Finding Your Signature Style

By Brian Maynor

 

We’ve all be there:  standing in the closet practically paralyzed with indecision.  We need to get dressed, but nothing we see sparks excitement, inspiration or desire.  Instead all we feel is trapped, bored, and frustrated.

While deciding what to wear may not make the top 10 list of pressing issues of the day, that doesn’t mean it’s not important or impactful.  Clothes affect not only how we feel about ourselves and the confidence we carry, it also affects the level of trust we have in ourselves and others have in us as well as our performance.  When we look good, we feel good and perform better.

Developing a signature style is the best way to alleviate this paralysis.  Your style will be unique, adaptable and totally yours.  Here are some tips on how to get started:

Find you inspiration.  It’s easy to look at someone, or a picture and decide if you like what you see or not, but a signature style is a lot more than one outfit.  My best tip is to do a search through your social media outlet of choice:  Google, Instagram, Pinterest, etc., and look at as many photos as you can find of the person in various aspects of their lives.  That is the only way to discover the commonalities that tie all of their looks together and get a broad view of their style.  It may also help to write down the qualities you want in your signature style to compare with what you find.  This will keep you focused and let you make notes about tweaks or changes you can make to a look.

Consider your lifestyle.  Red carpets offer stunning dresses and tuxedos, performances offer great costumes and street styles are fun for days off, but how much of your life is really going to be spent at fancy parties, performing, or lounging?  After you’ve found your inspiration the second step is to adapt it to your lifestyle.  This is critical.  Your style and clothes have to be functional for your everyday life while highlighting your personality.  It’s definitely a balancing act, and one that may take practice.  One place to start is with a realistic evaluation of your schedule.  Look over the next month and see what you are going to need to wear.  This is a great way to forecast how your pieces need to work, and where you should be placing emphasis.

Raid your closet.  Once you have an understanding and visual reference to what you are looking for, it’s time to tackle your closet.  Most of us have been through an experimental phase where we buy pieces we think we’ll like or wear only to have them cluttering up the back of our closet, the floor, or shelves.  This is the time to purge those pieces, a long with things you haven’t worn in over a year.  This process can take as many steps or days as you need.  I review closets a few times before actually making a donation run.  Here’s my basic process:

Start with the initial de-clutter of things never worn, then look at what’s left in comparison to your inspiration.  Pull out the things that are not aligned with your new vision.  Assess what’s left and make notes of any holes.  Resort through your discarded pieces to see if any can be used in your new style.  Reassess and take time to work through how each piece fits into your signature style.  Then pull out pieces that are damaged or in need cleaning.

Smopping (otherwise know as Smart Shopping).  Now that you have a clear idea of where you’re going with your style, what you have and what you are missing it’s time to start filling in the missing pieces.  Shopping without a vision or plan is only going to compound the problem of never having anything to wear, because that problem has nothing to do with the quantity of pieces, but rather how you use them.

Ask for help.  Whether it’s a professional, trusted friend, or associate at your favorite boutique, asking for help is never a bad idea.  Not only do you get to walk through your vision, they can provide insights and options that you may have missed or alternatives that better suit your needs and lifestyle.

Finding your signature style is all about encapsulating and showcasing who you are through what you wear.  It’s not about labels or brands.  Just be honest with yourself both about what you want, and what you need.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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