THINK DESIGN TIPS

By: Style Swami

Style: a distinctive manner of expression
Style: a distinctive quality, form, or type of something

The formal definitions of style go on and on, but when it comes to defining your own style there is only one definition that matters - yours! Putting a ‘label’ on how you dress (conservative, classic, trendy, punk-rock) is not nearly as important as knowing what you like (or what you like to put on) and more importantly how it looks on you. Sure, slim fit pants are in style right now, but if you’ve got football player legs from your high school or college days that aren’t quite as tone as they use to be, then the slim fit trend may not be the most flattering to your ‘ass’sets.

There are three basic elements to creating a winning style: 1) comfort, 2) cut or fit, and 3) color. Opinions will differ as you try to gather more information, but I believe the most important element of any great style is comfort. I’m not talking comfort in the sense that you can sit down and endure a 14 hour flight in everything you wear, but you do need to feel confident in how you present. Style is 80% attitude, and 20% clothes. Clothes are a ‘second skin,’ and you should feel comfortable in your skin. That sense of confidence will command the attention you want (…some of us are still working to feel comfortable in our original skin, but that’s another website!). The second component to building a great wardrobe is cut. A beautiful sports coat that is a size and a half too big is a distraction, not a distinction. The last element to great style is color. Knowing what colors are most flattering on you and how to bring different colors together to create some excitement is an evolutionary process for most, but definitely one worth paying attention to. Style is a form of self expression. It should change and grow just as you do…so let it.

Remember: Trends come and go, but style is timeless.