Remember that we did a post on How To Get Back To Business earlier this August? And we kind of told you to go for the style you want and kind of just wing it? And we just sort of left you there with no clue on how to track down a style and make it yours? Well, we remember it too, and quite painfully as we do feel bad about “the tell but not show attitude”. But easy folks, we’ve got it covered for you this time (with the help of Olivia Palermo’s style)!
How to research
You probably already have a clear vision of what style direction you want to head towards. If not, check your Pinterest, your saved pictures on the phone/computer or what pieces you always tend to buy. Are they feminine, are they basic, are they floral? You might even have some style icons who’s style you always return to for inspiration. May it be a fashionista, a celebrity, a blogger or a model. If you don’t have one yet, go and get yourself one (it’ll make it a bit easier at least). After you know what style/person you want to dress more like, it’s time for the research. Scan Pinterest, google on google, scroll through their accounts or stalk the outfit’s page on their blogs. Collect outfits you love so you’ll get a better picture on what their style is like!
Pluck apart
Now it’s easy to save/pin outfits and think that they look nice and all. But frankly speaking, how many times does one successfully get a grasp of what their style is really like? Sometimes they look flawless in a dress, sometimes in distressed jeans and other times in a jumpsuit. Different pieces, different styles but somehow they still remain coherent in their fashion life. The secret? Well, it’s not about the clothes actually. Nope, it’s about the details that makes the style. Perhaps they always choose clothes within the same color scale? Or it’s always the patterns that are minimal? Maybe it’s the silhouette that always is clean? Knowing the foundation of one’s style is knowing what you need in your closet! We suggest you write down the answers from the questions below, that way you’ll get a list of essentials.
Here are 5 things to look for:
- What colors do they usually stick to?
- What silhouette do they use, well-defined or loose?
- Patterns, no patterns, what sort of patterns?
- The accessories, are they bigger and better or are they minimalistic?
- Are the clothes full of details or are they simple?
Make it yours
If you know where you’re going now and you know what you need, all that’s left is blending your everyday style and your beloved style to become one. We do realize that this sounds like a marriage, but your style should be timeless, it should be based on your core and it should always bring out the best of you. (So we’re not saying anything, but you know, we’re just saying). However, back on track: this is where you can break or make your new style. This step is not about buying an entire new closet and just wing it, and it’ll be a disaster most likely. No, this is about inventing what you already have. What essentials are similar to your style direction? What are you missing? So here’s some do’s and dont’s for this step:
- Do see what you have and what you’re missing on the key list.
- Don’t buy an entire new wardrobe, it’ll confuse you, the people around you and us too we’re sure. Just take a few items to start with and get comfortable with them!
- Do slowly incorporate a piece in your style. Always wearing boyfriend jeans but you want to go preppy? Add that blazer or that blouse and see the awesomeness of contrasts!
- Don’t forget to match the style with your silhouette too. Just because models off duty usually don’t have curves to think about doesn’t mean you don’t. Perhaps you need to add a belt, ignore an essential as it’s not flattering on you. Is the compromise fine? Yes, it’s your style it comes down to after all.
Final marks
Here’s the thing: Does this post mean that your own unique style is not working? Not at all. Does this post mean that you have to give up what you wear to wear what you want? Not at all. This post is about encouraging empowerment. The perfect style doesn’t exist, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t strive for it. Striving for perfection means reaching great. Personal style is about development and knowing how to track down a style is a part of going for better!
Folks? Keep your heads up and always be a stylish work in progress!
This post is definitely one of my favourites, so on point!! You really know what you are talking about and do have a great eye for style! Keep it up 🙂
xx
Stella
http://www.stellaasteria.com
this is so great 😀 i always love reading your blog! have a good day 😉
mfashionfreak♥blog
Thank you so so much! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
That sounds doable. I need to have a good look at my Pinterest board and see what I actually want.
Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
Do it, hope you’ll be able to sort it out! Pinterest is a great source of inspo! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Love how you explained everything, and the image with the explanation words is just fab! Totally agree on the, when ur copying someone’s style to make it your own. And Olivia has one of my favorite styles ♥
Xo
http://style-hue.com
Thank you so much love! Glad you like the post! It’s so important to find balance between who you are and what style you want to have! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
olivia always rules it!
http://www.thefashionfraction.com
She does indeed! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I like these styles !
OP is so chic! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Great post! Thank you for the wonderful tips 🙂
El xx
http://www.elsfashionfix.co.uk
Thank you so much! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Such a great tips for great style!
http://sepatuholig.blogspot.com
IG @grace_njio
Thank you, hope you find them helpful! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
These are solid advice and they do make sense plus they are easy to follow! Thanks for sharing!
