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How to Build a Timeless Wardrobe Rooted In Your Signature Fashion Style

Woman discovers her signature fashion style with sunglasses, white blouse, and red lipstick

In a world dominated by fast fashion, it’s all too common to get caught up in the pursuit of the latest trends. However, relying only on trends and fashion aesthetics without a defined personal style can lead to a wardrobe lacking in direction and authenticity. This article aims to help you discover your signature fashion look and navigate the shopping process to find timeless classics that celebrate your authentic self. We will walk you through the steps of conducting a closet audit, creating a style mood board, and crafting a meaningful wishlist so you will be able to curate a wardrobe that truly reflects who you are!

Quote that says, "Signature Fashion starts by taking a closer look at your existing closet to identify the core elements of your style".

Signature Fashion through Your Closet

Signature fashion often starts by taking a closer look at your existing closet. Auditing your closet helps you identify the core elements of your style. Begin by asking yourself questions like, “Which items do I wear the most frequently?” and “Which ones make me feel the most comfortable and confident?” During this process, you may find common threads among your favorite pieces.

Don’t hesitate to try on different looks, combining pieces in unexpected ways to discover new outfit possibilities. Play with contrasting textures, experiment with layering, and mix and match various styles to create fresh ensembles. This trial-and-error process not only adds an element of fun to your signature fashion exploration but also allows you to stumble upon outfits that truly resonate with your personality. Be sure to document your findings by capturing photos or writing down a list of your favorite and least favorite pieces. This helps create a tangible reference point that will help you create your wishlist.

Streamlining Your Style

Remember that TikTok sound, “If I like it… I’ll buy it in another color”? Well, it helped break the common fashion misconception that if you already have a similar item, then you shouldn’t consider adding another to your collection. However, if there are items that you genuinely love and will wear time and time again, then it’s OKAY to invest in similar pieces. Don’t be deterred from adding similar pieces to your closet, especially if they already have a history of contributing to your confidence. 

On the flip side, understanding your current closet will highlight pieces that don’t quite align with your signature fashion look or no longer make you feel your best. Maybe some pieces never see the light of day like an uncomfortable pair of jeans or a suffocating turtleneck sweater. Closet audits deter you away from pieces and trends that don’t fit your style and help reduce waste from styles you don’t love.

Crafting Your Signature Fashion Style

Fashion quote that says, Mood boards capture the beauty of your signature fashion and turn it into a useful visual tool you can use to find meaningful inspiration.

Meaningful Mood Boards

Your signature fashion style is a powerful way to communicate your authentic self without even uttering a single word. Think of it as a window that showcases who you truly are and illuminates your personality, desires, and values. Fashion mood boards capture the beauty of who you are and turn it into a useful visual tool that you can use to find slow, meaningful fashion inspiration.

Spend an afternoon cutting out images from old magazines or building out compelling Pinterest boards so you can gain a better sense of your true style. Explore the intricate details, specific pieces, and diverse outfits that resonate with you. This visual exercise not only focuses on your fashion inspiration but also unveils the common threads that define your true style.

Of course, you want to find looks that inspire you. But signature fashion is not only about clothing; it’s a reflection of who you are and how you live your life. Incorporating lifestyle images into a mood board adds a layer of authenticity, offering a glimpse into your daily life, interests, and values. By blending fashion inspiration with snapshots of your surroundings, hobbies, and personal aspirations, the mood board becomes a visual narrative that reflects not just your style but also the essence of your authentic self, creating a more holistic and meaningful representation.

Put It Into Words

Style Words:

Once you have an idea of what your visual inspiration looks like, articulating your mood board into words further defines your style. Start by selecting two words that encapsulate your style, whether it’s Colorful Editorial, Romantic Vintage, or Business Chic. Selecting two style words, rather than one, adds depth and nuance to your fashion identity. While a single word may provide a basic label for your style, combining two words builds tension and helps you create a multi-dimensional persona.

For example, the Color Editorial style is characterized by bold, and often unconventional use of colors in their outfits while embracing a visually dynamic approach inspired by magazine spreads. A Romantic Vintage style combines elements of nostalgia and femininity, drawing inspiration from silhouettes and details of the past. Finally, a Business Chic would combine professional attire with contemporary fashion, offering a polished and sophisticated look.

