How to Develop Your Own Fashion Style

I am a big fan of fashion but an even bigger fan of creating my own style using fashion pieces mixed with tried and tested favorites that I already own, for me, it is more about how I curate my look rather than where I buy it.  In this post, I will be discussing ways to develop your own fashion style and give you some ideas on how to create your own look.

Developing your own fashion style is a bit like creating your own brand, choosing a color palette, patterns, accessories and a host of other things, that when bought together, create a look that is uniquely yours.

Firstly, I like to think about color and decide on a primary color – red, yellow or blue.  Don’t worry about the tone of the color, you could choose rose, mustard or turquoise as they are still part of the “primary color” family.  This color will be used for the basics of your style – the t-shirts, vest tops, jumpers, all those items that can be thrown together with anything you own.

Next, I like to think about patterns.  The pattern you pick, whether stripes, floral, gingham, zigzag, will be used to create a set of separates – dresses, tops, trousers, skirts, etc.  Choose patterns in colorways that will complement the color you chose in the first step as this will guarantee that you have a series of things that go together from the off.  I am really into black and white stripes at the moment which goes with any color.

Image from https://www.sessions.edu/color-calculator/

Thirdly, choose a color opposite the primary color you chose in the first step.

• Red = yellow-green, green, blue-green.
• Yellow = red-violet, violet, blue-violet.
• Blue = red-orange, orange, yellow-orange.

These are called complementary colors and work well together, acting as an enhancer of the other color.  These colors will be used for accessories such as jewelry, bags, shoes and, belts.

From this, you can assess what style you are most comfortable in or what style you wear on a regular basis.  Is this style formal, smart casual, casual, laid back, sporty or something else?  I am most comfortable and reach for items that are loose fit, boho, hippy and that have a beach/festival vibe.

Before buying anything go and see what you have in your wardrobe and think about things you can already wear.  Sometimes, by just re-thinking what you would wear with which item can give your style a new lease of life.  Note down any gaps in your attire and decide whether you are going to get that item in your primary or complementary color or in your chosen pattern.

Remember things such as jeans and jackets can be re-vamped and styled with ease, and you will probably have lots of items that can help to form the basis of your style, or help you to transition into your new look!  Try pairing black jeans, trousers or leggings with a bright t-shirt, blazer, and bright handbag and shoes!

I have found, since developing my own fashion style I always have something to wear to any occasion, I spend less time thinking about what I am going to wear, love all items in my wardrobe, they all get worn and I spend less time making terrible shopping choices!  In fact, I spend less on clothes now that I am happy with my style rather than buying off the peg outfits in a hurry.

What is your go-to fashion style?