Patti was writing recently about her style goals for 2016. Do you create style goals?
I’ll be honest. I don’t.
But there is something I strive for pretty much every time I get dressed.
I have a style statement that helps me decide what to wear and keeps me focused on how I want to be perceived by the world around me.
It’s what I want my clothes to communicate without me having to say a word.
My style statement is “Artistic, unique, relevant, fun and strong.”
Five little words that keep me on track.
When you choose your style statement it will evolve as you evolve.
The definition that I give to “fun” today will probably be different to me in five years.
I aspire to be worthy of these descriptions I have chosen for myself.
I may not feel strong every day but I most certainly want to come across as confident and strong.
If you’re having an issue defining your personal style why not start by choosing a style statement?
Choose Your Style Statement
I’ve created a free little worksheet to help you choose your style statement. It’s only five questions which will help you better define yourself and how you want to be perceived.
A style statement is an opportunity to “dress for the job you don’t have” or dress for the person you want to be. Clothes communicate volumes about ourselves and influence the way we see ourselves. Attitude and mindset follow the lead of the clothes you are wearing. Actors will “get into character” through their wardrobe. Our clothing can shift the perception of ourselves. Our chosen second skin is an opportunity to make positive changes. Giving yourself permission to dress as the person you aspire to be is the beginning of the change you want to see in yourself.
Style isn’t about wanting to be someone else, or following rules, it is about knowing yourself, believing in yourself and working with what you have to create a visual representation of your soul on the outside for all the world to see.
Of course there is nothing that says that next year I might change my style statement entirely. I don’t believe in rules or formulas. My body, heart and mind are evolving every day and I want to ensure that I keep myself open to graciously accept the changes.
Do you have a style statement? What is it?
Linking up with Visible Monday, I Will Wear What I Like
Great style statement – yours fits you so well!
Great worksheet! I’m not completely done with my style statement, but my “working style statement” would is: classic, unique, fun, effortless
I think you’re hitting those dead on Andrea.
I think you need to include a bit of edgy since your latest faux leather leggings have up your edge-appeal.
Oh, I like adding edgy! And I think I’ll focus on adding some more edginess this year! 🙂
That’s a really good question! No, I don’t set style goals per se although starting my blog in a way was a style goal. Wearing more of my wardrobe was one of the reasons I started blogging and I’ve certainly worn much much more of it that in the previous two years so that’s a result! But I like the idea of a style statement. Glenda at So What Twenty has something similar to reflect the different aspects of her style personality. I like my style to encompass two things ideally – playfulness and practicality. If an outfit can be both fun and functional then I’m a happy lass!
Like you I don’t adhere to rules. I like things to be more organic and fluid depending on my mood and exactly where I am in life!
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
I should take a hint from you and really look at the practicality of some of my purchases. Then it’d mean I have to stop living as a Hollywood Celebrity in my own mind. I’m not ready to give it up just yet.
Wonderful style statement, Suzanne, and it is how I see you as well. I love your artistic sense and how it guides you. And I couldn’t agree more: there are no rules to follow, just our hearts and our eyes. You’re a star! xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
My style statement is usually an exclamation or even a question. I change a lot from day to day. Just when I think I’m safely in a statement zone, I switch. But I suppose that’s part of my style statement: unpredictable. I’d say unstable except I feel pretty confident at the same time. How about unpredictable, confident, mischievous? Maybe.
You are a star at choosing clothes that fit your style statement. And these are fantastic photos.
You NAILED yours!
You came thrift shopping with me today and convinced me to buy a Ralph Lauren satin robe. Now I need to see if I can rock it like you. I may need to take some lessons in swaggar, body movement, makeup and facial expressions. That all comes included with the “Be Melanie For A Day” Ferk Yer Modelling video tape and self improvement series of audio books right? I bought it as part of a package on late night TV along with a vegetable spiralizer and a jiggle weight.
WHAT CHANNEL for the jiggle weight and vegetable spiralizer!!?!
Will it work with chocolate?! – both items.
Can’t wait to see your Ralph Lauren robe – even though I was the one who forced you into buying it. Hahaha!
I’ve heard stories that the jiggle weight works well if you smear chocolate on it and then try to lick it off while jiggling. You’ve got to be careful though! It comes with a safety warning. Some guy lost most of his teeth like that. I’m only on beginner level. I need to build up in increments to advanced jiggling with chocolate. I’m starting with the spiralled vegetables. They wrap around the weight quite nicely and then when they eventually fly off Zoe catches them in the air. We’re both getting a workout! High FIVE!
Bwahahaha!! Get it on tape and you’ll make millions!
Or be the star of some weird porn fetish! Ha ha!
You and Melanie are so damn much fun I can hardly stand it!!!
Do you remember those sickly sweet FRIENDSHIP IS… (or maybe it was love is…) cartoons from the 70’s ?
Your friendship and mutual admiration of each other’s spirit is a delight!
We do bring out the best/worst in each other!
Back when I started blogging, it used to bug me how much my style vacillated, but I love this idea of a statement of five words- enough to keep focused but not so rigid you can’t be creative. An y our five words are definitely shown off in every outfit we see on the blog. I feel like my style is more coherent now, but might do the sheet just for fun and to keep me on track and clarified!
Let me know if the worksheet helps you.
I tried it on my husband and it worked really well.
What were his words (if that’s not rude to ask!)
I don’t think he’ll mind. He is in Abu Dhabi right now.
Interesting, Intelligent, Adventurous, Kind, Dedicated.
I liked doing the exercise with him since he chose totally different words than what I would have guessed. For example…he missed out on suave. : )
Food for thought today then Suzanne? Hmmmm. The thing that comes to mind is “I aspire to inspire.” I like to show women, particularly women of my age, that we can dress for ourselves without fear of criticism. You fulfill your style statement beautifully, in particular your strength which was what drew me to write to you in the very first instance. I admire strength (as in a sense of self) in a woman especially when it’s offset with femininity – you’re the perfect blend in my eyes. Bravo x
Anna
Anna’s Island Style
Aspiring to inspire is a great style statement with limitless possibilities. Your style comes across as fearless, eclectic, creative and interesting. The kind of person I’d like to hang out with at a party. I’d say you’re hitting your stride nicely.
Thanks for such a wonderful compliment. It warmed my heart : )
Love the Seventies vibe, Suzanne – I think everything you wear makes a strong statement. I have no idea what mine would be, but I guess there’s something in there about not giving a shit what anyone thinks, ha! (PS. I want that skirt! ) xxxx
I’ve been told that is one of the brilliant bits about getting older. You don’t give a damn anymore.
Isn’t the skirt THE BEST? I’ve been wearing it non-stop.
So cool! You are so very organised in a good way.
I think playful would be on mine, and organic, meaning style and fabrics.
Comfortable and androgynous (most of the time).
People call my look boho and artistic but ai don’t set out to express that. I suppose I just express that part of my soul.
But above all would be creative!!
Xo Jazzy Jack
Well there is no doubt whatsoever you are hugely creative and your clothing reflects that very well.
The word “creative” encompasses a universe of ideas and possibilities.
Your creative eye always surprises me, pointing out the beauty and magic where unfocused, we would see none.
interesting idea to have a style statement. I know what we wear can be reflection of your personality and I would say mind is more mood driven. I honestly don’t think about a message I want to deliver when I am dressing. I always think ahead of what my day looks like and dress from there.
I do adore this outfit and it conveys your style statement.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
Subconsciously I think you are already doing this. You always look very professional and put together. I think it might have to do with working in a bank. Your clothes come across as someone that is quite driven,conscientious and maybe a high achiever? Type A personality? Or someone very organized. Let me know if I got any of these right : )
Some right and some wrong. I always feel I need to dress or look a certain way for work to keep with being professional but still unique so people remember me. I do set high expectations for myself at work and tend to achieve them every year.
But I am not organized or type A personality at all. I leave that to my husband. My job is to drive him nuts with my mis organized mind.
Alice
Ha! I’ll take 3 out of 4 ; P
Love those boots! I’d say that you’re quite successful at accomplishing your style statement in what you wear. I’ve never gotten to the point of really making anything like a goal or a statement for my style, but my general goal in everything that I wear is that I want to feel very, very happy about my clothes (whenever possible. I don’t feel happy about, say, working out and wearing shorts but one must make occasional allowances for practicality), and I suppose I’d also like people who see me to think, “She looks like she picked those clothes out of love and happiness.” Although I tend toward the opinion that few people would look at me and think anything at all–we tend to think of ourselves ever so much more than other people think about us. 🙂
Too true that we always think people are looking at us when in fact they are more interested in themselves.
I must say your joy for life shines through in the unique and colourful clothing you choose. You have an infectious smile and a twinkle in your eye which always outshines whatever you’re wearing. You always look like you’re having the best day of your life. If you could bottle that you’d be a millionaire.
Thanks for giving me an extra smile today! 🙂
Wow Suzanne…I love how you explained this concept!! I’m giving a talk to some older ladies in a couple months…is it okay if I use some of this verbage (I’ll give you credit)? You definitely have a way with words! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I’m delighted you’d like you mention this. By all means…spread the fashion word!
I never thought to come up with a style statement for myself. That is a great idea! Your post has encouraged me to really think about what my individual style choices say about me. I realize I get bored very easily. So my outfit choices tend to be all over the place. Like you, I don’t like stick to a set fashion script. One day I’m all about a ladylike 1950s look, tomorrow it could be 1970s, the next contemporary with vintage thrown in. I often mix pieces from different eras in the same outfits. Yet I strive to appear polished, classy and confident at the same time. So I guess I try to strike a balance between artful, whimsical, glamorous and classic. A challenge for sure, but so much fun!
BTW, love your 70s inspired outfit and the boots are fabulous!!
Great post Suzanne! I’d say you hit your own style statement dead on! I particularly enjoyed the last couple of paragraphs, which were very well written, and I think would be quite inspirational for people who are struggling with how to express themselves through their clothing. Perhaps I’ll try your worksheet to see if I can come up with words to describe mine. When I was younger, I think I dressed for the person I wanted to be, but now I dress for the person I am, and that can vary from day to day.
I agree totally that we are different people daily. I do find that the words I chose have loads of flexibility. A mindful fashion mantra for the brain : ) .
I LOVE this. And I’m saving your worksheet to fill out tomorrow. I see all five of your words in the outfits you put together, and I would have picked “artistic” and “strong” to describe your style before even reading this post. I absolutely agree that fashion is dressing for the job you don’t have and the person you want to be. Looking forward to doing some brainstorming over your worksheet tomorrow. What a fun exercise in self-reflection!
<3 Liz
http://www.withwonderandwhimsy.com
So I couldn’t wait until tomorrow and just worked through the sheet. Here are my five words:
Playful
Whimsical
Self-Assured
Thoughtful
Inspired
Thanks for this! I’ve been doing a lot of goal setting for 2016, and this helped me get focused.
<3 Liz
I’m so delighted this worked for you Liz!
The words you chose are PERFECT for you.
Yay!
I just love filling out forms. I used to go through magazines when I was a kid and fill out all of the mail order inserts. But now I’m more confused than ever. You and so many others really nailed their style statements. Bur I won’t even reveal my results because they just don’t make sense. Perhaps that is my style: Confusion.
This is interesting. I wasn’t sure this would work on everyone.
It’s a pretty good system Suzanne. I think I am in a state of transition. I’ve had to change so many things about the way I live my life so I guess my style just hasn’t caught up. I’m gonna go with dress for the life I want to have and see what happens. This was actually a vey good exercise. I think perhaps you are a style therapist. Time to hang out a shingle and charge tons of money!
I know making adjustments in life due to health issues is terribly tough. Your body becomes your enemy. Problem is, that’s the only one we’ve got.
That old phrase “fake it till you make it” can help brighten our outlook if nothing else. I do believe our body is more willing to follow positive energy if we present it. Here I go getting all Yoga on you ; )
Your brilliant sense of humour is probably what has kept you together. As long as you have that there will always be something to smile about. Thank Feck for that.
Gosh, this is a good question! I think my style statement changes each day. I base it on my mood and I’m often in the mood for a kind of retro persona, like, say Sylvia Plath in the 50s, or V. Woolf in the 20s, or Gloria Steinem in the 70s, or Jessica Fletcher in the 80s. But, yes, I do tend to dress as the person I want to be. I want to love my disabled and therefore “plus size” body. I often don’t love it but I dress as if I do and that helps get me closer to that goal. I also like to look obviously or, more often, vaguely “retro” or “old-fashioned” so that people who know nothing about fashion history still say things like, “You look like you were born in the wrong decade.” I think I also want to look intellectual and a bit bohemian because, well, that’s what I am. And pretty. I do want to look pretty, I admit. So, that’s: proud, retro, intellectual, bohemian, and pretty. Ask me tomorrow and I’ll probably give you a totally different list.
P.S. I love your outfit, head to toe, but I always love your outfits.
http://www.sublimemercies.com/
I think those words are pretty accurate about what your clothes convey about you.
I do think that daily our moods and energy change the way we see ourselves. Evolution is a good thing : )
A designer is only as good as the star who wears her clothes.#Alesia Raut#http://www.alesiaraut.com/
I don’t have any style goals. I just buy what I like (if I can afford it) and I wear what makes me happy! 🙂
♥ carmen
I don’t do style goals either. A style statement suits me much better.
I like your attitude toward style a lot. It’s so healthy. My only concern now is that your blog is (justifiably) becoming so popular that you may forget the little people who liked you in the beginning as hordes of new admirers appear on your doorstep. A risk of fame, I suppose…
Ha! Hardly. I have fewer visitors now that I did 3 years ago when I used to blog daily.
Did you notice the blog award in my latest post? : )
Hey! I missed that first time around. The trophy looks good on your shelf.
What did I do wrong? For one I had 9 words instead of 7 and when I narrowed it down to 5 I came up with: honest, laughs, deliver, open, smart. How do I get dressed with that?????
Greetje
Great skirt and booties by the way.
No, 9 words is right, those describe you, the 2 other words are words that you aspire to.
You need to look up each of the words with a Thesaurus. For example laughs, would equate to happy or fun.
Open or adventurous (the same my husband chose BTW) is how you already dress, you’re willing to try new things (not all I know, but some).
Deliver would be reliable which would equate to a style that is what you also already do, a bit more “business” attire but with a twist. You come across as someone who knows what she is doing because your clothing is still relatively traditional.
Smart relates again to having more traditional or cleaner lines. Of course all of this is very subjective which is kind of why I like it.
Did that help a bit?
I think you did a brilliant job with your words!
So… That would amount to: fun, trying something new from time to time, traditional with a twist, clean lines???
You are the best person to decide on your “final” words. I don’t want to “put words in your mouth!” : P
Also your interpretation of the words is what is most important. I suggested clean lines for smart or intelligent but for someone else “smart” might mean that you look put together. Like you’ve spent some time thinking about your outfit, your accessories in a methodical manner and that to you, equates to looking smart. Looks like you’ve tried.
You need to think about what each of the words you’ve chosen means to you and how you can interpret that through your clothing choices.
Yes, it requires a thinking cap and yes it is going to be very subjective, but that is what I love about it. It requires you to think about what is most important to you and how to present that through your clothing choices on a daily basis.
I quite like this. Gives steering. Thanks for the help.
Mine would be unapologetic 🙂
xo Sheela xo
p/s I must complete that worksheet of yours!!
That sounds spot on Sheela ?
Greetje
Thank you, my friend 🙂 I thought long and hard about this, and then I realised that everything I’ve chosen to wear throughout my life (hits and misses), I’ve never once regretted it. I’ve never once thought that I shouldn’t have worn something or felt apologetic for having done so, and there you have it xoxo
That’s what I call owning it : )
First of all, your style statement is perfect. It’s exactly how I see you. In the past I haven’t felt like I had much of a style statement, but as I’m going through my closet, wearing everything and getting rid of what doesn’t work, things are starting to come into focus a bit. I’m such a casual person – I think I was fearful that casual and style couldn’t be in the same sentence. I’m going to work on this a bit – and maybe share the results, with a link back to you, in my Wednesday post this week (if that’s okay with you)!
That’d be great Lana! I can’t wait to see your words.
OMG that chevron midi winter skirt and high heel boots are gorgeous. I love how you styled the skirt. Your jacket and beret are quite nice too. You look great in a beret. And this is such a Suzanne Outfit and I mean it as a compliment.
Hi Suzanne, I’m late to this, but I found this post intriguing so had to comment. As an aside, this look of yours works very cleverly together. I like the welt pocket detail of your skirt – and its warm, soft colours are a lovely contrast to the “uncompromising” stripes. Great boots and cap too.
I’m impressed with your self-certainty. You’ve confidently narrowed the myriad possibilities down to just five words – concepts really, and these will “keep you on track”! Ye Gads … of only I had your focus. I was galvanised by the aura of authority you have over your style destiny (once the 5 pointers had been pinned down), so I tried the worksheet out on me.
“Enthusiasm” and “enthusiastic” stole the show, with “genuine”, “generous” and “quality” as supporting acts; and my style goal remained as remote to me as ever. I roped my daughter in for her objective opinion (it’s the “Whats the most important thing people understand about you” question that’s the most difficult to answer, short of asking people that is!). She kindly came up with “anal”, tempered with “rare” and “independent”.
So, I remain no closer to understanding where I’m going with my personal style ….. but it’s gratifying to know that I’m in the minority.
Congratulations on devising such a stimulating, thought provoking post.
Baci Sallyxx
sarsaparillasal.blogspot.com
Thanks for popping by and trying out this quiz Sally!
When I made up this exercise I wasn’t sure how it would work for everyone.
I do think after looking at your latest post and the outfit you wore that all of these words are portrayed …okay not the anal! Ha ha! That’d be a different outfit entirely! Enthusiastic, Genuine, Generous, Quality, Rare, Independent were all evident in the outfit.
Truly you look like a very fun person and I’d definately cross the road to chat to you.
Maybe you don’t think these words are specific enough, but I think having words that are subjective with broad interpretations allows for a variety of play within the confines of your personal style.
I would almost describe personal style as a takeaway “feeling” people get when they look at you.
Not sure if any of this has helped.
I know that Sylvia from 40+ Style has a great online course for finding your personal style which is very detailed and might be more what you’re looking for, although it seems to me you have a well defined sense of style already, but maybe aren’t yet ready to articulate through words.
Hello! Found you and your style worksheet through a friend, Lana, who blogs at Two Teens and Their Mama. Will be working on that today. And following you!
How did I miss this post!?!?
Brilliant.
I love this idea and I am printing off your style statement to figure out my own.
This will be so useful to me!
Thank you so much.
I hope you don’t mind if I mention you in a new post I am hoping to write about inspiring articles, blogs, images etc.
This is totally up my street.
XXX
Samantha
http://www.fakefabulous.com
Of course I don’t mind : ) I’m clapping!
I hope you share what words you choose. So far everyone has been spot-on.
Your post is mentioned on my blog now… thank you for the inspiration!
My words were:
Unpredictable, feisty, honest, positive, fun
It was harder than I thought it was going to be. X
Glad it made you put your thinking cap on ; )
The words are perfect!
great post – I really love this idea! I definitely have trouble pinning down my own personal style a lot of the time. Thanks for sharing your tips – I’m gonna go check out your worksheet and figure this out! pinned this post for others. I think we’ve all had trouble with this one.
stop by and chat with me 🙂 http://storybookapothecary.com
such a magnificent style statement! and such a fabulous skirt & boots combo, it has stolen my heart!, lovely purple shades! and lovely skirt shape!
I’ve tryed your worksheet, and it’s great, I feel encouraged to develop a Creative, Lively, Flamboyant, Whimsical and Inspiring Style. Such a big challenge!
besos & gracias
Thanks for popping by Pam.
This “style statement” guide is straight from my head and took me quite a while to compose. If you downloaded the worksheet I’m sure you would have seen that.
I have never seen your Foundational Five and had no idea it existed.
Choosing “five” words was totally arbitrary.
The overall concept of creating a tool for women to help them define themselves to choose their clothing is very general. To assume that I used your idea and called it something else is completely incorrect.
My content is 100% original, otherwise I link to quotes or blogs that I have referenced, as I’m sure you noticed I linked recently to an old comment board of yours.
For you to assume that I have appropriated any of your content is offensive.
For your reference I have been blogging since Feb 2006.
Hi Suzanne,
though I´m quite late to the party, I thouroughly enjoyed the Style Statement exercise.
I´ve been reading up about style and body image quite a lot in the past 2 years or so. While I easily understood what works for my body shape and my colouring, I often wondered why a lot of clothes still didn´t feel right for me though their shape and colour suit me.
On my quest I found your blog and I love it.
Now I feel I nailed my Style Statement (for now!) which makes shopping actually enjoyable instead of daunting. And it sparked an interesting, surprising discussion with my husband.
Thanks for that!
Inra