Personal style

I think it has been enough time to put together (or at least, start) an inspiration board/notebook/weblog. It will remind us what colors, patterns, styles and shapes we like and it is a work in progress anyway.
The next step in finding our personal style is knowing the most common styles. These include:
- Business or classic: simple lines, somber or neutral colors, clean cuts and tailored silhouette.
The most recognizable classic pieces are trench coats, pencil and a-line skirts, white button down shirts, black pants, wrap dresses.
- Alluring/ bombshell/ sex-kitten: body conscious outfits, lots of cleavage, short hemlines and bare arms. This look was the specialty of Marilyn Monroe and today Scarlett Johansson dresses in this style. If you want to try it, beware, there is a fine line between sexy and trashy!
- Sporty/ natural: this is dressing in simple uncomplicated pieces, t-shirt and jean combos are the trade mark of this look. Throw on a blazer and you have perfected it. Eye catching cardigans and scarves will give the look individuality and oomph. Just be careful, this look can easily be confused with sloppy. The trick is to wear neat clean cut pieces (no oversize t-shirt, please!) and pick the style of your jeans flattering to your body (no mom-jeans!).
- Chic/European/ Italian: this look also uses classic pieces and the silhouette is tailored. The color schemes are monochrome and tone-on-tone and usually low contrast. The difference (with Business style) is in the materials and fabrics. In Chic look the fabrics are luxurious and extravagance, leather, fur, velvet, silk, cashmere, etc. you can not “do” this look on the cheap; the definition of this style is high quality, expensive and understated pieces. It is the material and combination of pieces that defines this style, not colors or sex appeal although done right it is very sexy (in a powerful kind of way!).
- Geek chic/ preppy/ Gamine: Imagine Audrey Hepburn or private-school Gossip Girl Blaire! Simple pieces, a little girly, a dose of sexy, a dash of sporty; now mix them all together and don’t forget your headband! Monochrome, red white and blue, pastels, plaids, stripes.
- Bohemian: this look is for people who like nature and art. Simplicity and creativity defines this look. A combination of flowy tiered skirts, loose tops, ethnic prints and jewelry, handmade bags and leather boots or thong sandals! You can take one or two bohemian pieces and incorporate them in you outfit or go all out (like Nicole Richie) and wear head to toe bohemian (even the headband!).
- Vintage lover: these people are extreme individualists. They look for one of a kind pieces in thrift stores that no one else has. They know their favorite era and hunt down every item of their collections with obsession! I admire them for their personal flare and courage. They can dress head to toe in vintage or for a milder version mix their vintage pieces with more modern items.
- Eclectic: many people are in this category and mix and match pieces from different styles to suite them. The trick is to know which styles are your favorites and then having fun!

So…which one are you? Go back to your inspiration book and check! Good luck and enjoy!