What’s Your Style?

January 7th, 2012 by Ms. Ayo Fashola

I’ve discovered that this is a tough question for lots of people. Normally I get answers like, “I don’t know what my style is,” or “Whatever catches my eye,” or “Whatever feels comfortable.” Some people feel that having a defined style confines and limits their choices. I used to feel this way and I soon learned that this was not true. Defining my style actually did the opposite. I became even more aware of all the possibilities that fit my style characteristics and now it was simply a matter of narrowing down my choices to the best that fit my budget, lifestyle and needs.

In the past I took a passive approach to shopping; roaming and wandering from store to store until I saw the piece that caught my eye. I enjoyed walking around the mall and noticing all the pretty colors and styles, but my only problem with this was 3-4 hours would go by quickly and I would only come home with just one item, sometimes none. Four hours and nothing. This was fine with me when I had the luxury of time. Now as a full-time entrepreneur, I quickly became aware that I did not want to use my time this way, yet it was important to me and for my business that I felt and looked stylish, fashionable, comfortable, and put together. When choosing clothes, colors, accessories and hairstyles, what felt right to me?

Style Personalities

I needed to align my clothes with my authentic self so my clothes could work for me in the best possible way. First off, What is Style? I like to describe style as your unique and signature point of view. Your unique signature approach. Your style is THE PERSPECTIVE on which you CHOOSE to experience life, expressed in many forms: fashion, photography, music, painting, web design, etc.

Everyone has a style. It’s just a matter of defining it.

I’ve learned from my personal shopping experiences that fashion designers design under 5 major Style Categories: Classic, Romantic, Creative, Dramatic, and Natural

First here is a brief overview of the 5 Styles:

Classic: The classic speaks “traditional,” “tasteful,” and “in control.” The look is simple and clean. Clothes and accessories are of excellent quality (so they will last) with classic lines that endure and will always be in style.

Romantic: The Romantic is seduced by any item of clothing with detail—frills, flounces, and fringes abound in your wardrobe. You love looking and feeling feminine and airy and invariably choose pretty fabrics.

Creative: The Creative takes pride in originating a look to suit her personality. You love shopping and revel in rummaging through secondhand stores for vintage classics to team with your latest fashion purchases.

Dramatic: The Dramatic buys clothes that will turn a few heads. You are something of an impulse buyer, are drawn to the latest fashions, and have to shop and read fashion magazines to keep up to date.

The Natural: The Natural is not one for fuss and frippery. Comfort is your priority when it comes to shopping for clothes, and you prefer a simple but casual look, with the bare minimum of added accessories.