  • Academia
  • Androgynous
  • Avant-Garde
  • Bohemian
  • Business
  • Casual
  • Chic
  • Classic
  • Coastal
  • Colorful
  • Editorial
  • Glamorous
  • Goth
  • Kawaii
  • Military
  • Minimalist
  • Outdoor
  • Preppy
  • Punk
  • Retro
  • Romantic
  • Sporty
  • Steampunk
  • Streetwear
  • Urban
  • Vintage
  • Western

Emotional Words:

Next, you want to select three words to express how you want to feel when you wear your pieces. These words serve as a guide to confirm that every garment you purchase embodies the person you are or desire to be. 

  • Adventurous
  • Artistic
  • Athletic
  • Calm
  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Confident
  • Cool
  • Cozy
  • Eclectic
  • Edgy
  • Effortless
  • Elegant
  • Free-Spirited
  • Happy
  • Luxurious
  • Moody
  • Mysterious
  • Professional
  • Relaxed
  • Sexy
  • Sophisticated
  • Strong
  • Timeless
  • Unique
  • Whimsical
  • Youthful

Personal Color Palette

A wardrobe color palette plays a tremendous role in defining your signature fashion style as it emulates your personality and brings cohesiveness into your closet. Neutral colors like black, gray, beige, brown, or white set the perfect backdrop while accent colors infuse vibrancy and individuality into your style. Start by picking three neutral colors to form the foundation of your color palette and then, incorporate two accent colors. If you’re looking for a place to start, use your mood board as a reference to extract and harmonize your color palette.

Incorporating patterns into your mood board can be a great way to infuse individuality into your style. However, be wary of trendy patterns such as the cow print or wavy checkerboard, which can often be captivating but they may feel dated next season. Instead, opt for classic patterns like stripes or plaids. These timeless patterns have been staples for decades and will most likely never go out of style.

Experimenting with textures is also a stylish way to infuse depth and dimension into your wardrobe. Combining fabrics like velvet, lace, silk, or leather with a diverse color palette creates a visually dynamic and tactile experience. This mix not only adds interest to your outfits but also elevates your overall style, making each ensemble a multi-sensory experience that reflects your signature fashion style.

Fashion quote that says, Finding your signature fashion becomes a transformative process of self-discovery.

Building a Wishlist with your Signature Fashion Style

Once you’ve audited your closet and built out your mood board, it’s time to start creating a shopping wish list. Prioritize filling the gaps in your closet to build a well-rounded collection that can adapt to various occasions and moods. However, as mentioned above, if you have a proven record of frequently wearing a certain type of garment, then there’s no harm in adding different variations to your wishlist. Incorporating versatile pieces in your wardrobe maximizes outfit options and streamlines your decision-making.

Don’t forget the significance of adding accessories to your wishlist like handbags, belts, jewelry, and shoes to infuse unique details and take your outfit to the next level. Whether you opt for bold pieces or timeless classics, curating a wishlist with accessories is a fantastic way to elevate your style and infuse unique charm into every outfit.

While you’re creating your wishlist with your signature fashion style, incorporating specific details from your mood board will confirm your new pieces correspond with your fashion aspirations. For example, maybe you added a button-down blouse to your wishlist. Instead of just “a button-down” outline the details to an “oversized button-down with blue and white stripes”.

Additionally, detailing the clothing fabric during this curation stage is essential in guaranteeing you invest in high-quality clothing. Exploring the ethical and sustainability of materials before making a purchase fosters intentional consumption habits.

Finding Something You Love

Armed with your mood board and wishlist, it’s time to begin finding those pieces from your wishlist. While online spaces offer the convenience of shopping from the comfort of your home, if it’s feasible, we strongly recommend visiting the actual store. Being able to assess the garment firsthand allows you to determine its compatibility with your style. Trying it on helps you know if it resonates with your personal style and confidence.

Before you buy your entire wishlist in one go, it’s okay to take your time before each purchase. In fact, a slow shopping approach allows you to make well-informed decisions. By allowing yourself the time to reflect on your chosen pieces, you may notice that your style preferences evolve or that certain items no longer speak to you. Slowing down your shopping pace allows you to discover pieces that you will cherish and is a huge step towards stopping fast fashion.

In the realm of slow fashion, cultivating your signature fashion style becomes a transformative process of self-discovery. Embrace the beauty of evolving your style as a continuous journey rather than a final destination. As you craft your mood board and define your style, you gain a deeper understanding of your unique self-expression. Performing a closet audit helps you create a meaningful wishlist, assuring each item resonates with your genuine preferences. This slow fashion approach encourages a mindful relationship that supports your signature fashion style, where every piece becomes a reflection of your self-expression.

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