Define Your Signature Style
At this moment in time, this is my signature style, and what it consists of.
Create your own personal signature.
It is that time of the year to take a step further… to let go of the old and embrace the new… to up your style quotient by creating your own signature look. Since style makes our world enchanting and elegant, and once you identify what you look and feel the best in, you can be sure that will extend to where you need to spend to make heads turn! And, let me tell you there cannot be a better time than this fall season to scrutinise and take a decision.
But how do you define your signature style? The ‘style’ that defines you and your personality?
Keep in mind that personal style need not be static; it can evolve in due course depending on how you evolve personally. Let me also tell you that you will need to work on it to rediscover your beauty and meaning for the moment. And who knows, my style might be different when you meet me next. But isn’t that what makes fashion exciting, and makes us realise change is constant when it comes to style too!
Here are my suggestions on how to go about finding your own personal signature:
- At the outset, find out what makes you feel good yet confident. Looking stylish does not mean you need to wear something expensive and exclusive; it can be simple or it can be something that helps you assert your personality and individuality. It can be the little details that can make you feel happy and look good.
- Try to break free from your routine sense of dressing and wear something new. How would you know what looks good on you until you try it on? Let the new set of clothes you wear reveal your aesthetic eye; speak about your sentimental memories, adventures, and stories. That way, you make a statement with your sense of dressing, and a personal one at that.
- Make a list of what you would like to add to your personality to make it new and attractive. You could either have this list in a folder on your laptop or a sticky note up on your mirror. Your list could range from a melange of colours, silhouettes, and trends that inspire you {Pinterest board}, and you could even use cut-outs from magazines as a guide to help create a mood board for yourself. Finding inspiration is a great way to hone in on what you love for this season!
- Once you have your mood board ready, it is time to decide on the style of clothing you want to wear. For the longest time, I thought I was a pants/trouser person. And for those of you that have been following me for a long time, you know that once upon a time I only lived in pants, and that totally was my signature style back then. But now, beautifully structured dresses give me a sense of freedom and fluidity, and make me feel sophisticated, feminine, and confident ~ all at the same time!
- After playing around with trends, I’ve realised that just wearing what’s trendy isn’t enough to make a statement; you need to wear the right accessories too for your personal style to speak out and define ‘you’. You’ll usually see me in a lovely dress, and to pair with my dress, I typically opt for subtle/minimal accessories.
- When it comes to handbags/clutches ~ I adore structured and feminine pieces as they make me look sophisticated and feel like a celebrity {ha}! And, I’m constantly on the lookout for stunning pieces with subtle twists. You can find a multitude of styles to choose from for any attire you decide to wear; be it for a daytime soiree or an evening shindig.
- As for jewellery, I prefer to keep it minimal and elegant and wear one statement piece. E.g. eye-catching detailed silver necklaces or shoulder-duster earrings add an element of glamour. And, I have found that simple and clean lines work best for me; acknowledging my distinct personality.
- Yes, I do like to wear a watch and add 2 to 3 bracelets for good measure. I personally feel they complement each other, adding a sense of playfulness to my style and attire. I would encourage you to try different combinations to make the statement you want to.
- When it comes to shoes, a classic embroidered mojari/jutti is a wardrobe must-have for me. If not that, I always find myself gravitating toward embellished mules in shades of black, white, and nude. They go well with both trousers and dresses and will help you set the right tone while stepping out.
- Your signature style will be incomplete without the right pair of sunglasses. Currently, I’ve been loving the vintage-inspired oversized rectangular specs and ultra-round eclectic styles, as I feel like the silhouette pulls a look together nicely. Of course, there are a lot of shapes, colours, and materials to choose from depending on the mood you want to create.
- Last but not the least, how you style your hair is important. I have fairly straight hair, and although I love wearing it in exactly that fashion, I do love wearing my hair up in a messy bun or a topknot as well {a look that stayed with me through my recent trip to Fiji.}. It is a style that is kind of modish, and you can have a few loose tendrils and wisps of hair to give you that soft feminine look. I love that this style is chic and goes with pretty much any look I’m wearing, and I also find it the easiest to do when I am in a hurry to step out.
To conclude: Once you define your signature style, it is like making a personal statement each time you step out ~ wherever you go and whatever you choose to wear, casual or formal.
I feel like here in India, there’s a pressure to wear something different every day thanks to the trend of social media, but I’ve gotten to a point where I don’t mind wearing the same type of outfit over and over again!
