Style Persona -- From the Outside In

Too many people approach the idea of a style persona from the wrong angle. They think of how they want to express themselves without thinking about how others will perceive them. Truthfully, there are things that we wear --colors, styles, combinations and quality -- that have a specific message. Think pink. With ruffles. What comes to mind? How about a long broomstick-style tie-dye skirt? Jeans, workboots, and a plaid shirt? Short shorts, heels, and a tube-top? Unless you are clued-in about the messages you are sending with your clothes, trying to figure out your style persona is a shot in the dark.

I know that many will be up-in-arms about this suggestion, but I say: Start with how you want others to see you, then choose a style persona that works towards this end. What attributes do you want people to imagine you have? Conservative, timeless, professional -- "Classic". Unpretentious, earthy, low-maintnenance -- "Natural". Sleek, sophisticated, urban -- "Modernist". Traditional, feminine, nostalgic -- "Romantic". You could also be a "Trendy", "Bohemian", or "Artistic" dresser. Some people will be a mix of two or three -- but keeping the focus mostly on one "archetype" makes your message that much stronger.

Once you've got your focus, THEN start to figure out how you will personalize this look. Don't try to go the other way around.

Tomorrow we'll look at what the clothes in your closet have to say about you. See you then...same blog time...same blog channel...

Visit Jennifer Skinner's Wardrobe Planning Website for more information.