AFU
Thank you, glad you like them! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Great and inspiring post, Olivia always knows what’s suits her.
xox
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle
She does indeed, she has a lovely sense of style! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
This is so inspiring! I love the post:)
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I love Pinterest!
http://www.thequinoxfashion.com/
It’s a lovely source of inspo! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Great tips! Love all the styles you show <3 xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/patched-up-fall-colors/
Thank you so much! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
This is such an awesome guide! I think your list of similarities to look for in outfits is key to personal style
These pieces are totally gorgeous! And you can really see both the masculine and feminine influences
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
Thank you so much! They are indeed, and it really is about the details! OP has a lovely sense of style, she mix different elements so good! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Love these tips, just what I needed! Thank you for posting such interesting things!
http://www.maggiekrol.com/
Xoxo, Maggie
Thank you so much, glad you find it useful! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Excellent post, so many great tips!
Kimx
http://www.thebeachedbrunette.com
Thank you so much! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Love this post! It’s so true! I need to totally do this more often when looking at specific styles!
Hope you’ll find the points helpful! And thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Great tips love! The styles are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
Much love, Pisa
http://www.inlovewithmyclothes.com
They are indeed, she has a lovely sense of style! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
This post was brilliant to say the least!! I love how you analyzed OliviaPalermo’s style. Baci, Valeria – Coco et La vie en rose NEW OUTFIT POST
Thank you so much! Her style is impeccable! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Such wonderful tips for helping one to define their own style. Olivia looks amazing and she has such great style!! xo
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com
She’s always so stylish, love her sense of style! She never does any wrong! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Really nice post ! Love it 🙂
Best
Measlychocolate by Patty
Thank you!! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Such a great and informative post! Really helpful for sure 🙂
Sending much love!
Xx
Rosa Larissa Klara
conscious lifestyle of mine
Thank you, glad you find it useful! Same to you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
On behalf of all people like me who have somehow made it to 26 without knowing how to buy clothes… thank you! This is really helpful!
alicered.co.uk
Hahah thank you love, thank you for the kind words! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Great post!
http://carinazz.blogspot.com.ee/
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Good observations – Olivia is a smashing example! She is lovely 🙂
http://www.pret-a-reporter.co.uk/blog/
She’s so stylish, she’s so good! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Ooo these are really great tips! I know my style could use some updating, and I already spend half my day on pinterest haha. Thank you!!
P.S. why is Olivia Palermo so stunning?! can she do any wrong??? ;p
-Emily http://www.coatandcoffee.com
That’s lovely, thank you! Hope you’ll find them helpful! And Pinterest is just the best source of inspo, so much good stuff! She’s a babe when it comes to fashion, always so stylish! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
First of all, I want to give you props for putting together such a wonderful style guide! It’s not often (not even in magazines) that you see such a well written and researched article.
It provides inspiration, teaches, problem solves and gives clear and actionable items for personal style development. Job well done!
Second, I think it’s excellent advice to find some style icons and pay attention to their style! I think it’s rare to just know how to put outfits together naturally. Even the most stylish people have help from stylists or others that teach them the fundamentals of what works best on them. Trying things out and experimenting while keeping inspired is so important.
xo
N
Style Tomes ||ST on IG
Thank you so so so much Nataliya means so much! I blush, love your support girl! I’ll keep it in mind!
And yes, it is indeed, it’s always good to have a consistent source of inspo! And not being afraid to fail is key, knowing your foundation and somewhat push the fashion boundaries is given! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
All the info was really useful! Defining our own personal style takes time, but the final result can be mesmerizing. x
Have a nice week,
Andreea
http://couturezilla.com/
So true, it’s definitely worth it in the end! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Olivia is so chic always. I just love her style and what she wears a lot is what I tend to wear. She is so stylish and on point. This is great advice and I loved this post so much 🙂 http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2016/08/totes-for-boys.html
https://www.instagram.com/heathernoire89
https://www.twitter.com/heathernoir89
https://www.facebook.com/heathernoiresblog
That’s so lovely! She’s so chic and good, and lovely that she always keeps the fashion level high! Thank you so much! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Loved the post!! I wish I love Olivia’s style!
Dora http://www.BangsBang.com
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
This is so interesting, I love the break down
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Thank you, I think I got it covered! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Such an interesting and usefull article! Well done.
xx
LA VEINE
Thank you, glad you like it! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
fantastic post! love the details and step by step tips!
kelseybang.com
Thank you love, I hope I got it down well! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Wow, best post I’ve read all week and I’ve read a lot of them! You really got into the details and I love that as an example you chose Olivia Palermo. She is such a iconic style and source of personal inspiration for me. I want to share this post with everyone I know!! You have such talent!!
