In my opinion, one of the biggest indicators of true personal style is having a strong signature look or uniform. Just think of Emmanuelle Alt or Kate Bosworth who have very defined ideas of their own style and can often be seen in slightly different versions of their signature look.
Finding the right signature look is no easy feat; you need to boil down all of your favourite things into a handful of essential items and at the same time consider your lifestyle and body shape. But once you have found it, your signature look is an original combination of functional and aesthetic elements that perfectly represent your style and, essentially, you. You don’t necessarily need to have a precise idea of your personal style to choose a signature look; a uniform can actually help you refine your whole style concept because working with the same rough combination over and over again allows you to develop, polish and customise it until it’s perfect. Of course, it’s also the ideal remedy for hectic mornings when you don’t have time to think about what to wear.
If you are new to the concept of uniforms (or you need a new one for this season), look for some inspiration, maybe create a mood board, and then come up with a rough idea of key items you want to combine. Don’t forget to consider jewellery and shoes. Your signature look might change, e.g. between seasons and if you wear totally different clothes at work, you should also create a separate work signature look. My uniform used to be some sort of body con dress with long sleeves, tights, boots and a leather jacket. Right now, I’m still into leather jackets and ankle boots, but I usually pair them with jeans.
Once established, your uniform should receive priority treatment whenever you are experiencing wardrobe draught, for example after a big closet detox, or when planning wardrobe additions for the next season. Ideally, you would own at least 3-4 different versions of each key item so you can mix and match them and create a range of different outfits. Below is a sample uniform for someone who’s into blazers, flowy tees, ankle boots and skinny jeans (all items are from Topshop).
What is your signature look?
*images via style.com
This post is Step 6 of the 10 Step Wardrobe Revamp
My signature look is really simple stuff skinny jeans/leggings and T-shirt or button down shirt a pair of dolly shoes and maybe a scarf. I like it simple, a few times a year I’ll look at a really pretty girl and I’ll think ‘I wish I could look smarter and nice like her’ and go ahead and spend money on an outfit I’ll never wear. And then I remember I feel so much more comfortable and confident in my own style!
My signature look is skinny jeans, a plain loose t shirt or tank top, a blazer and ballet flats. I often add a scarf (either a woolly one in winter, or a light one in summer) if I fancy something a bit more ‘out there’. I love how you break down these concepts into such a logical order.
Great post! It depends on the weather for me. Mine would be either a cute tank with medium-dark jeans and flats or a flowy dress with sandals or heels. I love those shoes by the way!
I definitely have a signature… Skinny jeans, flats, and some type of layered top (shirt/tank with light sweater/shirt over top). I really don’t think about it when I get dressed, but I do dress in a certain way every day haha. Nice post, made me think a little more for this upcoming summer season as I’m hoping to wear more skirts and nicer tops.
I love this concept of a signature look. I’ve had one but didn’t notice it until I read this book I Love Your Style: How to Define and Refine Your Personal Style by Amanda Brooks. I agree that defining and getting to know our signature is the gateway to our individual style. This is great.
Plain thight mini (not too much) skirts and flat shoes is mine, I suppose.
Happy Friday! I love your blog. Just nominated you for the Versatile Blogging Award–Follow the rules here: http://lavieurbane.com/2012/04/13/thank-you-nuts-and-bolts/ Congrats!
Great post :) I do already have a ‘uniform’, which is: blazer, shirt, chinos/skinny jeans, loafers/wedges
haha! this is great! I love Kate Bosworth :)
Tailored pants or skirt, button-down shirt and a cardigan with great statement shoes for work…or something very similar. Sometimes skinny coloured jeans, big shirt and boots for winter or wedges for summer. Try to have a fitted waist or belt to show curves.
Thanks for the great article!
Cheers,
Laura
Nice post! I think I certainly have a signature look, but I’ll let that simmer in my mind for a while. Good to start thinking about that :)
This sounds right on! I think I already do this, but I do need to thin my closet.
I love this idea
Really good ideas! I think more people should create their own look that works for them, instead of jumping on the trend bandwagon! :)
my signature look would probably a button down shirt with leggings, and either boots or flats
Very cool, I know exactly what you mean and I try to mix up my look but I definitely have a signature – dress, tights and boots look!