How to Develop A Style of Your Own Inexpensively
By learn
The Process
- First, decide what fashion icons inspire you. Just because a celebrity, movie or book character, or acquaintance is an inspiration for a style does not mean you can't build off of it.
- Find pictures of that person (or persons). What are some signature items that inspire you? For me, Ellen Page as Juno and Mary Kate Olsen are inspirational, regarding style. Juno's signature items include sweater vests, plaid, witty T-shirts, and sneakers. Mary Kate Olsen's signature items are scarves, boho-inspired, flowing fabrics, large, roomy bags, and boots.
- Next, take into account your sense of comfort. Will you ever actually wear gladiator boots that have four-inch heels and lace up to your knees? Probably not. For us working girls, practicality is an important consideration. Choose the items that you can incorporate into your lifestyle. A consideration for me was fabric type. I loathe synthetics, so I try to find items made with mostly natural fibers.
- Go shopping. The rescue mission, thrift store, or salvation army is the best place to go if you want to save money, but other resources include consignment shops, garage sales (cheap but seasonal), antique stores, vintage clothing shops, and flea markets. Stay away from department stores -- the whole point is to make your style unique (Of course, some items can be picked up there; just don't make it your main resource).
- Scour the racks for the items you are looking for. Don't be afraid to look in menswear, or to try things on that you are unsure of. You never know how it will look on your body. The best rule of thumb is that if it strikes you, try it on. The worst that can happen is that you decide you don't like it.
- That being considered, select items that are in good shape, and don't have stains, holes, pilling, or excessive wear. If it looks worn out on the hanger, it will look worn out on you.
- Stick to your list of signature items first. For example, I first looked for a wool plaid jacket, sweater vests, scarves, T shirts, and flowy skirts, shirts, or pants. Try them on.
- When you are done trying things on, consider the current contents of your wardrobe. Will the items you liked go well with anything you already have? Do you need to get rid of some of your old clothes? Do you need to find some new staple items to pair with your signature items?
- Figure out whether or not you need any staples. Staples include jeans, slacks, button-down shirts, camisoles (ones that are meant to be seen and are there to complement part of an outfit), flattering long sleeve shirts in neutral colors, and leather dress shoes. Look for staple items, and try them on with your new signature items. If they fit well, are in good shape, and are something you feel your wardrobe could be improved by, get them.
- Look for accents. Accents can include scarves, hats,gloves, jewelry, belts, bags, and other accessories. These don't necessarily have to match other items, as long as you don't wear everything at once!
- It may take days, weeks, or months to amass a unique, quirky wardrobe. If you live in a rural area, consider making a trip to a nearby metropolitan area. Most small to large cities have a large secondhand store where you can find your whole wardrobe (7-10 whole outfits, plus shoes) for about $50. Also, many stores have "family days" or special student discounts. Call stores in advance to find out whether you can use these offers to your benefit.
- Of course, clothing is not all that makes up a style. Look through magazines and collect pictures of people whose hair or makeup you like. What do they have in common? For me, I like subtle makeup and short, funky, voluminous hair. Get your hair cut differently: it's amazing how refreshed this change canmake you feel. Next, get some new makeup. Most makeup expires about 6 monts after purchase, so chances are that you're due for a change. This is where you will probably spend the most money. Look for sales at drugstores and department stores in your area and be a compulsive coupon clipper. Buy high quality makeup. I recommend Physicians Formula organics tinted moisturizer and powder, as well as Loreal Bare Naturale loose powder eye shadow (although the applicator is a pain) and mascara. If you have sensitive skin as I do, these products will be less irritating. They also contain no parabens, and the risk of other chemical contents (such as lead, found in many lipsticks) is smaller.
- If you have the time, look up application techniques on the internet. Different looks can be achieved with different techniques. An interesting example is the evolution of beauty trends. In the twenties, "cupid's bow" lipstick and S-waved cropped hair were very popular. By the 50's, the style was totally different. Emulating a particular era of beauty can be a great way to pump up your style.
- Practice. Practice applying makeup, styling you hair, and putting together outfits. Look up fashion tips on the internet if you're stuck. (Watching What Not to Wear can sometimes be informative, if you have trouble telling funky from frumpy). A good rule of thumb:
- Layer. Layer a staple under a signature item, such as a vest or jacket. Pair this with another staple and a couple of accents.
- Stick to one print if you're a novice, and no more than three colors (jeans and neutral pants don't count). If you're adventurous, pair two prints. They should be in the same color family, and one should be much more subdued (From far away, it should appear to be a solid).
- Be consistent. Don't wear a long flowy skirt one day and jeans with a bufalo plaid wool jacket the next. Try to combine things that work. Instead, for example, pair a flowy skirt with a vintage T shirt, flip flops, and the jacket. Complete the look with a scarf and a bright bag. Tomorrow, wear jeans and a floral button-down, paired with a neutral sweater vest and loafers.
- Be confident. If you are nervous, be aware of your posture. Stand up straight and smile -- this will give you the semblance of confidence. If you don't believe you have great style, then no one else will.
- Make sure that you are dressing appropriately for the occasion. Having your own style doesn't mean that funky clothing choices are appropriate everywhere. Be mature! In a professional setting, dress conservatively. Of course, you can add a bright accessory such as a bag or a scarf to make a statement, but for the most part, try to fit in with what is expected.
- Don't be afraid to customize. Get some funky fabric and a pattern, and make something. Nothing is more rewarding than being able to tell your friends that you made the skirt you're wearing.
- Don't be afraid that pople will laugh. Unless you WAY overdo it, you will probably receiv many compliments. Of course, there will always be an idiot who will say something mean, but in the end, you've got to do it for yourself.
A sample of Juno's style, some of which was inspired by Page's own taste. Note the jacket, T-shirt, scarf, and use of layering.
Though this picture is not very clear, several of Olsen's signature items are here: The large bag and boots. She pairs it with jeans (a staple) and a funky plaid shirt for interest. She accents the outfit with sunglasses and some red bracelets.
This photo of 1930s bombshell Jean Harlow is an excellent example of the flapper trends that began in the 1920s. Note the short hair in S-waves, penciled in eyebrows, and heavy eye makeup, as well as the exaggerated "cupid bow" or "bee stung" lips.
Jackie Kennedy greatly influenced American fashion during her role as First Lady. Her natural makeup and voluminous bob were instant trends.
Comments
This Hub contains some really good advice, with the added benefit that it needn't cost the earth to follow.
Another idea: have a friend look at your existing wardrobe to suggest different ways to wear your clotehs. (of course, pick a friend whose style you admire).
Thanks! That's a great idea I hadn't even thought of!
nice topic....
more power
coz i love it....
i REALLY want to be a fashion designer when i grow up and this page has helped me to create an individual style which i think every1 should have!!! :)
Great Hub. You have some great ideas on how someone can become their own trendsetter. I agree that you can shop for a lot of looks at thrift stores and consignment shops. The trick is to also practice with mismatching clothes and creating outfits. You will never know what you will find out!
Useful hub... i like the idea of setting trends not following them - though it's harder then it sounds. But don't be limited by peoples opinions.
Princessa 3 years ago
Great advice to be a "trend setter" rather than a "trend follower". It takes time to find your own style, it requires patience and knowledge of your shape, but it is worth it :)