5 Ways to Find your Style

When I asked my supporters on Instagram what they struggle with the most when it comes to style, quite a few listed finding their style as a challenge.

And so, today’s post is dedicated to you. If you struggle to find your style and need some help in that department then you are in good company. Because in today’s post, I’m sharing 5 ways to find your style. And by the end of this article, you’ll leave feeling more confident and in tune with your personal style.

But first, what is style?

  • “Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn!” – Gore Vidal.
  • “Style is very personal, it has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is over quickly. Style is forever.” – Ralph Lauren.
  • “Style is a way of saying who you are without having to speak.” – Rachel Zoe

These are just some of my favourite quotes defining style. Style is not about designer labels, it is an expression of self. It is an evolution of self. I dress according to varying factors like my mood, weather, occasion and so much more.

I don’t believe in limiting myself when it comes to my style. Today I may be modestly dressed, covered from head-to-toe and tomorrow I’m wearing the skimpiest outfit you’ve ever seen. I may wear all black today and tomorrow wear all the colours of the rainbow.  My style is just an extension of my personality which is adventurous- within reason – but consistently stylish.

I also want to stress that style does not buy into fashion trends. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good trend. I have in fact disliked some trends when they first came out and grown to like them.

The off-shoulder look, choker necklace and dad sneakers are just a few trends I didn’t initially care for but over time, I bought into these trends. However, trends come and go and it is why you shouldn’t give in to them if you are still trying to find your style.

 

Here are 5 Ways to Find your Style

1. Know your body shape

Are you pear, hourglass, apple, rectangle, athletic shaped or somewhere in between? There are quizzes online that you can take to help you find that out if you don’t know or you can just click here after you finish reading this post.  Knowing your body shape will help you in figuring out what is most flattering for your body type.

2. Identify which colours inspire you

Colour has a huge impact on our mood. It can inspire and uplift or it can do the opposite. Colour can also flatter your figure depending on the colour. Knowing the colours that inspire you can help you to feel empowered, motivated and confident. I love an emerald green colour and I feel beautiful, sexy and confident in it.  It also suits my skin tone. What colour(s) gives you that feeling and is flattering against your skin tone?

3. Define your personality

Are you reserved, outgoing or a little bit of both? Knowing your personality is key to finding your style. I mentioned earlier that I’m adventurous. I don’t like to be tied to a particular style or colour. Which reflects in my style. You may be the opposite, take Anna Wintour for example, she has her own unique style. It’s a uniform look consisting of a printed dress, a necklace and a pair of heels.  It is impossible for you to miss her even if you don’t see her face. Her uniform style tells me her personality is the direct, confident and straight-laced type. A uniform style, although boring to me, saves you a lot of time especially if you’re a very busy woman.

4. Make sure the fit is right

Have you been to the shops and saw something that caught your eye but it’s not in your size. You want it so bad because it’s on sale. You even make a promise to yourself to lose weight to fit into it. Rewind, pause.

Look at yourself in the mirror and look at the item again. Will you really lose weight to fit into it? Do you really want to put that kind of pressure on yourself, sis? Is it really worth it? Save your money, don’t think of the price of the item. If you can’t fit it now, there’s no point. Because even if you do manage to lose weight, it may not fit your curves right. It is important to wear clothes that fit. An ill-fitting item of clothing does not make anyone look stylish. Fit is everything when it comes to style.

5.  Keep a style board

Whose style inspires you? It may be one person or more than one person. Keep a style board of your style inspiration/s. I would even suggest creating categories. So gym, work, dinner etc. When you’re clear about what you like for different occassions, then most of the job is done.

What I love the most about fashion and style is the freedom of expression it allows. Be creative, have fun. If you were meeting someone for the first time, what would you want their first impression of you to be , before you introduce yourself or say anything about who you are and what you do? Now dress the way you would like to be addressed. 🙂 I’m sure I saw that somewhere.

I hope you found this article helpful and you can now go on to create your personal style which is unique to you and you alone. Remember, don’t copy. Be inspired.

Please leave me a comment if you found this post useful. Also, let me know what other style challenges you have so that I can a(d)dress them. See what I did there?

Thanks for reading. See you next week.

Zando Fall for Winter 2016 Collection + Giveaway

To celebrate the launch of  its high winter collection – Fall for Winter, Zando is giving one lucky thediscerningstylist reader a R500 voucher.

The Fall for Winter collection boasts a militant inspired edge, curated to bring out the bold and celebrate the cold with its varied stylish pieces. The collection relies heavily on natural architectural balance provided by the shoot landscape.

“Structural minimalism with a naturally lush setting established the perfect foundation for our Winter 2016 shoot. The texturally rich backdrop lent itself to each trend without disruption, enabling each look to form an identity of its own, ” says – Zeane Singer, Zando Fashion Editor.

Singer breaks down the Winter 2016 into 3 prominent categories:

Luxe Movement
Juxtaposed classic elements combine with luxury for this Athletic-Leisure-wear look. Accentuate your favourite knits with an over-sized bomber or biker jacket and slouched denims for the ultimate relaxed feel.

Kaliedofolk
Ethereal romance inspired by the seventies. This winter’s bohemian flair oozes femininity in its deep tones, rich textures, amid intricate detailing’s of tassels, ruffles and floral flirty prints.

Shadow Chic
Lustful offerings layered with decadent applique, fine knits, boastful booties, and quilted jackets that are sure to keep your cosy classy. Keep your stockings high and your skirts faux.

Here are five of my favourites from the collection.

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You can shop the Fall for Winter collection here and to win a R500 Zando voucher follow these easy steps:

  1. Make sure that you are subscribed to the blog 
  2. Like Zando and thediscerningstylist on Facebook ( @Zando + @thediscerningstylist)
  3. Follow Zando and thediscerningstylist on Instagram (@Zando + @thediscerningstylist)
  4.  Last and most importantly, share your favourite look from the Zando Fall for Winter 2016 collection on Facebook OR Instagram and tag @ Zando @thediscerningstylist using the hashtag #zandowinter

Pretty easy, right?! Best of luck!

NB: Competition closes on Monday 20 June 2016 and is open to SA residents only. 

 

Zando Introduces Call It Spring 2016

Zando recently joined forces with the ultimate shoe, handbag and accessories destination, Call It Spring.

“Our brand is for the original thinker. We aim to provide a space where fashion dynamic souls feel free to experiment with their personal style, debut a new look and figure out their personal epitome between individuality and discovery, ” says Meagan Harris, Marketing Manager for Call It Spring.

Envisaged through transnational runway flair with a contemporary twist, the Call It Spring 2016 Collection may be defined by two seasonal ‘must haves’ and three key themes – the single sole heel and over the knee boot in Polished Punk, Modern Vintage and Wild Kingdom.

Polished Punk – black leather and metallic detail take center stage as we give in to our inner rebel.

Modern Vintage – for the cultural nomad with an eclectic mix of exotic prints, folksy hues and worldly embellishment. This theme is retro made with micro-suede and sweater knits with a modern twist.

Wild Kingdom – welcome to the scene where dark romanticism of the Victorian era meets the rugged lifestyle of forest dwellers. Expect faux-fur lining and corset lacing, darker florals and shiny foils.

Product prices range between R349.00 to R1149.00

Visit  www.zando.co.za/call-it-spring/ to shop Call It Spring on Zando.

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