10 ways to finding a style that's you
10 ways to finding a style that’s “you”
By VAL CUNNINGHAM WITH MODEINSTYLE Nov 2011
In a world such as ours, where outward appearances count, can we really afford to be living like slobs, hoping that people will see through all that, and look straight through to our inner beauty? As much as we wish that people will stop being so materialistic, the fact is, that appearances do matter, whether we like it or not. How we portray ourselves is important, much more important than some of us would like to admit.
First impressions are crucial. Just ask yourself this: have you ever looked at a person, made a face, and said, “Oh god, what in the world was he/she thinking when he/she left the house this morning? Yuck! ” And have you ever caught a glimpse of someone’s disgusting yellow-almost-brown teeth, got a shock, and could not concentrate for the rest of the conversation, because all you could think of was the person’s teeth?
I know I have. I’m sure we all have. After all, we’re human. And we judge. That’s what humans do.
I’m not saying that you can’t dress down on days when you’re too lazy, or if you’re just going out to grab a coffee. But then you might also run into the hottest person alive when all you’ve got on is ugly underwear and sweatpants and unruly eyebrows and even worse hair. And then what?
“Inner beauty may be more important, but exterior beauty has immediate impact.” – Daniel Go, editor of style magazine
My advice to you is to find your own personal style, and to groom yourself well. It only takes a small little detail to turn someone off.
I believe that you can never overdress. I believe in finding what works for you and working it to the limit. I believe in having your own style, a look that is uniquely you. I believe in living life to the fullest. I believe in living according to your heart, whether you are angry, sad, or happy. I believe in love. I believe in accessories. I believe that confidence is the ultimate accessory.
“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.” – Gore Vidal
You might be wondering why I say ‘have your own style’ instead of something like, ‘be fashionable’? Because, honey, fads fade and trends come and go, but your style, something unique to you and only you remains in people’s memories forever. I’m all for buying a new, trendy belt or pair of shoes, but honestly, I get them cheap and never pay much for those, unless they are something that I feel really suits my style. After all, why spend thousands on something, when it’ll only be oh-so-last-season in less than 6 months? As you pay for it in hard-earned cash, as you whip out your card and sign your name, designers all over the world have already come up with something new in their atelier.
Need more convincing? Here are some quotes that I’ve gathered over the years, and have pasted into my scrapbooks. I think they speak louder than I ever could.
“Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months.” – Oscar wilde “‘style’ is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma.” – john Fairchild the difference between style and fashion is quality.” – Giorgio Armani fashion is what you adopt when you don’t know who you are.“ – Quentin crisp fashion is made to become unfashionable.” – coco Chaney create your own visual style. Let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others.” – Orson wells style is the perfection of a point of view.” – Richard eberhart “style is the dress of thoughts“ – lord chesterfield fashions fade, style is eternal.“ – Yves saint Laurent
“People think that fashion is all frivolity and done by people who can’t do proper jobs,” says writer, Adrian gill, “but it is a very serious business in terms of civilization and culture. It’s the one piece of culture that every single person in the world participates in. Not everybody reads poetry or listens to music, but every single person in the world gets up in the morning and puts on something, and whether you like it or not, that’s a statement about who you are.” “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” – coco channel
I suggest you start looking into what sort of image you’re portraying through your dressing.
You don’t need to wear something spectacular everyday. You don’t need to be decked out in the most expensive brands. But you do need a look that is you and uniquely you, because our style is something that reflects us, and that, darling, never and goes out of style.
How?
1. Personal grooming is basic clothes are one thing, but before you put them on, you’ve got to remember that personal cleanliness, hair, and teeth, are probably the most basic things that say a lot about you!! This is a very important issue that I feel cannot be emphasized enough. Do something about your teeth if they are stained and yellow. If you have body odor, proper baths and a good deodorant might be all you need. And please, don’t pile on the perfume too much! No one wants to smell you before they even see you! Spend time each day grooming you. Animals probably spend the bulk of their day doing so; so a little time a day isn’t going to kill you.
