5 Questions to Help You Define Your Unique Style

Personal style is about how you feel, and only then about how you look. You can be a daring rebel, a reserved Turgeniev girl, a free-spirited French woman, or a femme fatale, and all of this can be expressed through your clothing. My favorite style icons—Audrey Hepburn, Coco Chanel, Jeanne Damas, and Josie Packard—have proven that clothing is a lifestyle, a comfort, and a message you want to convey to the world about yourself. To feel comfortable in your own style, I ask myself 5 simple questions, and I invite you to do the same.

1. How Would You Describe Your Style?

Fatal, sexy, infantile, daring, sporty… When I think about my style, the image of a Parisian woman comes to mind: natural, refined, and feminine. I see the hem of a midi skirt swaying, a silk blouse flowing, or a wrap dress playfully revealing a décolletage. If I choose shoes, I look for neutral colors and comfortable soles, a small heel, and a toe with a beautiful design: round, pointed, or open-toe.

Tip: Before you go shopping, think about the words that describe you or the image you want to embody. If you asked Jeanne Damas or Jane Birkin about this, you would hear: casual, vintage, playful. These words create an atmosphere and define how you feel in your clothes. Use your feelings for self-expression.

2. What Does Your Style Say About You?

Personal style is a form of self-expression and communication. How you dress gives others an idea of who you really are. So, what do you want people to see the next time they look at you? Do you want them to see sexuality, modesty, or rebellion? Or perhaps femininity, strength, confidence, or originality?

A colleague once told me:

You dress beautifully, but I don’t think your style suits you. You should wear shorts and a T-shirt, a voluminous tulle skirt, and sneakers.

I was interested to learn how another person saw me. But how I look today is a result of how I feel inside and what I want to say to the world.

Tip: Write down the characteristics you would like to hear about yourself or the traits that define your character. When you see your own portrait, it will be easier to bring it to life through your clothing.

3. Who Inspires You and Why?

I notice that girls are increasingly turning to the style of fashion icons from the past. Jeanne Damas created a clothing brand in the style of Jane Birkin; Instagram girls, Charlotte Tay and Annelies van Overbeek, copy Audrey Hepburn’s style, and my friend dresses like Audrey Horne from ‘Twin Peaks’.

In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with such borrowing, as fashion goes in circles. Personally, I have always been inspired by Coco Chanel. My love for black, pearls, and Breton stripes defines my wardrobe.

Tip: Think about who inspires you to buy certain clothing items. Your wardrobe doesn’t have to be in the style of stars—in everyday life, there is plenty of inspiration: your mother, sister, friend, or favorite blogger. Evaluate the main components of these women’s wardrobes and decide what you can buy and what you can simply wear in a new way.

4. What Do You Pay Attention to When Shopping?

I am a fan of Mango, and every time I go into the store, my hands reach for light floral fabrics, black and classic sheath dresses, Breton stripes, and midi lengths. The clothes you pay attention to first are the ones you genuinely want to wear, but you don’t always follow your heart. Why?

Tip: The next time your soul sings at the sight of a velvet blazer, a shirt dress, or a charming floral blouse, try them on and look at your new image. To be stylish, you need to feel comfortable. This is why women like Emma Watson or Dita Von Teese wear what they truly like, not what is trendy.

5. How Does Your Style Fit Your Lifestyle?

I feel very comfortable sitting in a silk robe in the kitchen and drinking semi-sweet white wine. In a light floral dress and wedge sandals, you can go to the office, but to ride a longboard, you have to wear jeans and your favorite DC shoes.

You shouldn’t limit your style to just one image: sporty, business, or romantic. You can add a favorite element to any of these wardrobes. To not betray my inner French woman and not look too sporty in a T-shirt, sneakers, and jeans, I tied a silk scarf in my hair.

But to always be dressed for the occasion, you need to understand if your clothes fit the lifestyle you lead. High heels are sexy, but if you are on your feet all day and need to be mobile, they are not the best choice.

Tip: Identify the main factors of your lifestyle and evaluate how comfortable it is to be in clothes that reflect your individuality throughout the day. Follow my advice: remember the details. You can always be yourself if you add accessories, whether you are going fishing or to a ball.