Do you have a signature style? Something that articulates your brand in the world? A look that everyone immediately associates as being ‘so you’?
There’s no doubt about it, developing a signature style is a good idea. Somewhat akin to a uniform – and occasionally described as such – everything you’ll read on the topic confirms that having a signature style is advantageous.
Benefits Of A Signature Style Include:
- Decisions on what to wear on a day to day basis are made easier as you are true to your look.
- In a similar vein, shopping for new clothes becomes simpler, because you are not distracted by items that are not in keeping with your signature style.
- No orphaned clothing as everything matches.
- Less money wasted on clothes you never wear.
- And no guilt for buying those unworn clothes in the first place.
- Increased confidence because you are comfortable and happy with your look.
French women are known for being effortlessly chic and for having a signature style. Flat shoes (boots or ballerinas). Skinny jeans. A well fitted top. A perfectly cut jacket. And, of course, no French woman’s outfit would be complete without a scarf.
Years of studying French style finally led me to discover my own signature style. And I’m so glad I did. Now I’m so much better at buying clothes that fit both my body and my lifestyle. I’ve invested in a few classic pieces I love – and that I have had (and will still have) for years. And the line between my ‘work wardrobe’ and ‘casual gear’ has definitely blurred to the point where there is considerable crossover as I more regularly wear what is truly ‘me’.
And – best of all – there’s no more staring into my closet, waiting for the perfect outfit to jump out at me.
The other wardrobe element I have developed over the years is a signature palette. Almost everything in my wardrobe is one of four colours. Yes, there are variations in shades and a few accents popping up in tones of tan but essentially all of my clothing is either blue, grey, white or black.
Instinct tells me that determining a signature style becomes easier as we mature – or when we ask for help. Settling on a signature style can offer so much. You will grow in confidence and you’ll come to know who you are. You’ll become tuned into what you love. You will understand what suits you – as well as what doesn’t. And you’ll be far less likely to be swayed by trends.
Goodness all around, I say.
Have you developed a signature style? What colours or elements are key to your look? Please share your thoughts in comments section below.
And until next time – au revoir.
11 thoughts on “Thoughts On Developing A Signature Style”
I’m a firm believer in the wisdom of finding a signature style and sticking with it – that’s pretty much what my writing is all about. I’ve been wearing mostly black and white, with red accents, for decades, and I find that it makes everything related to shopping and getting dressed so much easier than it might otherwise be. And people will send me emails with pictures of clothing or accessories, when they see things that “look like me.”
This is definitely advice that your readers should seriously consider…
big hug,
Janice
Thank you so much Janice – and big hugs back to you. To my mind, there is no one better than you at the whole signature style concept and the fact that you have already helped so many of my readers (and yours of course) through your work on The Vivienne Files is a testament to that.By the way – love what you did with the tote bag today!!!
Hi Janelle,
I’ve been working seriously on my wardrobe for the last year and have a palette and a style that suits my lifestyle.
My wardrobe is composed of four colours; navy, khaki, cream and coral/peach. There are less clothes and they all work together which makes deciding what to wear so much easier.
While my signature style is probably not as chic as a French lady’s, it stylish, presentable and easy to wear.
Hi Claire. It sounds like you have your signature style sorted and that you are reaping the benefits. Your colour combo sounds lovely and I’m sure it is just a chic as any French woman’s style!