways to extend the versatility of my wardrobe. Obviously, I recognize most women are not this way!
My sister and I had a long conversation several months ago about her wardrobe, and she basically said she wanted to look put-together, not necessarily stand out for her clothing but not have to “think” about putting together outfits. So I asked her:
1. Who is your celebrity style crush?
She hadn’t really thought about it, but I asked her to think of who she thought always looked polished with just enough style. Together, we came up with Jennifer Aniston! She always looks great, but sticks to solid colors and neutrals – maximizing her closet and making what appears to be an entire wardrobe of easily mix and matched pieces.
When you’re cleaning out your closet and get to a piece that you’re not sure if you should keep or not, think, “would ____ wear this?”
2. What words do you think best describe your (aspirational) style?
In this case (for Jen Aniston), I would say classic, tailored and neutral. Remember these words when you’re putting together an outfit.
3. Organize your closet by color, and take note of what you have too much of.
For me, this is white shirts and navy/white stripes. It’s because I love wearing these pieces, but I try to remember this takes up the majority of my closet when I see these pieces in my shopping cart!
4. Know your body.
I have a (relatively) slender torso, so I know that I usually look and feel most like myself if I’m wearing something that accentuates it. For example – I’m better off wearing this dress rather than a miniskirt and loose sweater that hides my waist. If you’ve got great legs, own ’em! If you have toned arms, show them off! Know your strengths and confidently play them up.
dress c/o | heels, similar style for less here | clutch – TJ Maxx, similar clutch here, here and here | earrings, have and love this matching cuff too! | gold cuff bracelet | watch | cable bracelet 1, 2, 3, 4 | sunglasses
Do you have any tips I missed? I’d love to hear! Let me know if there are any other topics like this you’d like me to share. Appreciate you guys reading! XO –
so in love with this fab Dress
http://carrieslifestyle.com
Love the dress!
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Girl you are gorgeous!
Oh my gosh – hardly! The wonders of a good camera!
Speaking of great cameras… WHO is your photographer who ALWAYS gets the greatest shots of you!?!
My husband!!! I don’t know what I would do without him!
This dress is drop dead gorgeous and looks amazeballs on you!! Love this post 🙂
xox Tess | Sequins are the New Black
1- That dress is amazing and looks amazing on you! 2- I love the idea behind those tips; I need to do a major closet clean out at the end of the summer. 3- Your snapchat absolutely cracks me up! My husband always wants to know who/what I’m laughing at. 🙂
I clean out my closet ALL the time! And you have no idea how happy that makes me! I try to keep Snapchat silly, so I’m so happy it’s providing a chuckle! XOXO
You are my celebrity style icon!
Dress is GORG… I have a tiny waist, so I always like to accentuate it too.
It took me a long time to figure out what my “style” is… and it usually changes with my mood! lol
YOU have made my entire weekend with your sweetness (as always)! Appreciate you Angela! XO
love this post…it’s something that is hard to pinpoint if you haven’t experimented with a lot of different styles. Which, as a fashion blogger we do all the time. I love when I buy something thinking it’s going to be my new thing and then I’m like wait a sec…reality check – this isn’t me at all!! It’s SO good to know what’s you, but also try new things and figure out if it works or not! xo
@stylemelauren
http://www.stylemelauren.com
YES! You are exactly right!!
Such a great post– your style completely reminds me of Jennifer Anistons! I just love this dress on you — seriously fits you perfectly! You look beautiful, Kathleen!
xo, Jennifer
http://www.publicistinpearls.com
Oh my gosh nicest comment ever!!
Personal style is such a funny concept – most people are never really able to nail down their “personal style” mantra in such a succinct and universally understandable way. Your questions are able to address the stylistic preferences, AND the reality of our bodies. Love it!
http://thefancynomad.com/
Thank you for the insight and positive feedback! Of course, not everyone needs a mantra, but for some it makes it easier!
This is such a great way to think about personal style! I already color code my closet (and white and striped shirts make up most of mine too haha), but I think wear I struggle is thinking about what would fit in my aspirational style vs. just what trends I think are cute. Love this post – great and gorgeous! 🙂
I think that’s a really great point. It sounds like you already have great style and you know what you like – that’s a huge part of it!
Would you wear this dress to a wedding?