Personal grooming is also about having some manners and class. Always say your “thank yours. Learn how to say “sorry”. Show respect to others. Live by example. Do unto others, as you would have others do unto you.
2. Get to know your body take your time, and get to know your body and its shape. Learn what clothing silhouettes, shapes and patterns look good with it. Make a list of what you like about your body, and what you don’t. Then look for fabrics and cuts that will hide what you hate, and emphasize what you love. No one’s perfect, with more knowledge and through experimenting, you’ll soon learn what looks good on you.
3. Keep a scrapbook I have like 8 of these books, compiled over the years, filled with pictures and magazine cut-outs. I tear and stick pictures of men, women, and even children. It doesn’t matter whether I like their particular sense of style, or whether I think that it will look good on me. What matters is that it looks good on them, and that they look comfortable in their clothes. I feel that somehow, their clothes almost tell a story about them. So I cut them out, and compile them in books that I can refer to. I especially love it when someone comes up with a new way of wearing something; a piece of clothing paired with another, or an accessory, that I’ve never thought of using before. I also cut out pieces of clothing items that I love.
Of course, to do this, you’d need some good magazines. Vogue is always good. Elle is also good although I dislike many American magazines because there are more ads than content.
4. Keep a style bible… or at least a “pictures” folder on your computer other than scrapbooks, keep photos of yourself. I take photos of myself and my friends really often. I carry a camera everywhere! I do recommend taking lots and lots. It’s always good! Not only can you keep them for memories’ sakes, and look back on them 10, 20 years from now and smile at the good times you’ve had, keeping a photo diary also helps you look back on previous clothing coordination. Looking back on what you’ve worn, you’ll learn a lot about what you look great in, and what you look not-so-brilliant in. You’ll be able to tell that that shirt goes with that skirt, or that top should never be worn with that pants again. Photos also tell you how you REALLY look to others, which is kind of different from what a mirror reflects back at you. Also, do you go crazy like me sometimes, when you’ve taken at least 10 outfits out from your closet, your room’s a total mess, and you’re running late but you’re screaming, “I have nothing to wear!” having a style bible means that you could flip back and refer to it on those mornings when you absolutely CANNOT think of what to put on.
I also take photos of my friends and with my friends. Like I said, you can look back and smile on them later. It’s a great nostalgic feeling and photos help bring back memories when your brain fails you. Sometimes when I see my friends in really great clothes, I get them to model for me so I can take their photos too. Likewise, when I see people with great style on the street, I sometimes go up to them and ask if I can take their picture. I keep all this in my style bible, just in case I want to refer to it one day. Looking at people with so much style is very inspirational!!
One other thing I do is, I get a photo taken in one of those photo booths, every time I get a new haircut/color, and every birthday. I’ve been doing it forever.
5. If you’re uncomfortable in your clothes, trash it there’s nothing more I hate than seeing someone all dressed-up, someone who should be looking like the center of attention, but keeps wiggling and even scratching at themselves all day, just because what they forced themselves to put on doesn’t fit, or itches or whatever. Gilda render once said, “I base my fashion taste on what doesn’t itch.” if you don’t feel good in what you’re wearing, people will be able to see that, and they will be able to see that what you’re wearing, just isn’t “you”.
6. Find a trademark, something signature. All of us are different, and what you might dislike about yourself, could be what makes you memorable. Whether you like your “assets” or not, they are good examples of how it makes you memorable. It can also be a particular accessory, like a person who is never without his sunglasses. Having a trademark helps people remember you.
An unusual choice in clothing can also be your signature style. A unique trademark that you like can become your signature style.
7. Remember: colors, textures and layering. Experiment with colors, textures and layering. Use these 3 rules to help make your outfit more interesting. 1) Adding a focal point with colors can really do something for you. Like a bright red corsage on an otherwise boring black suit. Or a chunky, interesting necklace on a little black dress. Or a pink ribbon functioning as a belt, wrapped around a long black t-shirt. Or even a really funky pin in your hair. If you’d rather just stick to black and only black, try different textures to add depth, like black satin with something tweed. Or simplest yet, dress up with some super shiny enamel pumps. Layering can also be very exciting. Layering is a skill that comes with practice! I also love layering black with grays, or grays with whites, or whites, beiges and browns.
