Fashion can be a fun and exciting way to express your personality. If you choose your wardrobe wisely, you can develop your own look without spending a fortune. The following tutorial is a recession-friendly guide to finding your own style.
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 are “copying” them. You are just building off of their styles.
- 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 (during her “boho” phase) are inspirational, regarding style. Juno’s signature items include sweater vests, plaid, graphic T-shirts, and sneakers. Mary Kate Olsen’s signature items are scarves, boho-inspired, flowing fabrics, large, roomy bags, and boots.
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.
Several of Olsen's signature items are here: The large bag and boots. She pairs them with a large wool coat and a funky plaid shirt-dress, and accents the outfit with sunglasses and some gold baubles. You could tone down this look by pairing a plaid tunic with jeans.
- 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.
- Think about your shape. What looks good on your body? Certain cuts and fabrics work well on some shapes but look terrible on others. Using your shape to its greatest potential will make you feel confident and sexy! Remember: There is no “right” or “wrong” body shape. Loving your body is an important part of being happy, confident, and well-adjusted.
- 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. Some items, especially staples, can be picked up there; but don’t make it your main resource. Secondhand stores and independent shops have the added bonus of being more ecologically and socially responsible.
- 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 (vegan leather, if you prefer) 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!
- If you happen to have some extra cash, consider supporting cottage-industry artisans. You can find all sorts of handmade goodies, from t shirts and dresses to jewelry, bags, and all manner of other things on sites such as Etsy. Much better than buying at large chains, which put many artisans out of business or rely on sweatshop labor.
- 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 (or several — hit all the stores in one day to save some gas money. Better yet, bring your girlfriends and have a girl’s day out!) where you can find your whole wardrobe (7-10 whole outfits, plus shoes) for about $50-$100. 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 funky, voluminous hair. Get your hair cut differently: it’s amazing how refreshed this change can make you feel. Next, get some new makeup. Most makeup expires about 6 months 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 (click here to visit the Campaign for Safer Cosmetics website, where you can download a list of brands that have signed the compact to omit parabens and lead from their products).
- 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.
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 feminine, tailored ensembes, natural makeup and voluminous bob were instant trends.
- 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/skirts, etc. 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 (A good rule of thumb: 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 or yarn 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. Additionally, you have the option of upcycling your old wardrobe. Turn your old too-small jeans into a bag or take in that baggy shirt.
- Invite your friends over to help you find new ways of wearing your old clothes. Consider having a clothing and accessory swap!
- Don’t be afraid that people will laugh. Unless you WAY overdo it, you will probably receive many compliments. Of course, there may be a jerk who will say something mean, but in the end, you’ve got to do it for yourself . The whole point is to be happy the way you are!
I hope that this tutorial helps you develop your own style, while saving money and the environment! I’d love to hear your input or criticism.
I posted this tutorial previously on Hubpages.com, so if you have seen this before, that’s where! I didn’t steal it.
