6 Steps To Define A Trademark Style

Gail Scott: Beauty & Fashion Kuel Category Expert

We’ve all seen those women, the ones who appear that their insides and outsides are a seamless flow.

Everything that appears to the rest of us is in alignment with who she truly is. The colors on her body seem to be the colors of her soul. She exudes confidence in her choices in clothing, hair, and makeup. She is put together, she seems complete, and she makes a statement. I’ve always wanted to be that clear with my style, have you?

“Perhaps some of us have never even found our trademark style.”

Our Trademark Style:

As we age, raise kids, keep homes, explore careers, serve our community, etc, we often lose ourselves in all of the busyness of those seasons. As we lose our identities to titles like wife, mom, employee, etc., we can also lose our style. Perhaps some of us have never even found our trademark style.

My question to you for the start of 2022, is “does your style match the woman that you are?” If not, I want to challenge you to make that so. As we explore who we are in this season of life, let’s also explore how we present that to the world around us. Let’s live out our truth in every way, inside and out. Let’s use our style to show something about us to those around us. And let our feelings of not caring what others think roll over into our style. Let’s be us!

But where would one begin?

How do you even know what your style is?

How do you build a wardrobe around this style?

STEP 1 – Exploration:

Take some time to think about who you are and what you want to say to the world, in other words, how do you wish to express yourself?

“Don’t hold back, clip whatever grabs your attention. Do not judge based on size, age, or price.”

Grab a notebook and jot down the following:

• What colors do I love? Which ones look best on me? If you need help here, consultant a color analyst.
• What fabrics do I find tempting, alluring, interesting, comfortable?
• Without any limits placed on me (price, size), what looks am I attracted to?
• Who has a style that I admire?
• Are there shapes that would look best on my body or that I simply prefer?
• What kinds of garments will work for my lifestyle and career?

STEP 2 – Create The Look:

• Look through magazines, catalogs, and online to find pics of pieces or styles that you are drawn to. If you are a techy gal, Pinterest can be a great resource (you can also create a board there rather than using a notebook). Don’t hold back, clip whatever grabs your attention. Do not judge based on size, age, or price.
• Place these inside the notebook to create an image board.
• Review the image board, is it you? Does anything stand out as not working with the overall vibe? How does it make you feel?

STEP 3 – Refine The Vision:

• Study the notebook and note repeated colors, textures, prints, & styles. Is there a shape that speaks to you? Do you like flowers? Large or small ones? Do you like prints? Large or small?
• Choose a “base color” like black, navy, or khaki. This color will be a grounding or a reference point for building the wardrobe. Every piece should match the base color, blue denim, or white.
• Consider how those could work in a wardrobe appropriate for your lifestyle.
• Make a list of pieces you want or need to create the look.

“If unsure, try it on and take a pic. Then evaluate it with an objective eye.”

STEP 4 – The Purge:

• Here is where things may get a little uncomfortable, but you can do it. It’s time to let go of whatever does not fit your defined style. The purge will give you a clean start and eliminate confusion, wasted time, and wasted closet space. Free up the space to fill your world with things that represent YOU.
• Go through your ENTIRE wardrobe; the closet, the drawers, everything. Evaluate every piece and determine if it fits the new style, works with the base color rule, is in good shape, and fits you. If not, IT GOES. It can go anywhere; charity, resale, etc., but these items MUST GO.
• If unsure, try it on and take a pic. Then evaluate it with an objective eye. Compare it to the looks in your notebook.
• Now revisit the list from above and see if you have found any pieces from your list. Also, add accessories and undergarments that are needed/wanted to your list. Prioritize the list based on the most needed or desired items and the upcoming season.

STEP 5 – Shopping:

• Shopping is an ongoing process, so don’t panic. Also, don’t be discouraged if you do not find what you are looking for right away.
• Keep your list of wanted pieces and basic needs with you anytime you may be shopping. Storing them in your phone is a great option. Include pics to show to sales associates.

“Knowing where to go, online or in-person, makes shopping easy.”

• Instead of rolling into a store and grabbing whatever is on sale, hold every potential purchase up to your list and your base color guideline. This practice will help you take home things that work with your building wardrobe. One great purchase that fits into your closet well is better than three that don’t.
• Moreover, start to become aware of stores and brands that fit your style. Knowing where to go, online or in-person, makes shopping easy.
• This list is also handy when someone asks about a gift for you :).
• Try to identify at least one new thing that you can add immediately to give yourself a boost. Choose a fun or significant piece.

STEP 6 – Complete the LOOK:

• Ask yourself if your hair and makeup complete the style you have chosen to express the inner you, or if they need updating.

“Don’t be afraid to step outside of your former comfort zone.”

• If not, consider getting professional help. The right hairstylists and makeup artists are masters at bringing the entire look together. That is the difference between a STYLE and a jumbled mess. Get good at articulating what look you are seeking to get the best results.
• Don’t be afraid to step outside of your former comfort zone. If you have always wanted to cut it, color it, or try it, DO IT!

Are you catching a vision? Do you see yourself walking past a mirror and feeling that the reflection is YOU instead of a person unknown? Girl, it’s time to be authentically you. To express all that is you. To live loud and proud. And to have a style that reflects all that you are.

And why not engage in the process with a friend? Make it a fun undertaking.

Here’s to YOU in ’22, creating an outer image that is true to your inner self!

Did you enjoy this article? Become a Kuel Life Member today to support our ad-free Community. Sign-up for our Sunday newsletter and get your expert content delivered straight to your inbox.

About the Author: