Basic rule is to think about what works for you and for this you need to look at your lifestyle and personal style.
Lifestyle refers to where and how you live, work and play. The weather, your job, your social life, hobbies and budget determine many of your clothing needs and these can change throughout life.
For example, If you work as a full time landscape gardener, most of your wardrobe will comprise practical clothes that are going to protect you from the environment. A much smaller proportion of your wardrobe will be given to dresses and high heels.
Personal Style refers to your personality, body shape and proportions and your colouring. I've referred to dressing for your body shape and colour and the art of shopping in previous posts so you can check those out if you want to learn more but here I want to focus on your personality.
What kind of dresser are you? Do you like to show off or to you prefer to be more subtle? Do you put comfort before fashion? Do you want to flaunt your femininity?
Your choice of pattern, colour, texture and style is down to your personality. Your preferences will determine the types of clothes you like to wear, feel most comfortable in and express your individuality. By understanding these preferences you can work out which brands of clothing will suit you best and which shops are going to cater for your style. By learning about other styles of dressers you can also ring the changes to your own style and give yourself a fresh look. Knowing the pros and cons of the different styles of dressing means you will get the best out of your own style, help you avoid getting stuck in a rut and enable you to look up-to-date and current.
Look at the examples below and figure out which describes you best. If you are a 'Natural' dresser and you want to be more dramatic, look at the words used to describe that dresser and next time you shop try to incorporate something that would illustrate that type of dresser.
DRAMATIC: The key word is attention. Dramatic dressers come in two main types; the high maintenance and follower of trends and fashion and the highly individualised approach to dressing. Dramatic dressers like to make a statement and like unusual, bolder or oversized jewellery and accessories. They like colour, colour combinations, large or abstract prints and textures. The silhouette may be overall or in part exaggerated. Hair and make up are definite.
At best the dramatic dresser can have high impact and glamour that grabs attention. At worst can have a confused or chaotic look.
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| Bound to be noticed with on trend cut away shoulders & glamorous leather skirt. |
CLASSIC: The key word is timeless. Classic dressers prefer to look smart and well groomed. Emphasis is often placed on quality and style rather than quantity and fashion. They go for structure, tailoring and co-ordination. Colour combinations, accessories, jewellery and make up are carefully selected but understated not overstated.
At best the classic dresser can look sharp, smart, groomed and stylish.At worst can look outdated, boring or frumpy.
ROMANTIC: The key word is femininity. Romantic dressers prefer more unstructured, softer lines and styles which give movement and fluidity. They like pretty blouses and skirts rather than plain shirts and trousers. Colour choice is usually pastel and prints, floral and small. They like ruffles, ribbons, bows, embroidery and embellishment. Jewellery is usually delicate, curvaceous and pretty and accessories usually have details. Make up is usually natural and pretty and hair may be longer.
At best the romantic dresser can look feminine and alluring.
At worst can look girly and frilly.
NATURAL: The key word is comfort. Natural dressers have a more relaxed approach which can be pared down to a minimalist look. Not usually prepared to sacrifice comfort for fashion or style. Tend to use neutral colours, plains not prints. They like unstructured styles and prefer looser fits to tighter fits. They like touchy feely textures and natural, soft fabrics. Make-up is usually natural and minimal and hair easy maintenance.
At best the natural dresser can look chic and elegant.
At worst can look scruffy and under groomed.
SPORTY: The key word is practical. Sporty dressers have a practical approach to dressing and put comfort and clothes they can move in before fashion and style. They like jeans and jean cut trousers, gilets, jumpers, practical style jackets, unisex styles and high tec fabrics. Some sporty dressers never wear skirts or dresses and won’t aspire to an overtly sexy or glamorous look even for evening or party wear. Make-up is usually little or none and hair is usually short and low maintenance.
At best the sporty dresser can look youthful, gamine and energetic.
At worst can be look too casual, boyish and unfeminine.
Photos courtesy of www.prshots.com
