Let’s get this straight: style isn’t the same as fashion. Fashion is fleeting - changing every season, every year. But style? That’s personal. It’s timeless. Chasing trends might get you compliments like “You’re so on-trend!” but let’s be real - trends don’t always fit everyone’s body type, lifestyle, or age. Without realizing it, you could end up being fashion’s prisoner 😶.
Now, here’s the good news: you can own your personal style. It’s like having a signature look - whether it’s a specific type of shirt, a favorite jacket, or a trusty pair of sneakers. When people think of you, they’ll immediately picture your vibe, your outfit, your essence. Sounds repetitive? Not at all. Stick around, and you’ll see why 🤓.
Your personal style isn’t about keeping up with trends. It’s about what you love and what works for you. The first step? Knowing who you are and what suits you. Easy, right? Not exactly. But once you figure it out, you’ll feel more confident and authentic. Imagine spending your life as yourself, the best version of you - no need to imitate anyone else 🤣.
Fred Astaire, the legendary dancer and actor, used a tie as a belt, knotting it at the side.
Everything can start with a detail. Fred Astaire (1899-1987) – a renowned American actor, singer, and dancer who won an Oscar, instead of using a belt, tied a tie around his waist with a knot at the side. This example might seem a bit... extravagant, but it clearly demonstrates how a small detail can create a unique style.
Gianni Agnelli, the Sprezzatura style icon, wore button-down collar shirts but left the buttons undone and famously strapped his watch over his shirt sleeve.
Steve McQueen became synonymous with the Harrington jacket.
The "master" of Sprezzatura style, Gianni Agnelli (1921-2003), regularly wore button-down collar shirts but never buttoned them and was noted for wearing his watch over his shirt sleeve. If this still sounds too distant, a personal style can simply be how you always choose dark-toned clothes, always wear sneakers, or can't live without a particular type of hat. A meticulously groomed beard can also be considered a personal style when it becomes part of your image.
Bruce Pask, the fashion director at Bergdorf Goodman, dotes on his denim jacket.
It's not about wearing the same outfit repeatedly; rather, it's about the type of clothing you wear most often, rather than making others remember every item in your wardrobe. It's a whole process of experimenting with colors, shapes, proportions, accessories, etc. This process certainly isn't easy, and you'll have to endure some criticism and painful comments. "The older, the wiser," it seems older people succeed more in creating their own style. They are no longer distracted by trends or simply don't care what others think. Take it slow and experiment patiently, and you'll find what you like and truly need.
The red beanie hat that made designer Alexandre Mattiussi famous.
Having your own style saves time and sometimes even encourages a bit of laziness 😛. Waking up each morning, you won't spend much time deciding what to wear when the answer is always there: dress to be yourself. Steve Jobs probably understood this better than anyone with his signature black turtleneck, not exactly a classic example, but who can say Steve Jobs didn't have his own style? Designer Giorgio Armani is synonymous with a navy blue t-shirt paired with trousers of the same tone. Alexandre Mattiussi, the designer of Ami, is remembered for his simple monochrome outfits, but he chose a standout red beanie. And Paul Smith, too, his favorite attire is a slightly longer-than-traditional navy blue suit.
Sir Paul Smith in a navy blue suit.
In a chaotic world, authenticity is a breath of fresh air. Your personal style is the most honest way to express yourself. It’s saying, “This is me. I wear what I love. No pressure, no pretenses.”
So, if you’re ready to embrace your individuality, don’t wait. Start experimenting, discovering, and owning your personal style today. It’s never “too late” to be unapologetically you 😉.
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