Creating a signature style is obviously not simply following trends and current fashion. You need to understand what resonates for you and how to express individuality through your wardrobe.
A well-defined signature style not only simplifies your daily dressing routine but also increases your confidence and helps you make a lasting impression. Here’s a guide to help you uncover and develop your unique fashion identity, taking into account your individual colour palette, body shape, personality, preferences, lifestyle, and direction in life.
Understanding colour palette
The first step in developing your signature style is understanding which colours complement your natural features. A personal colour analysis can be incredibly helpful in identifying your best hues. Here are some tips:
Skin undertone: Determine whether your skin has a warm or cool undertone. By the way, there is no such thing as a neutral undertone. Warm undertones usually look best in earthy colours with yellow undertones like olive, oranges, rusts, corals, and warm yellows. Cool undertones shine in colour with a blue undertone such as many blues, emerald greens, and ruby reds.
Skin and hair depth and intensity: How dark/light and how bright/soft your skin and hair colour are will also influence your best colour palette. For example, if you have a bright, young complexion with dark hair, you may find that bold, vibrant colours enhance your features best. In contrast, someone more mature with while softer, muted tones (e.g., blonde hair and light eyes) will suit lighter colours that are a little “shaded”.
Just be aware the above guidelines are very basic. A lot more goes into selecting your ideal colour palette. In my Colour Analysis consultation, you receive a sample range of 50 colours for your palette. This colour palette will usually have YOUR version of each of the main colours and neutrals.
Take action: Identify key pieces from their colour. Look at them against you in the mirror. Determine which ones love you. Wear often and note how you feel in them. These are the building blocks of your signature style.
Body shape
Understanding your body shape is crucial in finding clothes that flatter your figure and make you feel comfortable. There are 7 body shapes for women (and 4 for men). Know which one YOU are and then showcase it with the right styles, cuts, fabrics, etc.
Take action: Check out my previous post suggesting ideal clothing cuts for the different body shapes.
Reflect your personality
Your wardrobe should be a reflection of who you are. The clothes you wear are a powerful form of self-expression, communicating your values, moods, and personality to the world. When your style aligns with your inner self, it creates a sense of oneness and integration, effectively boosting your confidence. This is why I start my Personal Style Consultations with understanding your personal drivers and preferences. Here are some key personality elements that authentic image impacts.
Confidence: Dressing in a way that feels true to your personality can significantly enhance your self-esteem. When you feel comfortable and authentic in your clothes, you exude confidence, which can impact every aspect of your life, from personal relationships to professional interactions.
Mood: What you wear can affect your mood and mindset. Wearing colours and styles that resonate with your personality can lift your spirits and make you feel more positive. For instance, if you love bright, bold colours, incorporating them into your wardrobe can make you feel instantly more energetic and cheerful as soon as you open your wardrobe doors.
Perception: People often judge others based on their appearance, very often unconsciously. When your style reflects your true self, it can help create a positive first impression and foster genuine connections. Authenticity is attractive and can make you more approachable and trustworthy. It communicates a congruence and integrity.
Identity: Your clothing choices can reinforce your sense of identity. Wearing outfits that align with your personality helps you stay connected to your true self, even in different contexts or social settings. This consistency can be grounding and empowering.
Self-Expression: Fashion is a form of art and a way to express your unique identity. By choosing clothes that reflect your personality, you tell your story without talking. Whether you’re creative, professional, adventurous, or reserved, your style can communicate these traits and help you stand out in the way you WANT to stand out.
Take the 2-Minute Colour Personality Quiz
Reveal your type and get personalised advice.
Take action: Experiment and refine. Don’t be afraid to try new things and refine your style over time. Your signature style should be a reflection of your evolving self.
Preferences & lifestyle
Your style should fit seamlessly into your daily life. When building your wardrobe, consider your preferences, lifestyle factors, percentage of time spent in each lifestyle category. Here are major categories to consider:
- Professional: If you work in a corporate environment, investing in more tailored items makes sense, as well as blouses and classic shoes. Just be aware it does depend on the level of formality of your business workplace and there are different refinement categories depending on the industry/sector/department/role. But I have one key tip: dress for the role you are aiming for, rather than necessarily your current one.
- Casual: For a more laid-back lifestyle, focus on comfortable yet stylish pieces like jeans, casual dresses, relaxed blazers and casual shoes (e.g., loafers, sneakers, sandals).
- Active: If you lead an active lifestyle, incorporate athleisure pieces that can transition from the gym to casual outings.
- Social: If you enjoy social events, have a selection of versatile, fancy outfits that can be dressed up or down for various occasions.
Take action: Create a mood board. Gather inspiration from fashion magazines, Pinterest, or Instagram. Look for common themes and styles that resonate with you.
Life direction
Your signature style should evolve with you as you move through different stages of life. Consider where you are and where you’re headed:
- Career Advancement: As you move up the career ladder, your wardrobe should reflect your growing professionalism and confidence. Invest in quality pieces that bring out your sophisticated side. The better cuts and fabrics are really noticed, particularly in a corporate setting.
- Personal Growth: As you learn more about yourself and your preferences, let your style evolve to match your personal growth. Don’t be afraid to experiment and refine your look. Our style usually changes to some degree over time.
- Life Transitions: Major life changes, such as becoming a parent or retiring, may require a wardrobe adjustment. Adapt your style to fit your new lifestyle while staying true to your essence.
Take action: Clean out your wardrobe. Start by decluttering and remove items that no longer fit, are damaged, or don’t align with your desired style. If you need help, invest in my Wardrobe Audit and Planning consultation.