XOXO
kellmenow | http://www.kellmenow.com/blog/2016/8/19/is-white-out-the-new-black-out
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/kell_menow/
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Oh gosh, now I blush! Thank you love so much, means the world! OP has a lovely sense of style, she’s so chic and stylish – always! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I love that you used Olivia Palermo for example. She’s such a elegant fashionista!
XoXo,
Tamara – LoveofMode.com
She is indeed, she has a lovely sense of style! So good! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
This is such a great post, and I love the questions to ask about finding your style. I’m guilty of pinning a bunch of looks but not really knowing what it is about them that draws me in. I’m going to keep those in mind from now on!
Thank you love! Hopefully they’ll sort of help! The fact that you already have a style and certain pieces you’re drawn to is a beginning! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Such great tips! Absolutely love all of your recommendations. xx
Audrey Adair-Keene | http://www.happilyaudrey.com
Thank you, glad if they can be to any help! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
great post
Lua do Meu Mundo da Lua
FanPage (subscribe)
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Great post! I need to do this as i have been trying out many different styles recently. Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Thank you! That’s lovely, hopefully it’ll help! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
This is a fun post! I love the idea behind it, and I totally love to use pinterest for the same reasons. I love how you break down the steps. 🙂 XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Thank you love!! Pinterest is such a good source, gives a lovely dose of inspo eveyrtime! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I love these tips!! I really need to keep these in mind the next time I go shopping!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
Thank you love, glad you find them helpful! They’re so good! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Cool tips, I love Olivia Palermo style!!!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Facebook
My Instagram
She’s just so so stylish! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Makes it so easy, when you break it down like this x
Yukova blog
Hopefully it does!! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Olivia is my fashion muse, so I loved that you used her as an example in this post; she always gets it right! Finding or defining one’s style can be quite the challenge, but you’ve provided some really great tips and suggestions here that will certainly simplify the whole process, thank you! I hope you’re having a very Happy Wednesday, beauty, and thanks again for sharing!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
She does indeed, she has a lovely sense of style! She just has the perfect balance of high fashion and classic, she’s my fashion muse as well! Thank you love, I hope that they’re helpful! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Such great tips! I love how u deconstructed Olivia’s style!
Diana
http://www.seaofblush.com
Thank you, hope it helped sort of! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Good tips! OP is the ultimate icon.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
She is indeed, she has a lovely sense of style! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
This is so incredible, I love owning my own sense of style whereby when people see others with it they think of me and these tips are the best!!
http://www.fashionstylemogul.com
That’s so so lovely, knowing your style and influence people is awesome! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I’ve definitely evolved with my style – but it’s always come down to basics and a few stand out pieces! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
That’s lovely, knowing your style is key for taking it to the next level! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I love this post! Such great tips! Olivia Palermo has such a great style! x
TOUCHOFGUCCI // BLOGLOVIN
Thank you so much! She has indeed, she’s so stylish! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Awesome post! I always look out for your tips. Lovely.
http://www.tessyonyia.com
That makes me so happy, thank you love! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Gostei…bem diferente.
Bjim…
blog Usei Hoje
Instagram | Twitter | Fan Page
Thank you, she’s so stylish! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Olivia Palermo has the most amazing style! Such great tips! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
She has indeed, she’s so stylish! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Such great points dear, and very useful tips! I agree with you, Pinterest is a great place to start! I wish more women would follow such advise than copy pasting looks that don’t fit their style or personality. Thank you for sharing and have a great day!
xx
Stella
http://www.stellaasteria.com
Thank you love! Pinterest is a great source indeed, so much inspo! And adjusting a style one adores to yourself is key! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
If you are going to follow in the fashion footsteps of anyone, Olivia Palermo is it – her style slays!
xx
So true, she’s a good fashion icon! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
great tips!!
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Olivia is always perfection!!
Xoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
She has a lovely sense of style! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
What an awesome post! I am a stylist and what you said here is what I try to teach my clients. Great tips and I couldn’t agree more that pinterest is a great place to start. 🙂
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
That’s so glad and makes me so happy to hear! I’m self-taught so it means so much! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
This post is so needed! It can be overwhelming to track down a style, but this makes it so much easier. Thanks, babe!
xx http://www.qustomquinns.com/blog
Thank you so much, so glad that you find it helpful! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
wooow,yes, so true i love the styles you show 🙂
http://www.youtube.com/c/MissLovelyAttitude
http://lovelyattitude.com
Thank you, so happy that you lik e them! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I love this post!
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Very nice post 🙂 Love reading this
http://www.notsohardtobepretty.com
Thank you so much, so glad to hear that! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com