The style secrets that no one told you…

What is style? You hear and you use the word all the time but still, you kind of get freaked out about it.

Typical phrases that I hear: “she has great style”, “I don’t really have any style”, and so on…

These are two definitions for ‘Style’ that I found in the dictionary, which I find relevant:

• a particular procedure by which something is done; a manner or way.
• a distinctive appearance, typically determined by the principles according to which something is designed.

Iris Apfel, the world’s oldest fashion icon, once said:

“fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There’s no how-to road map to style. It’s about self-expression and, above all, attitude“.

Iris Apfel

And I couldn’t agree more with her! It is about self-expression; it is about you.

Trust in your own tastes

It’s time to stop thinking that you don’t ‘have style’, or you don’t have ‘an eye for clothes’. Surely you have your own tastes for specific food? You might prefer a pizza over a steak or broccolis over mushrooms. And you have music genres that you like and possibly a specific drink preference, maybe red wine over white wine? You see where I’m getting with this. Don’t you think the same applies to your clothing style? Of course it does! And you don’t have to be a fashion designer to own your style. 

How I found my style 

Everyone takes time to find their style – and it can change over time. You possibly don’t know much about me, so let me start by telling you my style story. I am Italian. I lived in Italy until I was 26, and then moved to the UK. Now, you might think that in Italy, we breathe style and fashion from birth. Broadly speaking, that’s correct. But when I moved to the UK – boom- I had a complete identity crisis. And then had two children, which meant more identity crises! 

The first crisis was because I couldn’t quite adapt to the British “style”. I just couldn’t get it, what on earth were people wearing? The second time it was because my body changed after giving birth and I had to adjust to it. The big learning on moving to the UK though was that here I was free to express myself, no rules and most of all no people judging what I was wearing. Ah, I totally like the liberating feeling of freedom here, that’s for sure!

Find your style

So, if you are looking at your own style, start by taking a step back and ask yourself what your preferences are. It’s about asking the right questions.

Do you prefer to wear trousers or long skirts? Do you like dresses? And what materials do you like? Are you a silk kind of person or maybe you like linen or leather? Is sustainability important when it comes to your wardrobe choices?

What about colour? Yes, black is classy but you don’t have to go for black all the time, unless this is what you have decided to wear and it’s what makes you, you. No judging! Be who you are and let your style express that. So, if you like vibrant colours, wear them! You might want to avoid looking like Harlequin, but then again you might be one of those who like to be just like him! Again, no judgment, that’s totally fine.

Have confidence in your own preferences

What I’m trying to say here is this: stop making ‘lack of style’ an excuse for not changing the way you look. You can find your style because you have your own personality, tastes and opinions!

And if you are reading this, maybe it’s because you are looking to make a change and want to have a makeover that reflects who you are – and, most importantly, let you be you. I always say to my clients that I can help them clear their wardrobe and teach them how to make it work for them. I can help them to understand how to dress for their body shape, I can help them choose the right garments and what colours best suit them. BUT ultimately, I don’t choose who they want to be. Because it’s up to them; it’s up to you. So, hopefully I’ve given you a few little steps to help you find your style – which basically means discovering yourself. Little steps I know but very important. Now, go and start your journey! I’ll be there with you. 

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Written by Caterina Avanzi