Your Signature Style

We all have something that makes us unique whether you believe it or see it. Sometimes we just have to discover what it is or invent it. Fashion, itself, is a canvas to display our uniqueness. Feeling unique is a desire for all of us. If we lack individuality, there's nothing that makes us special, nothing that gives us independent value. Fashion can offer us that, to a certain extent. With all the tactical and manipulative advertising, we often forget how original fashion can be. Fashion was such a huge part of my life when I was still new to it, when I was making decisions that I had no idea I'd regret later in life. As I became more involved, more exposed, and more experimental, I still didn't get it. Working in the retail industry, department store after department store, boutiques, and even being in a fashion documentary, I still had no idea what fashion was. I looked to the racks for something to call my own. I was interested in fashion because other people looked so good in various outfits. I took an extroverted approach to fashion. I've recently realized that that perspective is flawed. I can't look to others and outside sources to find my fashion sense. I have to search within. If your fashion sense is underdeveloped, then it makes sense to seek inspiration, but your fashion style shouldn't be defined and dictated by other sources.

A great way to develop your inner fashion sense is to develop your signature style. Rather than trying to overcome a collective amount of wardrobe mishaps desperate for a makeover, start with something small, one object that has meaning, that gives you inspiration. It can be a stylish accessory that's suitable to your nature such as a classic black purse. It's practical and goes with everything. Or it can be a custom made ring. Alternatively, your signature style can be a color, style, or a line of accessories, instead of an accessory. You can always update and refine it over time, but I think having a signature style can offer a sense of fashion independence, something that separates us from the commercialized corporation that has become fashion.

Here are some ways to get started:

Assess your overall current style. By narrowing down whether you're traditional, modern, casual, earthy, etc., you can select your signature style based on those guidelines.

Determine what you're trying to accomplish with your signature style: be more memorable, make a statement to yourself or to others, create a personal connection, etc.

Select something to change, alter, or add. Creating a signature style is intended to personalize your fashion style. I like to see it as a reminder that my fashion sense should reflect who I am and should be loyal to me. So be realistic with what to change. Don't tackle something daring that you've always been afraid of trying. Ease yourself into it. You want to feel comfortable, not self-conscious about your decision. A signature style is the stepping stone, something small unlike making over your entire wardrobe. It can be about incorporating a new color scheme, refining your hairstyle, or adding accessories to your wardrobe.

Accessorizing is an affordable, easy, and inexpensive way to personalizing your look. Try a new shade of sunglasses, a unique handbag, or a new shade of lipstick.

Experiment with different things to discover what works for you, not just with your signature style but with your overall fashion style.

Pick a style that's realistic and works with your wardrobe, not against it. If having only one signature style (object) is infeasible for your ever changing and eclectic wardrobe, expand your style. On the other hand, if having a collection of objects are overwhelming, stick with one signature piece.

Your signature style is meant to reflect your current fashion style, so update it as your fashion style changes. You don't want your style to become stale. However, if your signature style is timeless, perhaps you can add to it over time.

If you're self-conscious about your body or something else, consider utilizing your signature style to camouflage or conceal flaws or enhance your best features. Many times a small imperfection, real or imagined, discourages us from embracing your fashion potential. Rather than allowing something insignificant interfere with feeling good about ourselves, channel those insecurities and transform them into something better, replacing your inadequacies with confidence.

The last suggestion and most meaningful to me is to not hesitate to imitate a look and make it your own, just as long as you're doing it for the right reasons.