Style means never wearing head to toe of any one label.
Designer or otherwise, it is the eclectic mix that gives a unique and personal approach to fashion.
We have all seen the look.
Someone who feels that wearing only the same designer from head to toe is the way to appear their best. It’s not.
Great style, a style that we admire, is never about the cost of the individual garment or an overload at any one time.
Enduring style is coordination of pieces that work and tell a story together.
Otherwise, we would wear a uniform every day. Life would be easier but very dull.
Fashion designers work very hard to entice us each season. I have favourite brands I return to time and time again. Labels I know work for me and will suit my lifestyle. I may buy several pieces to invigorate my wardrobe from one particular collection but I will add them to the mix of seasons and see what I come up with.
I no longer care if something is of this season or from the last and what a huge relief to let that particular demon go.
Style is a tricky beast.
Sometimes it is easy and willing and at other times most petulant. It can take a firm hand to bring style under control.
So, so much easier to buy the whole kit and wear it together.
In that circumstance, we are not wearing the clothes, the clothes are wearing us and anyone could be hiding inside.
We can’t have that and we know better. Our “style” personalities deserve to be expressed.
How do we blend our style and find that unique mix that says this is me?
Observation
Studying the trends, watching fashion shows and looking at street style prompts great ideas about what to wear with what. Thoughts are triggered and I find ways to adapt them to my age and aesthetic.
The sneaker trend is an example. I have worn my sneakers with everything from silk and satin to denim and tulle. The more I wear them the more I like them and the more outfits I add them to. I would never have thought to mix an army jacket, a tulle skirt and a pair of sneakers. I have, I do and I think it works.
Inspiration
Taking inspiration from other women is all-important.
I don’t see this as copying; I see it as flattery. Women are our greatest allies and they should motivate us on so many levels. Style is only one of them. Every woman has a way of expressing herself when she dresses, we can learn from this and no two women will ever look the same.
Knowledge
Knowing what you like and what suits is half the battle when it comes to putting together an outfit and finding your personal style. Indecision is the killer. Invest in yourself; learn what works and the confidence will flow.
The beauty of our personal style is that it can be forever changing.
It is for us to choose, to decide and to decipher the trends. Input from our designer gurus, tastemakers and influencers are illuminating and galvanizing but ultimately, we want the style to be our own.
Fashion is way too much fun to wear the same from top to toe, xv.
images dolce&gabbana autumn winter 2013
