Reader Question: My lifestyle is very casual and my personal style is relaxed, romantic and classic. How do I add romantic and classical elements to my outfits?
We are all combination of dressing styles. Nobody is one style. Different situations may require us to rely more heavily on one dressing style than others. So often the reason we feel unhappy in our outfits is that we've gotten too stuck in just one personality style - and we're missing out on important parts of our personality and expressing them through our outfits. Luckily, there are quite a few ways to add feminine and classic elements to your outfits so that they better reflect the wonderfulness of you.
The Viennetta approach to Personality Style
I recommend you take the Viennetta approach to express your style. It's a layered approach to style, and you get to select what goes in each layer. Your version will be different from others and that's what makes it right for you.
A Viennetta is an iconic Aussie dessert with wave after wave of creamy vanilla icecream ripples flowing over layers of chocolatey deliciousness, it's way tastier than an onion!
When thinking about creating outfits, you want to include styles, colours, fabrics, textures, patterns and details into your style equation and use a combination of these from each of the personality dressing styles.
A relaxed outfit could start with jeans, plain grey t-shirt and sneakers. By making small tweaks to each element of the outfit, you can add classic and feminine elements
You increase the femininity of your base outfit by replacing the plain t-shirt with a floral pattern or pink t-shirt. You could keep the grey of the t-shirt but add a satin trim, embellished neckline or flutter sleeve. A lighter colour of jean is more feminine than a dark wash and shoes with a heel, metallic finish or floral patterns are another easy way to add a feminine touch to your outfit. Your feminine accessory choices will have smaller scale, more delicate elements that incorporate metallic sheen, precious stones, flower or flowing shapes such as filigree and as much bling and sparkle as you like.
You add classic elements to your outfits by adding a blazer-style jacket over the feminine top and accessories, or alternatively wearing dark indigo denim, straight leg jeans with a button-up white shirt, or relaxed classics such as a Breton stripe or Henley t-shirt. A classic shoe option would be a no-fuss leather oxford but other classic elements are almond toe-shape; matte finish; simple design and dark neutral coloured - grey, black, navy or brown. Classic jewellery is understated, in traditional settings, more refined, and not too much bling or detail.
Your hair and makeup can also take on both feminine and classic elements. Feminine hair would be soft, flowing with curls and may use bows, ribbons, headbands and sparkly hairpins. A soft smoky eye, pink lipstick and blush are perfect for a feminine look. Classic grooming is always polished, with straight sleek hair - the bob, or tied up in a low tidy ponytail. Classic makeup is always there, but never overstated or too heavy, using neutral tones or lightly saturated colours in a matte finish.
Discover the Personality Dressing Styles in Detail
If you'd like to know more about Personality Dressing Styles and how you can apply them to you and your style, check out my 7 Steps to Style program where we do a deep dive into understanding all seven of the personality dressing styles and how you can take small elements of each of those personality dressing styles to layer them up to create your own unique personal style. I know from working with thousands of women that defining your personal style is the easiest way to have a wardrobe full of clothes you love to wear, that work for your life and style and that love you back!
Further Reading
What's Your Personality Style Quiz
How Your Clothes "Fit" Your Lifestyle and Personality
How to Express Your Personality Through Your Personal Style
How to Use Your Personality to Create Stylish Outfits When You Have a Very Practical Lifestyle