Personal Development
Five ways to create a signature style
Who do you think of when you hear “signature style”?
Audrey Hepburn, Princess Diana, Nicole Kidman, Paris Hilton, Michelle Obama? These may be just a few of the names that come to mind. Of course, these women all have something in common — they’re famous! And, you’re not. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a signature style.
Creating a signature style will:
- Add to your personal brand
- Make a statement
- Give you a cohesive look
You are not your clothes, but your clothes help demonstrate who you are.
![[ Audrey Hepburn's style in 1950, 1960s and 1991 ]](http://www.thebargainqueen.com/images/photos/audrey_hepburn.jpg)
(Images, L-R: AudreyHepburn.com, Audrey Hepburn — L’Ange des Infants)
Five ways to create a signature style
1. Play up your good features (or hide your not-so-good ones).
Have beautifully toned arms? Why not wear tops that focus the attention on the arms? Have a tiny waist? Make belts your signature look. Use your clothing, makeup, and accessories to make your good features stand out —whether it be your lips or your toes! If you have bad features, try hiding them. Big sunglasses can hide dark circles (and make you look super chic) and thick black tights can hide knobby knees.
2. Use accessories to make a statement.
Accessories are a great way to create a signature style. Instead of wearing the same necklace everyday as your signature piece, consider picking a type of jewelry. Maybe you love the look of vintage jewelry or perhaps artsy jewelry is more your style. Any number of accessories will work!
3. Make details matter.
Your signature could be something as simple as a fingernail polish color or a type of jean. If I had to identify my own signature look, it would be my haircut. I keep my hair short - sometimes, very short. It’s my look, and has been for several years. I have no doubt that I have been described as “the girl with the really short hair.” If one day I decide I want to grow my hair out, I’ll do that. But, for now, it’s my style.
4. Make outfits your own.
Carrie Bradshaw did this like no other. You don’t have to get that crazy, but she certainly had a signature funky style.
5. Set an overall look.
Chances are you already have a certain look. Whether your style is classic, professional chic, laid back, trendy, or artsy, you can be the trendsetter yourself by identifying and setting your style.
And, I again have to point out: Confidence is key to any style!
Discussion
5 comments for “Five ways to create a signature style”
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I thought these tips were simple, universal and to the point. I think people feel that a signature style has to do with the type of clothes you wear - but I think it has more to do with consistency. People remember consistency and if whatever you are wearing is consistent with who you are - people will take it as your signature style.
Thanks, Raven. Great point on consistency. It’s not all about clothes. Clothes are just part of your overall style!
My coloring is so distinctive (very pale skin, very dark hair) and it’s easy for me to look sickly if I wear the wrong thing. When I was younger, that really bothered me, but since I’ve embraced it, I’ve found that my own cohesive style has definitely come together. So, for me your first tip was key! It’s all about being who you are, first and foremost.
[...] just doesn’t pass in any workplace. I believe young adults don’t want to date themselves or not express their personal style or believe fashionable business attire isn’t readily available. Business attire, if anything is [...]
[...] just doesn’t pass in any workplace. I believe young adults don’t want to date themselves or not express their personal style or believe fashionable business attire isn’t readily available. Business attire, if anything is [...]