Exploring colors also means that you should really try colors other than what you are ALWAYS in. “throw out all previous rule books you might have secretly written in your head.” if you feel you’re not the type to go with loud colors, then at least try out browns, grays, blues and whites. You don’t have to wear something psychedelic all of a sudden. Make small changes at a time (try the “focal point with color’ trick!), until you’ve gotten used to it, and experiment again from there!
8. Don’t be afraid to experiment!! But more importantly, remain true to you. Try to experiment with different looks, while staying true to yourself. While you shouldn’t pretend to be what you’re not, including aspects of different styles can really broaden your everyday wardrobe. I usually add something to the outfit that is still very “I”, so that I don’t lose my personality out there. You don’t have to spend big bucks on a look that you aren’t sure off yet. Just try going to a thrift shop for cheaper options. For example, I’m sure you’ve always been told to stay away from white because it apparently makes you look bigger, but one day I surprised myself when I put it on and decided from that day onwards, to buy more white clothes!
Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, everyone makes them. Making mistakes will help you to learn more about yourself, and in time, this will also help you create your own unique style!
However, while trying out different looks is a good thing, remember this: never, ever, sacrifice who you are for the sake of fashion!! There’s no bigger turn-off than someone who’s decked out in branded clothes and screaming logos, just because they want the world to know they can afford it, and nothing more pitiful than a person who must buy that new Dior bag, just because all her friends have already gotten it.
9. Smile and be confident a great smile and self-confidence, are two accessories you can count on to go with any outfit. They never go out of style. The world’s most expensive label would look like bad on you, if you slouch your back, look down at your feet and won’t look at someone in the eye. On the other hand, I know people who wear the cheapest clothes and look like a million bucks. Be confident about yourself. I believe that unless you love yourself, it’ll be hard for anyone to really love you.
You only look stupid if you feel stupid, so stand tall, push your shoulders back, and smile. Feeling good about who you are is what’s most important.
By VAL CUNNINGHAM WITH MODEINSTYLE Nov 2011
In a world such as ours, where outward appearances count, can we really afford to be living like slobs, hoping that people will see through all that, and look straight through to our inner beauty? As much as we wish that people will stop being so materialistic, the fact is, that appearances do matter, whether we like it or not. How we portray ourselves is important, much more important than some of us would like to admit.
First impressions are crucial. Just ask yourself this: have you ever looked at a person, made a face, and said, “Oh god, what in the world was he/she thinking when he/she left the house this morning? Yuck! ” And have you ever caught a glimpse of someone’s disgusting yellow-almost-brown teeth, got a shock, and could not concentrate for the rest of the conversation, because all you could think of was the person’s teeth?
I know I have. I’m sure we all have. After all, we’re human. And we judge. That’s what humans do.
I’m not saying that you can’t dress down on days when you’re too lazy, or if you’re just going out to grab a coffee. But then you might also run into the hottest person alive when all you’ve got on is ugly underwear and sweatpants and unruly eyebrows and even worse hair. And then what?
“Inner beauty may be more important, but exterior beauty has immediate impact.” – Daniel Go, editor of style magazine
My advice to you is to find your own personal style, and to groom yourself well. It only takes a small little detail to turn someone off.
I believe that you can never overdress. I believe in finding what works for you and working it to the limit. I believe in having your own style, a look that is uniquely you. I believe in living life to the fullest. I believe in living according to your heart, whether you are angry, sad, or happy. I believe in love. I believe in accessories. I believe that confidence is the ultimate accessory.
“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.” – Gore Vidal
You might be wondering why I say ‘have your own style’ instead of something like, ‘be fashionable’? Because, honey, fads fade and trends come and go, but your style, something unique to you and only you remains in people’s memories forever. I’m all for buying a new, trendy belt or pair of shoes, but honestly, I get them cheap and never pay much for those, unless they are something that I feel really suits my style. After all, why spend thousands on something, when it’ll only be oh-so-last-season in less than 6 months? As you pay for it in hard-earned cash, as you whip out your card and sign your name, designers all over the world have already come up with something new in their atelier.
