“Style is not immutable.” I love this statement, because once we realize that fashion is fluid and ever-changing, we gain permission to play around with trends and to experiment with new combinations and ideas, while still remaining true to our own iconic style. Yes, it is possible. Once we understand our core preferences and tastes, we can build a wardrobe that is current and flattering while not compromising the essence of our authentic selves.
Sarai Mitnick from Colette’s original Wardrobe Architect challenge explains it like this. “We each have aspects of our style that are closer to who we are and to our own personal realities. These aspects don’t change much and form our more static style. That iconic style can be expressed in different ways throughout our lives, but recognizing it and celebrating it helps you to feel more like you.”
But where to start? For me, I like to collect inpsirational fashion looks onto a Pinterest board. And interestingly enough, many of these pictures usually revolve around the same style icons over and over. I can begin to see a pattern that, I feel, best captures my own personal brand.
Think about it. We all know what adjectives come to mind when we hear the name Audrey Hepburn. Classic. Clean. Kate Middleton. Tailored. Polished. But do we know what statements our own looks evoke? Do we really know our iconic selves? Well, let’s get started. Download this week’s worksheet and fill in your answers.
Have you filled in your worksheet? I have, and here are some of the keywords I’ve collected that best describe my own personal mojo.
- Casual (I’m not at all a tailored, preppy person.)
- Organic (reflected in my love for natural fabrics, double gauze, linen, an earthy & comfortable feel.)
- Bohemian (As a child throughout the 60s, a hippie, free spirited flavor always crops up in my wardrobe.)
- Original (You can call it quirky, if you’d like, accessories & styling details that are clearly not of the RTW store-bought variety.)
- Sweet (I battled with this adjective… nostalgic, but not in an old-fashioned way… innocent, but not little girly… and because I love small floral prints, I’m going with the word sweet.)
I’ve also collected photos of “looks” I find inspirational.
casual
Yes, I confess… I love jeans and tee shirts! (And also Reese Witherspoon, apparently.) She just wears the casual look so well.
quirky / boho
Also guilty of another favorite… Meg Ryan. I especially loved her wardrobe in Proof of Life and When a Man Loves a Woman. She does quirky boho like no-one else!
more favorites
I love, love, love simple cotton dresses! Pair them with funky, unexpected shoes and I’m in. And I’ve always been a fan of gauzy, lightweight clothing. (There are so many cool Japanese pattern books that I can’t wait to tackle this year.)
I’ve been spending a lot of time “pinning” and collecting fashion ideas this week, but I already feel I’m gaining a clearer focus for my Spring/Summer capsule wardrobe. People who have an iconic style don’t just pull random garments from their closets each morning. They understand the statement they want to make. They have uncovered their core styles… their iconic selves.
Let’s do the same!
Begin the Wardrobe Architect challenge here.