Have you found your signature style? Let me know in the comments below!
So helpful! I am chipping away at a consistent wardrobe with staple pieces but that requires an extensive course of action. Your article really helps as a step by step walk-through. Thank you for sharing. xx
The way toward refining your style to its very essence teaches you a lot about your personal style and what it is really about.
This editorial is precisely what I’ve been looking for, Tanya! Intriguing and engaging! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thank you for reading, Maheshwari 🙂
I adore vintage and retro styles, and love bringing out those in my own style but I can’t love Twiggy as a fashion icon!
Hmmn… it’s a struggle to stick to timeless, classic pieces when the whole world of style blogging is devoted to promotional marketing!
I continually have “nothing to wear” and certainly do not feel pulled together. Thanks much for your blog about building style, Tanya! Keep up the great work!
Creating something as personal as a signature look can never be a linear process, and of course, there is no single way to do it. Thank you, Debidutta.
I like that you say a person’s signature look is a personal reflection of their choices, and that it may very well be applied to a wider range of aesthetics. Anticipating the next instalment! xx
Now more than ever, we aren’t limited by a specific fashion of the decade like past eras did. Now we are free to wear what we want, Sudha.
I recently found your blog, and am enjoying this wonderful post on finding your signature style and building a wardrobe. I rarely stray too far from my style, and I’m OK with that too. 🙂
Signature style is a way of dressing that identifies you – it works almost like a fashion calling card.
One person whose signature style I love is Jennifer Aniston. Her street style is so laid back and looks easy and thrown together without much thought.
I read an interview where she said she gets her T-shirts custom fitted. Such a basic thing but I think it shows.
I experiment a little too regularly with various looks. My boyfriend says I am elegant, but I don’t exactly know how to dissect that into what my signature is. This post definitely helps! Thanks Tanya! xx
Remember that styling is a profession, and therefore, a skill that can and needs to be trained.
Great post! I love the idea of creating a “signature style” that is instantly identifiable. Over the years, I’ve managed to talk myself down from the shopping ledge, and arrive at a signature style I’m comfortable with. 🙂
Thanks Anubhuti. My final tip, and something I find really useful when it comes to signature style, is to work out which brands are the best fit for your new style ~ both literally (as in, they make clothes that fit you), and stylistically.
I’ve always admired people who have a uniform ~ a style which is identifiably theirs. This, for me, is what personal style is all about. xx
It isn’t easy, but I think in the end it makes you happy.
I believe it’s equally important to have that signature hair and makeup to integrate your look. It truly demonstrates that one aspect of someone’s style can be their ‘signature look’ and they can, in any case, be adaptable with the rest.
True. Signature style doesn’t have to mean just adhering to the same outfit formula every time.
I love how Grace Coddington’s white oxford shirt, black pants + beret, and Birkenstocks are relevant today. Exquisite post. I hope I can build up ‘signature look’ for the future! xx
Once you are content with your final look, aim to curate several items per component that you can mix-and-match, Anchal.
I figure I may be a combination of Patti Smith and Lou Doillon – comfort all the way!
You go girl!
Just came across your post, and it is EXACTLY what I have been looking for. Developing my signature style feels a little overwhelming but I am so excited to begin the process! xx
Glad to hear it, Diya!
Your tips are spot on, love this post! I’ve begun the way toward refining to a capsule wardrobe and it has absolutely simplified my life, Tanya!
Being true to yourself makes your signature style more authentic, Sonal.
You are such an inspiration, Tanya! I wish I was imaginative enough and could make mood boards and the like. Be that as it may, now I’m really inclined to at least attempt it!
You could create a mood board with images that you are drawn to, or make a list of ten things in your life that you absolutely love.
I am in the process of refining my wardrobe, so this looks like a really valuable approach from start to finish. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
My pleasure, Seema.
That is a wonderful guide, thank you for putting it together! I like this idea of a “signature look” which encapsulates both one’s aesthetics and practical needs.
Focus on creating authenticity, consistency and purpose ~ and voila, you’ve defined your Signature Style!
Love this, love you! ❤️ So happy to hear that your journey to learn and be a fashion ally has depth, Tanya. I’ve loved to see authentic growth and change made in your overall blogging journey… Thank you for continuing to educate me!
I don’t want to stop reading, listening, learning – and talking about these topics. And, I will continue to educate myself to remain aware… Thank you for reading, Shireen.