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HOW TO UNDERSTAND YOUR ‘STYLE’

By Connie Matthews, The Stylish Director, Personal Stylist, Brisbane Australia

 

 

These days Fashion Trends dictate what we wear however, the job of a Personal Stylist is to take those trends and adapt them into your lifestyle.

As women, our styling elements can change with our mood and our mood can dictate what we FEEL like wearing on any given day. 

Being Stylish combines beauty, intelligence, attitude, elegance, polish, grace and class.  It includes personality characteristics and distinctive presence.  This list is not exhaustive by any means.

But have you ever wondered why you second guess your choice of clothing as the day drives forward? 

Answer:  Your Dominant Style Type is not congruent with your clothing choice which creates frustrating dialogue all day long.

Understanding your Style Type can be a challenge.

Here are a few examples of different Style Types:

·       Arty

·       Bohemian

·       Casual

·       Chic

·       Classic

·       Corporate

·       Elegant

·       Exotic

·       Flamboyant

·       Glamorous

·       Girl Next Door

·       Girly

·       Goth

·       Preppy

·       Punk

·       Rocker

·       Romantic

·       Sexy

·       Sophisticated

·       Sporty

·       Street

·       Tomboy

·       Traditional

·       Trendy

·       Vibrant

·       Western

·       50’s

·       60’s

·       70’s

…And the list goes on.

Connie Matthews, The Stylish Director, ready to go to work. Style_as_ Individual_as_You.

Street Style – Everyone can create this look.

6 STEPS TO DRIVE STYLE posted 23rd January 2016 drills down the ‘How To’ but for today let’s connect you to ‘YOUR’ dominate style type.

Some style types on the list are self-explanatory but many cross paths.  For the main, let’s work with 5 groups:

  1.  Whimsical
  2.  Bohemian
  3.  Classic
  4.  Chic
  5.  Avant-Garde

Once you understand the preferred exterior you lean towards, and dress to that, your attitude and internal dialogue will line-up with your appearance.  Being intelligently connected with your dominant style will create PURE dialogue.  Dressing to your dominant style will make you look and feel comfortable all day.

Dressing you for success, to stand out, to make that first and lasting impression is what I help women with.

The world wants to associate with successful people.  Customers want to purchase from successful people and successful businesses.  Well-dressed people generate more revenue than those that aren’t dressed for success.  That’s a fact!  Ask yourself – Are you where you want to be today?

‘Hands on’ workshops are a great environment to learn and my February event is now completely booked.  Join me on my next shopping adventure with 10 Dynamic Women to learn more about Your Style.  Click here to book!

It all starts with the way you feel about yourself.

Let’s have some fun Styling You.

Connie Matthews The Stylish Director and Personal Stylist

Connie Matthews

STYLE…as Individual as YOU!

connie@thestylishdirector.com.au

0439088669

Or, go to my Events Page for the following:

  1. Meetups where we discuss numerous Fashion and Business topics
  2. Half Day Personal Styling Workshops
  3. 2 Day Styling Workshops

 

WHIMISICAL

A typical Whimsical style type would be someone like Michelle Williams.

She’s good at mixing and matching patterns like stripes, paisley, florals, polka dots, along with lots of colour and often several of these elements all at the same time.  They are often seen wearing layers of different textures as well.  Very rarely will you see them in black, but instead it’s the bright colours like pinks, blues, yellows, greens and every now and then they throw in some neutral earthy tones.

The typical Whimsical style type just loves playful prints, accessories, full skirts and colourful heels.

There’s a little bit of romanticism in her, some Boho, along with a Girly, and sometimes Preppy looks.

If Michelle went out all day in Punk (and not in an acting role) can you see how her internal dialogue would not be congruent with her true personality?  She’d probably feel uncomfortable all day.

Whimsical Style Type

 

BOHEMIAN

No prizes for guessing this one – picture Kate Moss.

Super flowy blouses, maxi dresses and lots of denim.  Chosen colour palette is mainly earthy tones, with a measure of green, burgundy and, just for fun, throwing in paisley or animal print.  The Bohemian style type also likes exotic patterns and textures – think gypsy, or better still, Navajo Indian.

Their personality is carefree and causal however they love the feel and romance of silk.

An era that went well here was the ‘70’s.  There was an artistic flavour, hippy ponchos, big floppy hats and the good old tie-dye elements.  Along with this was the all-important suede jacket, fringe or faux fur trimmings.

Bohemian Style Type

CLASSIC

When it comes to Classic style types think of our gorgeous Kate Middleton.

This look is timeless, traditional and proper with superb fabric and perfect tailoring.  There is a love for simple elegance and clean uncluttered lines.  Fashion trends are secondary to quality and they prefer longevity in their clothes.

The white blouse or Tee-Shirt is an absolute staple with their colour palette being mainly block colour and neutrals.  If we opened their wardrobe you would find practical basics for every season.

Accessories are simple as well:  think Grace Kelly – pearl or diamond stud earrings and/or maybe a strand of pearls.

Classic Style Type

CHIC

I’ve found many think Chic and Classic are the same, however there is a difference.

Chic style types radiate power, are trendy and fashionable.  Victoria Beckham is a wonderful example.

Garments are well tailored, very much like the Classic style type.  However, here they prefer a more monochrome appearance.  There will be a Little Black Dress in the wardrobe and, of course, the Little White Dress.  They use colour as their bold statement such as THE prominent handbag and maybe red lipstick.

She prefers and understands modern shapes and you’ll find asymmetrical lines on hemlines, across the bodice, sleeves and necklines, giving you the touch of Avant-Garde.

The Chic style type is NOW!!!  It’s noticeable, smart and on-trend.

Chic Style Type

AVANT-GARDE

When we think of Avant-Garde we think Fantasy Runways.  Clothes are worn as art and an extension to personality and creativity.  Tilda Swinton is a superb example, and often, Cate Blanchett.

The Avant-Garde style type is bold, innovative and forward-thinking.  Their clothes are edgy, asymmetrical, minimalistic, architectural, sculptured, voluminous and bold.  Can have a touch of masculinity about their clothes and are not one to shy away from the Tuxedo pantsuit either.  And, you guessed it, statement pieces for accessories.

I would have to say this is the most daring and courageous style type of all. You could find any colour in this wardrobe along with metallics.

Avant-Garde Style Type

4 responses to “HOW TO UNDERSTAND YOUR ‘STYLE’”

  1. Angela Stebbing says:

    Very interesting & something we don’t think of in relation to fashion. Basically you are saying you can be anything you want, just be true to yourself, or the incongruous will ultimately shine through & reveal itself anyway.

    • Hi Angela
      Absolutely.
      We do change our minds often on styles and that’s ok. However there is one dominant one that stands out. Be true to that style. It’s also where ‘your little voice’ is.
      A little in-depth but that little voice is the thing that makes it or breaks it.
      Thanks again for you input Angela.
      Connie M
      xx

  2. Isabel says:

    Thanks Connie! As a yoga teacher, living at the beach, who loves to wear 50s dresses I often change multiple times a day. Ive certainly come to realize that an intelligent choice of wardrobe can assist me in my healing work!

    • Hi Isabel
      Thank you so much for your input.
      Agreed! Our clients need to see we are able to guide them from the exercise floor to our chosen professions – with confidence. Our clothing choices demonstrate our professionalism and dedication to our work. If we take ourselves seriously our clients will as well.
      Have a sensational and AWESOME day Isabel.
      Connie M
      xx

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