Have you ever been shopping with a friend (or your Mum, or sister) and she is drawn to pretty dresses, whilst you make a beeline for the sharp tailored blazers and jeans?
That's your individual style personalities shining through. Your friend loves touchy-feely fabrics with lots of detail, layers and layers of bangles and jewellery, embellished shoes and we bet our last dollar that she is wearing pretty matching underwear. She's a Romantic! You on the other hand, love understated elegance, well-cut clothes, in neutral shades, with just a small splash of colour now and then. Your wardrobe is small but made up of well thought out basics of blazers, classic shirts, cashmere jumpers, jeans and tailored trousers. If this is you, chances are, you're a City Chic.
Of course these are just two examples of style personalities; there are six in total. Read on to find out more about this fascinating subject.
The Six Style Personalities
CREATIVE: A Creative will shop in vintage and second hand shops. She doesn't follow fashion, instead creating her own unique signature look. She isn't afraid of mixing prints and texture. We rarely see Creatives in our studios as these people want to do their own thing.
DRAMATIC: A Dramatic loves fashion and enjoys shopping. She buys into many trends and constantly runs out of space in her wardrobe! She isn't worried about practicality and will often be the one in the highest of heels at a party.
ROMANTIC: A Romantic loves pretty clothes; ribbons, frills, texture and embellishment. She spends a long time getting ready and always, always wears perfume!
CLASSIC: A Classic always looks neat and tidy. She prefers neutral colours and isn't drawn to print. Her clothes are well pressed and her hair is styled. Her clothes are tailored and classic in design. NATURAL: A Natural prefers a comfortable, functional and unpretentious style. She really doesn't get on with restrictive clothes that dig and pinch, preferring soft denim, fleeces and easy-wear cardigans. She is the one that checks the label to ensure the garment can be machine washed before purchasing! CITY CHIC: A City Chic follows trends rather than fashion. She buys the best quality that she can afford and invests in stylish basics (a blazer is her go-to jacket). She doesn't 'do' detail and prefers neutral colours. Her look is uncomplicated but always effortless.
Is Style Personality Important?
One word, YES. Style Personality really is important, so much so that when we meet a new client, regardless of the session that she is attending, we establish her style personality before we begin. For example, someone may come to see us for a Colour Analysis. Let's suppose she is a Soft dominant colouring type which means that she has a very blended look. Her colours are mainly medium depth which will look best when worn tonally. She also looks wonderful in her neutrals such as charcoal grey, light navy, pewter and taupe, to name but a few.
Style personality and lifestyle are important when we determine someone's colour palette and our system allows a non-restrictive approach when we are personalising our clients' colours.
The Benefits Of Understanding Your Style Personality
When you understand your style personality, it makes it so much easier to build a cohesive
wardrobe of clothes that you will enjoy wearing. You are less likely to make mistakes and so in the long run, will save money. You won't fall fashion victim as you are making informed choices. How you wear your clothes tells people a lot about you so make sure you are giving them the right information! The old saying "I have a wardrobe full of clothes, but nothing to wear" is more often than not a result of not understanding your individual style, easily addressed when you have identified it.
Split (Style) Personality - No Problem
Sometimes we may identify two style personalities for our clients, although one will be more dominant than the other. For example someone could be a Natural with Creative tendencies. That's ok. In fact, it can be fun for a client to find out how she can fulfil her instinctive tastes.
A 'Forced' Style Personality
Over time we encounter different life stages. A young professional may move into motherhood, then empty nester and finally retirement. Of course it goes without saying that a retiree dresses very different to someone who is at the start of their career. Your style personality may not align to these life stages. For example if you are a Dramatic, it is very easy to fulfil your personal brand in the office, but running after a toddler in heels and a crisp white shirt probably won't cut it. I recognise this and am able to provide you with guidance and advice to fulfil your internal style preferences with your current lifestyle.
I love a challenge.
Get in touch today for your free Discovery Call: here.
Or email me charlotte@chiccouleurs.ch