Style Building – A Guide to De-Cloning Yourself – Part Two

Having arrived at your personal style therefore, following trends becomes far less complicated. And you will notice that even though the trends change, your style is consistent throughout the seasons and you will begin to learn what is flattering and what isn’t. Yes, it may be a trend to wear berets but if this season’s berets come in plaid inspired by irish kilts and your style is rocker or glam- it is obvious that it would not mesh with your style. In fact, you may have to buy something totally different from what you’re used to wearing in order for it to ‘go’ with anything. And really, if you genuinely have nothing for it to ‘go’ with then is it really your style? And even if you do purchase a whole new outfit hoping to expand your horizons, will you find yourself purchasing more things like it or will it eventually make its way to the back of your closet never to be worn again?

This is not to be confused with stepping outside of your box. I however warn you to do so cautiously. Ask yourself if you genuinely dislike a particular style or item of clothing. If the answer is a loud resounding yes, then don’t bother with it. And this answer should have nothing to do with any insecurity you have. Remember, disliking something and thinking that you cannot pull it off is something totally different. If the thought of wearing something physically makes you ache then chances are you dislike it. If you are afraid to put something on because you think it makes you look fat, or disproportionate etc then you don’t dislike it, you’re just a chicken. *kanye shrug* (yeh I said it).

If something catches your eye without creating repulsion, try it on, snap a picture and walk around in it. Then ask yourself where would you wear it, how often would you wear it, and how would you wear it. Do this before you even think of spending your hard-earned money. Going out of your comfort zone means that you are risking throwing away good money. So please please – and this is an open plea to all my impulse buyers- think before you spend.

Always be willing to try new things – try not buy. Try it on and ask the store to put it on hold if it’s a small boutique store. Wait a few days and if you are still thinking about it and have figured out a way to wear it and somewhere to wear it to then go back, try it on again, make sure it fits properly and if your heart so desires and your pocket so permits then go ahead and make that purchase. Then incorporate it into your wardrobe immediately. Do this so you remind yourself why you decided to make that brave step out of the box, because when the excitement wears off and you fall back into your old habits it will become a stretch to wear it because lets face it, it’s different from everything else in your wardrobe and beside your clothes at home, it’s bound to stick out like a sore thumb. This is when regret can set in, and you need to fight it, so that you can continue to push yourself to make informed decisions to step out of your box.

When you know what you like and how you like it, shopping and dressing become intelligent and confident exercises. You would have found that you have successfully built your base style.

(If you’ve noticed, I haven’t said anything about weight, size or shape yet. This is because I am not going to be the person to tell someone that because you have more curves than Beyonce then you should avoid this style and that style. I didn’t do that because I don’t believe it’s true. I think anyone can wear whichever style they choose. Your style doesn’t even have to fit your personality, but it would be nice if it did :p. Now I’m gonna have to repeat something said so much but ignored so frequently. Wear only what fits. If you want it plainer than that, Joan’s words should do ‘ just because it zips, doesn’t mean it fits’. Clothes weren’t meant to drown or hold anyone in. Use them for their real purpose, to flatter your body and show your personality.)

Dress intelligently, style yourself, look in the mirror….however you want to say it, just look good, you’re the only one to blame when you don’t.