Style. Even the word carries a certain ‘je ne sais pas’. What do we mean by it and does it matter anyway? having advised many women and men over the years in myrole as an Image Consultant on their own personal style, I thought I would make an attempt to answer the question.
We very often know when we see style, but we’re not sure how it’s achieved or what it is that we’ve seen. it may be the cut of an outfit or the way it’s accessorised or it may be a grand gesture or even a small one, it may be a walk or it may seem to be that person’s whole being and how we know when choosing a present which item they would like. For instance the girly girl will always choose the pink pretty necklace rather than the black bold choker. the mature classic lady will always go for pearls or gold, something good quality and understated – ( watch out for older society ladies for examples ladies in waiting to the Queen on the television, they do it beautifully – it’s what they were taught to do from being young and they still do it instinctively – nothing showy, just class and very British).
Which leads us on to two more questions of style, can we British do it? and do we have to do the same thing we did from being young (often that which we’ve been trained to do by our mothers and would like to break away from)? and who are these people who influence our style anyway? not just our mothers but a whole raft of people from celebrities/trendsetters to friends and colleagues and then there are the other things we take into account when we dress – the weather, what we are going to be doing etc. So can we British do it? Whatever it is.
The answer is undoubtedly yes, think Burberry and Aquascutum, think Victoria Beckham, think Catherine Zeta Jones, think Judi Dench. come on let’s face it some of us were born doing the classic twinset and pearls/pleated skirt, gold studs and a plain leather handbag. do we have to continue with what we did when we were young – definitely not, not if we don’t want to, there’s a whole world of styles and looks out there to try. do we get influenced by our mothers – they are usually the first relation mentioned to me at 80% of colour consultations. Even by the chaps – my mother always used to dress me in …
So what does style mean – according to one dictionary definition the distinctive manner of a person with stylish as fashionable and elegant. Onedefinition is wearing colours that suit your colouring in a style to suit your bodyshape and show your personality. It’s a good format to work too when you want to know where to start putting together your own personal look. Find out the best colours for you so that your wardrobe will co-ordinate almost effortlessly.
Think about the shape and size of your body when choosing clothes – it’s no good buying a straight shift dress if you have curves in all the right places – how’s that going to show them off. and then what about your personality – what are you trying to say with what you wear? and here’s another secret – No person with style ever achieved it without someone putting in some work, it’s not a case of spending lots of money or buying the whole outfit all of the same brand. want the shortcut – get a Style Consultation or Personal Shopping trip organised. A good consultant can advise you on every aspect of dress including your make-up – but that’s another story.
