Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of personal style and exploring how personality and environment play significant roles in our clothing choices. I had a delightful conversation with Carol Karl who is one of my fabulous 7 Steps to Style sisters and who has a YouTube channel dedicated to all things jewellery. We discussed how gaining insights into our personality and environment can influence our fashion preferences, enabling us to make genuine and self-assured style choices.
Our chats got pretty in-depth, so this is the first in a 3 part series I'll be sharing with you.
Personality - The Key Driver of Style Choices
Our personality is the foundation upon which our style is built. It influences everything we choose. The colors, materials, and designs you find appealing are all shaped by your unique personalities. Sure a dress or outfit may look good - but is it who you are? Does it feel right on you? Does it express who you are? Recognizing your own personality traits and how they relate to your style choices is essential in avoiding fashion mistakes and creating a wardrobe that truly represents who you are.
Personality is expressed through jewellery choices as well as through clothing and other accessories. It's a fun way to express the more dramatic or creative parts of your personality if you work in a more conservative environment where you may not be able to wear very creative clothing styles.
The Concept of Mixed Personality
Many people struggle as they think they should just have one specific personality dressing style yet I know from my 2 decades of experience that we are all a mix of personality dressing styles as we are unique humans. We all have a mix of personality traits, and it's how we combine them that makes our style unique. Instead of trying to fit into just one predefined style category, you should embrace your individuality and explore the various aspects of your own mix, taking the elements of each of the styles you love and leaving what you don't.
Here's an example of how I mix different styles in a outfit and then here's a very different outfit that still reflects my personality.
You can learn exactly how to express your personality through your clothing, flattering your body using a program such as my 7 Steps to Style which gives you the roadmap on how to do this. By identifying the elements of your favourite outfits and what makes you feel comfortable, you can gain clarity on your personal style and make more informed fashion choices.
Avoiding the Copycat Syndrome
It's normal to look at someone's style on social media and think, "I want to rock that too!". Copying someone else's style entirely is not a great style strategy because it may not align with your personality, your body or your colouring. Each person is unique, and what works for one individual may not feel authentic to another. Instead, appreciate and learn from others' styles while maintaining your own sense of self. What elements are common to the looks that you like? What other elements about the outfits do you like? What elements do you not like? What elements do you already own? The goal is to understand and embrace your own style, where you feel most comfortable and confident. Discovering a new way to style a sleeve or wear a belt from someone else's outfit photo is great, but copying the whole look is unlikely to work as you are not that person.
This necklace by Witaya is dramatic because of its scale but feminine because it's a floral - so a combination of both, with some creativity in the construction
Examples of Personality Styles in Jewellery
- Classic - traditional pieces discreet in style
- Relaxed - made from natural materials - polished turquoise, wooden beads etc.
- Dramatic - large scale, big and bold
- Creative - quirky and interesting, asymmetrial, unusual, made from unusual materials
- Rebellious - metal studs, leather, skulls
- Feminine - small and delicate, intricate, sparkling
- Elegant Chic - modern settings, large scale real gems and quality
Lifestyle and Environment
Our lifestyle, culture, environment, and upbringing significantly impact our style choices. Factors such as religious beliefs, job requirements, family traditions, and even the climate of your location shape the clothes you wear. For instance, living in a relaxed coastal town may lead to a preference for casual attire, while a corporate job in a bustling city may call for structured and professional outfits. Understanding these external influences helps us make more contextually appropriate and personally satisfying fashion decisions. For more insight, check out How does your lifestyle influence your clothing choices?
Uncovering your personal style involves a deep understanding of your personality, a recognition of the aspects that resonate with you, and an awareness of the external factors that shape your style choices. By embracing your unique personality mix, you can confidently navigate the world of fashion, avoiding the pitfalls of imitating others' styles. Remember, true style is an expression of your authentic self. So, go ahead and express your personal style with confidence and flair!
Further Reading
Why Personality is the Key to Style
Tips on Finding and Defining Your Authentic Style DNA
10 Ways Personality Is More Important Than Body Shape When Choosing Flattering Clothes
Finding Your Style and Determining the True You