Need more convincing? Here are some quotes that I’ve gathered over the years, and have pasted into my scrapbooks. I think they speak louder than I ever could.
“Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months.” – Oscar wilde “‘style’ is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma.” – john Fairchild the difference between style and fashion is quality.” – Giorgio Armani fashion is what you adopt when you don’t know who you are.“ – Quentin crisp fashion is made to become unfashionable.” – coco Chaney create your own visual style. Let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others.” – Orson wells style is the perfection of a point of view.” – Richard eberhart “style is the dress of thoughts“ – lord chesterfield fashions fade, style is eternal.“ – Yves saint Laurent
“People think that fashion is all frivolity and done by people who can’t do proper jobs,” says writer, Adrian gill, “but it is a very serious business in terms of civilization and culture. It’s the one piece of culture that every single person in the world participates in. Not everybody reads poetry or listens to music, but every single person in the world gets up in the morning and puts on something, and whether you like it or not, that’s a statement about who you are.” “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” – coco channel
I suggest you start looking into what sort of image you’re portraying through your dressing.
You don’t need to wear something spectacular everyday. You don’t need to be decked out in the most expensive brands. But you do need a look that is you and uniquely you, because our style is something that reflects us, and that, darling, never and goes out of style.
How?
1. Personal grooming is basic clothes are one thing, but before you put them on, you’ve got to remember that personal cleanliness, hair, and teeth, are probably the most basic things that say a lot about you!! This is a very important issue that I feel cannot be emphasized enough. Do something about your teeth if they are stained and yellow. If you have body odor, proper baths and a good deodorant might be all you need. And please, don’t pile on the perfume too much! No one wants to smell you before they even see you! Spend time each day grooming you. Animals probably spend the bulk of their day doing so; so a little time a day isn’t going to kill you.
Personal grooming is also about having some manners and class. Always say your “thank yours. Learn how to say “sorry”. Show respect to others. Live by example. Do unto others, as you would have others do unto you.
2. Get to know your body take your time, and get to know your body and its shape. Learn what clothing silhouettes, shapes and patterns look good with it. Make a list of what you like about your body, and what you don’t. Then look for fabrics and cuts that will hide what you hate, and emphasize what you love. No one’s perfect, with more knowledge and through experimenting, you’ll soon learn what looks good on you.
3. Keep a scrapbook I have like 8 of these books, compiled over the years, filled with pictures and magazine cut-outs. I tear and stick pictures of men, women, and even children. It doesn’t matter whether I like their particular sense of style, or whether I think that it will look good on me. What matters is that it looks good on them, and that they look comfortable in their clothes. I feel that somehow, their clothes almost tell a story about them. So I cut them out, and compile them in books that I can refer to. I especially love it when someone comes up with a new way of wearing something; a piece of clothing paired with another, or an accessory, that I’ve never thought of using before. I also cut out pieces of clothing items that I love.
Of course, to do this, you’d need some good magazines. Vogue is always good. Elle is also good although I dislike many American magazines because there are more ads than content.
4. Keep a style bible… or at least a “pictures” folder on your computer other than scrapbooks, keep photos of yourself. I take photos of myself and my friends really often. I carry a camera everywhere! I do recommend taking lots and lots. It’s always good! Not only can you keep them for memories’ sakes, and look back on them 10, 20 years from now and smile at the good times you’ve had, keeping a photo diary also helps you look back on previous clothing coordination. Looking back on what you’ve worn, you’ll learn a lot about what you look great in, and what you look not-so-brilliant in. You’ll be able to tell that that shirt goes with that skirt, or that top should never be worn with that pants again. Photos also tell you how you REALLY look to others, which is kind of different from what a mirror reflects back at you. Also, do you go crazy like me sometimes, when you’ve taken at least 10 outfits out from your closet, your room’s a total mess, and you’re running late but you’re screaming, “I have nothing to wear!” having a style bible means that you could flip back and refer to it on those mornings when you absolutely CANNOT think of what to put on.
I also take photos of my friends and with my friends. Like I said, you can look back and smile on them later. It’s a great nostalgic feeling and photos help bring back memories when your brain fails you. Sometimes when I see my friends in really great clothes, I get them to model for me so I can take their photos too. Likewise, when I see people with great style on the street, I sometimes go up to them and ask if I can take their picture. I keep all this in my style bible, just in case I want to refer to it one day. Looking at people with so much style is very inspirational!!
One other thing I do is, I get a photo taken in one of those photo booths, every time I get a new haircut/color, and every birthday. I’ve been doing it forever.
5. If you’re uncomfortable in your clothes, trash it there’s nothing more I hate than seeing someone all dressed-up, someone who should be looking like the center of attention, but keeps wiggling and even scratching at themselves all day, just because what they forced themselves to put on doesn’t fit, or itches or whatever. Gilda render once said, “I base my fashion taste on what doesn’t itch.” if you don’t feel good in what you’re wearing, people will be able to see that, and they will be able to see that what you’re wearing, just isn’t “you”.
6. Find a trademark, something signature. All of us are different, and what you might dislike about yourself, could be what makes you memorable. Whether you like your “assets” or not, they are good examples of how it makes you memorable. It can also be a particular accessory, like a person who is never without his sunglasses. Having a trademark helps people remember you.
An unusual choice in clothing can also be your signature style. A unique trademark that you like can become your signature style.
7. Remember: colors, textures and layering. Experiment with colors, textures and layering. Use these 3 rules to help make your outfit more interesting. 1) Adding a focal point with colors can really do something for you. Like a bright red corsage on an otherwise boring black suit. Or a chunky, interesting necklace on a little black dress. Or a pink ribbon functioning as a belt, wrapped around a long black t-shirt. Or even a really funky pin in your hair. If you’d rather just stick to black and only black, try different textures to add depth, like black satin with something tweed. Or simplest yet, dress up with some super shiny enamel pumps. Layering can also be very exciting. Layering is a skill that comes with practice! I also love layering black with grays, or grays with whites, or whites, beiges and browns.
Exploring colors also means that you should really try colors other than what you are ALWAYS in. “throw out all previous rule books you might have secretly written in your head.” if you feel you’re not the type to go with loud colors, then at least try out browns, grays, blues and whites. You don’t have to wear something psychedelic all of a sudden. Make small changes at a time (try the “focal point with color’ trick!), until you’ve gotten used to it, and experiment again from there!
8. Don’t be afraid to experiment!! But more importantly, remain true to you. Try to experiment with different looks, while staying true to yourself. While you shouldn’t pretend to be what you’re not, including aspects of different styles can really broaden your everyday wardrobe. I usually add something to the outfit that is still very “I”, so that I don’t lose my personality out there. You don’t have to spend big bucks on a look that you aren’t sure off yet. Just try going to a thrift shop for cheaper options. For example, I’m sure you’ve always been told to stay away from white because it apparently makes you look bigger, but one day I surprised myself when I put it on and decided from that day onwards, to buy more white clothes!
Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, everyone makes them. Making mistakes will help you to learn more about yourself, and in time, this will also help you create your own unique style!
However, while trying out different looks is a good thing, remember this: never, ever, sacrifice who you are for the sake of fashion!! There’s no bigger turn-off than someone who’s decked out in branded clothes and screaming logos, just because they want the world to know they can afford it, and nothing more pitiful than a person who must buy that new Dior bag, just because all her friends have already gotten it.
9. Smile and be confident a great smile and self-confidence, are two accessories you can count on to go with any outfit. They never go out of style. The world’s most expensive label would look like bad on you, if you slouch your back, look down at your feet and won’t look at someone in the eye. On the other hand, I know people who wear the cheapest clothes and look like a million bucks. Be confident about yourself. I believe that unless you love yourself, it’ll be hard for anyone to really love you.
You only look stupid if you feel stupid, so stand tall, push your shoulders back, and smile. Feeling good about who you are is what’s most important.
posted by Soulful Movement at
4:36 PM
|
0 Comments
