|
For a lucky few, style is innate and instinctive - those people who look effortlessly chic from the moment they roll out of bed and who always know what to buy and how to wear it. However, for the majority of us, finding style is a longer - and often more painful - journey. Even celebrities, who are lauded as examples of the latest styles and fashions, are supported by huge teams of stylists, personal dressers and general beautifiers to ensure everything they wear is prescribed, planned and professionally presented.
The first trick to finding your own style is to forget high street trends. Do as the French do and understand what you like and what suits you. Fashion trends are not synonymous with style - trends are, by definition, passing. Style should be eternal and a foundation on which your look is built.
Consider your body shape. A curvy or hourglass figure is ideal for the vogue in retro, 50s fashions - with nipped in waists, full skirts and ladylike glamour. Boyish shapes however better suit different fashions that emphasize womanly curves less strongly - they may lack the bust size, but make up for it in their ability to wear high couture, androgynous / mannish tailoring, cutting edge tailoring, 80s vintage, bodycon and plenty of other styles. If you have a strong, boxy body shape, strong, tailored and classic fashions will suit you very well. Try structured designs and fabrics, in bold cuts and fabrics, rather than floaty, girly prints.
Think about your personality and likes too. Rather than pretending to fit to a fashion that means nothing to you, build a look that expresses who you are. High drama types are born for retro glamour - whether that's power dressing, 50s chic, day-dresses with killer heels or bold colour palettes. Boho queens will naturally suit unstructured fits, flowing cuts, flowery accessories, slouchy boots, large tote bags and plenty of beads and laying. Assertive, no-nonsense types may adore the cut of a sharply tailored suit, combined with the crispest of shirts. Or you may find that your personality demands slightly different looks on different days. Build up a wardrobe that works together - based on key, capsule pieces. Make these classic items your biggest investments - this goes for the white shirt, the black trousers, the tan skirt and leather jacket. A grey trouser suit, a black dress, several excellent white t-shirts. These start to build a foundation.
On top of this buy accessories and fashion pieces that work with your colouring and tastes. Ideally find a good tailor or seamstress who can either make bespoke garments for you, or tweak cuts and finishes from shop bought items so that they fit you like a couture piece.
With your high fashion items, spend less. Fleeting trends don`t need to last. Do as the french do and look at cost per wear to establish what really is a good buy. For trend pieces and special offers on quality items otherwise beyond your usual budget, look for Groupon deals or visit designer sales for quality pieces at better prices. Just ignore the leopard-print harem pants in fetish PVC - there`s yet to be a person on the planet who such `destined for sale` items are made for!
|
