A Guide to Creating Your Personal Style & Link Up On the Edge #188
*Guest post by Isabella Goode.
Style can be difficult to master for some people and that is okay if it doesn’t always come easy to you. We do not all have an eye for style or design, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make a change. Defining your style can be both confusing and scary and that is why we are going to look at some tips that can help you on the way.
Build a Wardrobe
Most fashion consultants advise that you have basic wardrobe pieces such as jeans, t-shirts, and other casual staples as well as investment pieces like blazers, skirts and more classic items. These pieces will form the foundation of your wardrobe and you can use them to create different outfits and looks. When choosing these pieces, ensure that they go well with your body type and shape so that they all look amazing on you.
Be Observant
If you have never developed a personal style, it can be difficult to know what you need to pull it off. The first step in creating your own personal style is to start observing the style of others. Look at the women around you and decide what you personally like and dislike about their outfits. Make a mental note of the outfits that fall into both categories so you can try the ones you like and dismiss the ones you do not. Try imagining yourself wearing the outfits you like daily. This will cement your views on those particular outfits and styles.
Go Against the Grain
Most women follow trends blindly without thinking about what works best for them. The goal of this exercise is to develop a personal style that is tailored specifically to you. Do not feel pressured into being trendy. Instead, choose pieces that work best for you even if they may not be in fashion. Remember that your personal style reflects the way you want to feel and be seen and it is not about anyone else but you.
Add a Signature Piece
When developing your personal style, it is important that you have at least one piece of clothing or accessory that defines you. You could choose a Saint Laurent bag or any other accessory from SSENSE. SSENSE is a high-end fashion retailer with a huge selection of handbags, shoes, and everything else you might need to complete your look. They have clothing items and accessories for both men and women that can be mixed and matched with lots of different ensembles.
Experiment
Creating a personal look can be a long process so why not have fun with it? If you stick to what you have always worn, things will become boring and there will be no point in trying something new. Instead, go out of your way to experiment and look different. If you are afraid something will not fit right, try it at least one time and see what other people think.
Conclusion
Creating a signature look can be difficult, especially if you have never done it before. Just remember to have fun, experiment, and make mental notes of what does and does not look good on you.
Have you ventured outside of your comfort zone lately when it comes to your personal style?
And now your featured favorites from last week.
Reader Favorite (Most Clicked)
Dee of Grammy’s Grid shared her post, Weed Appreciation Day. I find it so interesting how we humans deem certain natural things created by Mother Nature to be less worthy than others as we systematically destroy the things that we depend upon for existence. An ironic truth is that the planet and all of nature can exist without us. But we cannot exist without them. It might be a good time to start appreciating all of it…even the weeds.
My Favorite Fashion Post
Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish captured my green-loving heart with her gorgeous top in her post, Turning Heads Linkup – Happy St. Patty’s Day in Lace Peplum. I love the contrast of the feminine lace top paired with flowing cropped denim and studded sandals. This is so totally my style jam.
My Favorite Non-Fashion Post
Meinhilde of Kiku Corner shared an amazing recipe in her post, Samosa Chaat. While I am not familiar with all of the ingredients listed, I am a huge fan of Asian cuisine and this looks simply delectable. I hope to try to make it one of these days.
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
48 Comments
Laurie
I discovered my personal style through blogging Shelbee. The more I played with neutral colours I realised that it’s my look 100% Some good tips here. Have a good weekend xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laurie! Blogging has definitely helped me to realize that I am just a style chameleon and have always been that way, switching my look day to day as my moods change. I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well. We will just be relaxing in the land of quarantine!
xoxo
Shelbee
Dee | Grammy's Grid
Thanks so much for hosting and for featuring my WEED APPRECIATION DAY!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Dee! Your Weed Appreciation post was a big hit, for sure!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
I agree with all these tips! Love every single look here Shelbee! Thanks so much for the link up and hope you are your family are doing well.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! We are hanging in there, taking things one day at a time! I hope you are well and maintaining a sense of calm!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nanchi
You are gorgeous, Shelbee. That smile of yours is infectious. Bless you. Take care <3
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Nanchi, you just made me blush! Thank you so much for your very kind words. Stay safe and healthy and have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
ROBIN LAMONTE
Shelbee,
Fun post!
I have a more classic style but in the summer I love anything boho chic!
I adapt my style to the seasons.
I love those killer black booties!
Hugs,
Robin
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Robin! I love to change my style based on my mood which changes on the daily! Haha. But boho in the summer is totally my jam, too! I hope you are well, my friend. Stay safe and healthy.
xoxo
Shelbee
Chrissy Rowden
These are great tips and reminders. Blogging is where I’ve grown in fashion and I love it. One game changer was finally getting those staple pieces, as mentioned above. It’s amazing what you can do with those fun accessories if you have the right essentials, right? I hope you’re hanging in there my friend!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Chrissy, thanks so much! The essentials are definitely important to build from. You know, I love to throw on jeans and a tee shirt and then make the magic happen by adding all the fun stuff! We are hanging in, taking things day by day. Easy peasy! I hope you all are doing well down your way!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
I agree with all of this!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Jennifer! Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
These are great tips! I definitely agree that you have to start building your wardrobe with the basics so your style can evolve from there! I love your style and all of these looks! Have a wonderful weekend and stay safe!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jill! It is the best way to start with simple basics and then add all the fun and interesting statement pieces after that. I hope you enjoy your weekend as well!
xoxo
Shelbee
heather noire
Love your style especially those boots are stunning 🙂 http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2020/03/accessories-forecast-chanel-classic.html
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Heather!
