Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Lana Del Rey and Amy Winehouse all have one other thing in common apart from being pop music icons, but they also carry their own signature style that never fail to inspire fashionistas. Establishing your own signature style is a great way to make a fashion statement, but how do you do it and where do you start? Here are some simple strategies to create an easy-to-spot signature style that will articulates your personality and sense of style.
1. Think About Your Personality
The first thing about creating your own signature style is that you want it to reflect who you are, and not who you want to be. Are you one to who loves to be in the spotlight, a true rocker chick, or playful and quirky? Think about how you would see yourself in the outfit instead of thinking how others would see you.
2. Create a Style Mantra
A style mantra is all about creating a sense of style that is uniquely you, and is apparent everyday. It could all about choosing a color and then matching it around in various shades, or a level of comfort, or even opting for looks that are elegant, chic and polished? Remember that it’s all about what you want in fashion, and not what they give you.
3. Fashion No-Nos
We’re all prone to some fashion guilty pleasures, whether it’s sacrificing style for the sake of comfort. But hey, if you love Ugg boots a lot, rock them stylishly because we highly respect anyone with the ability to wear something that isn’t deemed stylish. However, we’re not talking about your ability to rock something that looks like an abomination. Steer clear of unflattering designs and fabrics that cling to your skin too much. One of the many keys to looking good is to opt for clean cuts.
4. Know Your Shape
Every woman is created differently, so it’s generally unhealthy to idolize supermodels you see in magazines. The simplest foundations to creating your signature style is to take note of your body shape. If you’ve got big hips, find out what you can wear to flatter them, or if you’ve got a busty chest, learn ways to accentuate them without pushing it too far.
5. Get Inspired
The internet (and fashion magazines) are the best sources for style inspiration. But don’t forget to narrow down your search based on what you want. It not only gives you a pointers on what wears well, but they will also give you a few tips on how you can match your outfit with a certain look with makeup and hair.
6. Invest in Classic Pieces
If you can’t afford to buy what you want to create your look, start with a hint of minimalism by investing in some simple pieces that will easily represent the look you’re rooting for. We highly recommend a piece of denim jeans in a classic cut, simple black booties, a Breton shirt, a printed scarf, a denim or leather jacket, and a tank top. A lot of us would at least have a few of these in our wardrobe. All these pieces are the perfect base for you to start inventing your own style.
7. Accessorize
Once you have a couple of simple pieces to work with, accessories are your best bet to helping create a look that’s uniquely you. It doesn’t matter if a few of your friends have the same statement necklace as you do, but you always have the opportunity to define it according to the way it should look on you. So learn a few tricks to accessorizing and start hunting for some!
8. D.I.Y.
One of the easiest fool-proof techniques to creating your signature style is to master the glue-gun and sewing machine to re-invent or make something that no one else has. The internet is full of D.I.Y. tips on how to make your own necklaces, skirts, dresses, and shoes, so spend your weekends wisely and make something that’s identifies with your personality.
9. Experiment and Have Fun
Always try out potential outfits in the store. Hanging them over your neck with the hanger on isn’t going to show you whether it’ll look great on you. And if you like the fit and design it, but it’s not truly ‘you’, just get it (if you can afford it, of course). Fashion is all about taking risks while having fun. No one’s going to hate you entirely for wearing something out of the ordinary.
10. Be Confident
We’re often conscious about what people are thinking about us when we walk down the street, showing off our new digs. But the trick to rocking your own style is to wear it confidently. Just don’t leave the house in something you wouldn’t wear or feel uncomfortable in. All in all, don’t sweat the small stuff, we say. The world is your runway, after all!
