Whether it's Lady Gaga or Audrey Hepburn, we all have our fashion icons. People we look up to for their confidence, style and unbelievable ability to look fabulous no matter what. As different as they may seem, there's one thing they all have in common - their own unique sense of style.
And here most of us are, wearing the same pair of jeans to work/school everyday, without the slightest sense of inspiration. So what can you do to develop our own sense of style and bring out your inner fashionista? While it's not something that's easily developed overnight, we have a few pointers to help you cultivate your own garden of fashionable delights.
Of course, it's important to consider a few things that you won't be needing. For starters, style isn't something that can simply be bought. To be honest, if you've had trouble discovering your fashion-identity, you've probably fallen into the most common trap out there - the trend-aholic.
So with this in mind, let's take a look at some of the simple things that will help you cultivate that inner fashionista who's dying to step into the spotlight.
1. Make an analysis of your wardrobe - pull out all of your favorite pieces of clothing. Toss aside anything that's less than 6 months old. What is left are your go-to favorites. Anything that has stood the test of time and you are still happy to wear (even if it is only for that special occasion) is an item that bears in it the essence of what your own personal style is.
2. Pull out the old fashion magazines - Not the new ones with this season's hottest trends. You're looking at developing your own style, so avoiding trends is going to be important. Pull out an old Vogue or Style magazine from at least two years ago and flip through it and find the cuts, prints and colors that still excite you. Keep in mind that trends in fashion come and go and go round in never ending circles, so even though something is currently "out", it doesn't mean that it's not cool, fun or stylish and definitely does not mean that it won't make a comeback next season.
3. Make a list - Of things that you feel are missing from your wardrobe. Separate the list to types of items, cuts, colors. Here's where this is going to get tricky. We all feel like sometimes there's this must-have item that's so hot this season and we can't live without it. Our wardrobe is just dying for it! Then 6 months later - you're stuck wondering what the heck were you thinking? So when you're making this list, be sure that the items you're adding here are really something that you've been missing for a long time. A really beautiful statement necklace, a hat for sunny days, a blazer that fits properly, etc.
4. Clear out the junk - Anything you haven't worn for 6 months or
longer needs to go. The only exception should be very seasonal items (If
it's July and you haven't worn a wool coat for 6 months, we'll
understand) and event-wardrobe pieces - evening dresses, tiaras, etc. Everything else must go!
5. Mix it up - Take items you haven't worn for a long time and try
styling them in an unusual way. Turn your old cardigan upside-down or
backwards. Pull up that maxi-skirt into a strapless dress. This is the
perfect way to bring new life to some of the items that you never wear, but can't bear to part with either. Another important point to keep in mind - don't be afraid of getting creative here. No one is going to notice that dress is really a skirt; and if they do, they'll probably be in awe of your innovation!
6. Swap with friends - Always a good way to clear out something you no longer feel attached to and gain a sparkly new addition to your wardrobe. As they say "One man's trash is another man's treasure". So before you drag those old items to the Goodwill, get your friends together for a wardrobe-swap. It's a cheap way to inject some new life in your wardrobe and pair that with a few cocktails and a camera - you'll have a night to remember for years!
7. Accessorize - This is the biggest fashionista secret that there is. We all have days when you just can't be bothered to wear anything more than that black t-shirt and jeans. There's nothing wrong with that, just be sure to add a little flare. Whether it's a scarf, earrings, or FABULOUS pair of shoes, a little accessorizing will bring you from blah to BLING - effortlessly.
8. DIY - There are many awesome blogs out there that can give you short and easy to use tutorials to spice up that old faded denim jacket that you can't part with or turn that colorful scarf your Mom gave you into a purse, skirt, necklace, you name it! Here are a few of our favorites:
Developing your own sense of style is something that takes time, confidence, experimentation and most of all, patience. When you're experimenting and testing, remember that there are going to be great failures as well as spectacular successes. This process is meant to bring you out of your comfort zone, and at times it's going to be, well - uncomfortable. Being stylish is an adventure, so be brave, dress accordingly and most importantly - have fun!
Good luck and stay stylish!
<3
Shai & Andrea
2. Pull out the old fashion magazines - Not the new ones with this season's hottest trends. You're looking at developing your own style, so avoiding trends is going to be important. Pull out an old Vogue or Style magazine from at least two years ago and flip through it and find the cuts, prints and colors that still excite you. Keep in mind that trends in fashion come and go and go round in never ending circles, so even though something is currently "out", it doesn't mean that it's not cool, fun or stylish and definitely does not mean that it won't make a comeback next season.
4. Clear out the junk - Anything you haven't worn for 6 months or
longer needs to go. The only exception should be very seasonal items (If
it's July and you haven't worn a wool coat for 6 months, we'll
understand) and event-wardrobe pieces - evening dresses, tiaras, etc. Everything else must go!
6. Swap with friends - Always a good way to clear out something you no longer feel attached to and gain a sparkly new addition to your wardrobe. As they say "One man's trash is another man's treasure". So before you drag those old items to the Goodwill, get your friends together for a wardrobe-swap. It's a cheap way to inject some new life in your wardrobe and pair that with a few cocktails and a camera - you'll have a night to remember for years!
2. Have a full budget - Just like with new clothing, quality vintage isn't cheap, but you will get more for your money. A brand new high street fashion chain is charging you most of the money for their fancy big campaigns and branding while with vintage all of your investment goes towards the garment! Even if you are spending a bit more on your item, the vintage boutique has done most of the work for you, hunting and selecting the higher quality items floating around out there.
4. Enjoy the hunt - Part of the fun with shopping vintage is that you never know what you'll find - it's like a treasure hunt! Many great vintage items come with a history - don't be afraid to ask a shop owner about something. Keep an eye as well on the fabric content. Often you will get a steal and go home with a nice silk dress for the price of a new poly-cotton blend dress from the big box retailers.
2. Stay in & cook: Make a homemade meal from scratch. Surprise yourself and your loved ones with newly found recipes online or take an old recipe you have and give it a new twist with different ingredients. It's a great opportunity to try out some new organic ingredients too!
4. Take a walk: Nothing is more energizing and refreshing than a quick walk by the beach or in a park. Even if you live in the Urban jungle, walk slowly and breath in the fresh air and notice the surroundings you usually ignore. The sunshine and change of scenery will do wonders to clear your head.