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
You have an amazing sense of style Shelbee and I love how you create such varied looks. I don’t remember seeing the peach/nude tulle skirt before so I had a look at the post. This is such a great example of your individual style! It’s utterly fabulous. Have a great weekend x
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Gail, thank you so very much! I am blushing a little bit over here! That was one of my very outfits, but I was really outside of comfort zone! I hope you enjoy your weekend as well.
xoxo
Shelbee
jodie filogomo
I do think taking the time to analyze what we like and don’t like really helps.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I absolutely agree, Jodie! Thanks for stopping by! Looking forward to chatting with you in a bit.
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
I love my accessories! I don’t usual do anything too crazy but I am learning to venture out of my comfort zone every so often.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Mireille! I love that you are venturing out of your comfort zone! Now is a great time to try new things, too, since no one will see you! Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
jess jannenga
Aww, thanks Shelbee for the feature. I am sitting outside with hubby and the pups on our deck and it is the first sunny day in awhile. I love your fun, colorful style! You have a great collection of kimonos and shoes! Love the BF jeans and the messge Blessed. I am blessed to have my family, hubby and puppies as well as knowing people like yourself. Seeing outfits certainly helps my mood too!
have a good weekend my friend!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Jess! I sat out on the front porch this morning with my coffee and my kid and just enjoyed the crisp fresh air and it was invigorating. It definitely helped me recognize all things that bless my life and I am starting weekend #2 of quarantine with all sorts of gratitude. Have a great weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lauren Renee Sparks
Boy have I gotten lazy with personal style these last couple of weeks. Haven’t put on anything without an elastic waist! Hopefully I will still remember how to style and accessorize when this is over.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lauren, that just made me chuckle…because I can totally relate! I have been in mismatched sweatpants and jammies for the past 2 weeks! I hope I remember how to put together an outfit suitable for the real world once this all passes. Have a great weekend. Stay safe and healthy!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
I’m not sure if I have a personal style. I do know that my style has developed through blogging. That’s the fun part of blogging!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Nancy, you absolutely have personal style! I see you as elegant and tailored and super feminine with lots of edginess! Blogging has definitely upped my style game, that’s for sure. And it is so much fun!
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
Yes to signature pieces—they’re what make your wardrobe more personal!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Cheryl! I do agree and I do love a good quality statement piece. Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
These are fabulous tips! And all the better to be on your blog! You have a well defined sense of style which exudes confidence and glamour!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thank you so much, Laura! You are too sweet! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
You have such an amazing style. You should a writer for style watch for People.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a good weekend. Stay safe.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Patrick, you are too kind! Thanks so much for thinking so highly of me. Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Leslie Susan Clingan
For a long time I have wondered if I have a personal style. Have created a Pinterest board to help me define it but still can’t identify what it would encompass exactly. This was a very helpful article. I especially like the idea of adding a signature piece. Probably the bloggers whose fashion sense I admire most have a signature piece or something that sets them apart. When I was in high school I wore a button on my coat that read “Eat a Worm Today.” Which was quite the conversation starter. Never wanted to eat worms then or now. But it did make a statement!!
I really love all of your strappy shoes, your delicate anklets, the kimonos best of all.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Leslie! I think you have a very defined sense of personal style. I would say you are classically modern with a touch of whimsy and it works perfectly. I love that you wore that button in high school, too. How funny! I did stuff like that all the time when I was a teenager…just totally random statement-making things that I could do without having to actually speak to people!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jacqui Berry
It’s nice to see everyone’s own personal style – we can find styles we like in everyone’s choices. Thanks for sharing your lovely outfits. Jacqui x
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jacqui! And I think now more than ever it is such a wonderful distraction to share our personal style. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
I discovered my personal style by retiring! Before that my style was what was whatever was required for work – and sweats on the weekend. LOL! Fashion blogging is helping me to be more intentional about style. It’s been a great help to follow other fashion bloggers as well. I’ve learned so much!
Michelle
http://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Michelle, I love your personal style journey! There is definitely much more freedom to express yourself through personal style when your work environment no longer impacts it. I am the same way. Ever since I started working from home, I have been able to express my style much more freely and I love it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Shelly
Great tips Shelbee. I think I made the mistake for years and wasted alot of money of clothes because I liked others style and tried to emulate it but it didn’t work for my body at all. I still get it wrong sometimes but am so much better than I use to be!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Shelly! I have done the same thing, for sure. We see so many cute things that we want to try them and we forget that not everything will work on our bodies. I have also made the mistake of thinking things that looked great on me in my 20’s would still look great in my 40’s. That is not always the case though!
xoxo
Shelbee
Anna Shirley
Blogging is helping me to understand what I like and what works for me. I love to read your blog and other bloggers to get inspired and spiced up my style.
Anna
http://www.glamadventure.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Anna! Blogging has definitely changed my personal style as well. I am much more in tune with creating outfits that I like and that suit my personality.
xoxo
Shelbee
Barbara Chapman
Hi Shelbee! I am late to the party (normal for me… ;)’ ) but just wanted to say thank you for linking up at SYS #250. I’ll look for your post again this week to share. We need good and happy posts so much right now with all the virus troubles and state of our world economies. Crazy!
Love the clothing posts you picked here at your party! That green lacy top is lovely and I am the same way: I’d rather wear jeans with a cute top than a skirt or pants any day!!
Enjoy spring over your way and hope you are staying healthy,
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Barb! I plan on keeping up with cute clothes and positive posts as long as I can! No point in stopping now when the world needs it more than ever! I would be enjoying Spring over here if it would stop raining and get a bit warmer! It is still so cold in Northern New York that we have snow forecasted for next week. By May, I will hopefully be enjoying the warmer weather. Stay safe and healthy, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee