Plus ça change, Plus c'est la même chose

The more they change, the more they stay the same.

That’s the way I would describe my personal style. Susan, Cindy and I decided we would write about this together and talk through our evolving fashion styles, where they have changed and what remains the same. Thinking about this the last few weeks has been an obvious eye-opener for me; the way I look has changed but my style is much the same. I see elements of what I loved in my 20’s still emerging. Much has moved but so, so much remains the same. When I reflect on the fashion features I write here, so many have consistent elements and the pieces I recommend today are similar to those talked through years ago. They resonate over and over not only for me but also for others and the personalisation comes in the wearing and styling.

Self -confidence is what makes personal style come alive and find its unique heart.

Many times I have described my personal style as classic with a twist. It was then and it is now. I have always loved simple, plain colours and straightforward shapes and yet I have more than not added an accessory to make the usual my own. Shoes and bags not to mention eyeglasses of all types are my passion; I wear a zillion shades of red lipstick. Here I can be adventurous and play – it says “me” – these choices differentiate even if my clothes are standard. A far from conservative blouse is a place I venture but worn with a straight pant or simple jean – I love flair but not too much. I wish I had the whimsy of Iris Apfel or the creativity of Vivienne Westwood but that’s probably not going to change now.

When I deviate away from what feels comfortable for me the inevitable happens and I feel plain wrong – not myself – and am reminded to be confident in my choices rather than emulate someone else.

Fashion to inspire is wonderful, as a dictate it’s dangerous.

Some women know what their style looks like and for others, it doesn’t come simply. We’re surrounded by many sources of inspiration, which can make pinpointing what we truly like confusing. Throw endless trends into the mix and the fog intensifies. The places we live, our friends, the shopping we have available and our work will influence the way we dress. Not to mention a year of monumental change and staying at home; I never had such a hankering for hoodies and sweats – now they are part of life and take up space as a wardrobe essential.

Defining and refining our aesthetic is what keeps the personal style journey exciting.

How do we get there?

For me, it was easy because I know what I like and always have. This is such a gift and makes life so much easier. Whenever I deliberate I am lost and now understand confusion means it’s not for me.

It helps to take note of where we gravitate and is the best place to start. Is it certain colours, shapes, fabrics or do the “looks” of others resonate? Seeing where these factors overlap will help gather a mental mood board and make refining our shopping bags a little easier. How do certain clothes make us feel?

Taking time to figure out what pieces are most flattering for our body types is essential. It means better investments and less impulsive choices.

Experimenting is key. The more styles and shapes we trial will make understanding our signature look a little easier and perhaps surprise us with pieces we otherwise didn’t think would work.

We don’t need to be pinned down to one look. Instead, we can embrace the many things we are inspired by to make our personal style, more meaningful. Our aesthetics don’t need to be static; they can be forever changing, as much as we want them to.

Time is our best friend and can help us not only discover our style and our confidence but also ourselves. I relish these days of knowing what works for me – it’s a refreshing and welcome change to my younger years of indecision and uncertainty.

Staying curious and being unapologetic can make the journey of self-discovery and style a fun one. I’m still playing and will continue to experiment as long as my tried and true favourites remain by my side. xv

plus c’est la même chose

have and would love all of these

off the shoulder in black (wear this style higher up on the shoulders) || in leopard || chanel style with pleat sleeve || band silk collar

high neck in poplin || broderie anglaise in poplin || ruffled cotton || ruffles and ruffles || tie back with smocking || smocked like mine

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