Have you ever looked at someone and thought, “I love that outfit, but I could never wear it myself!”? Or perhaps you’ve bought something gorgeous, only to discover it just doesn’t feel like you?
That’s the wonderful thing about personal style. What works beautifully for one person may not suit another, and that’s exactly how it should be.
While conducting several masterclasses recently on personal branding and professional image, I reassured my audiences that dressing professionally doesn’t mean we all have to look the same. Far from it!
You are an individual, with your own personality, values, background, skills and lifestyle. Your clothes can reflect all of that. The idea is to understand your style personality and use it to express who you are, both in business and in life.
What is style personality?
Your style personality is the way you express yourself through clothing, accessories, colours, shapes and overall appearance. It’s influenced by your personality, lifestyle, work, environment and, of course, fashion trends.
Think about how much fashion has changed over the decades. The structured silhouettes of the 1950s to the corporate power suits of the 80s and 90s look very different from the relaxed styles we wear today. Athleisure has also become a wardrobe staple as our lifestyles have become more casual.
Fashion trends come and go, while your personal style is about what feels authentic to you.
I first encountered the concept of style personality during my image consultant training. One of the pioneers of the image consulting industry and a founding member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), Alyce Parsons, explored the subject in her book Style Source: The Power of the Seven Universal Styles for Women and Men.
There are various interpretations of style personality today, but the underlying principle remains the same. There are seven universal styles commonly used to describe women's style expression, with an additional style traditionally identified for men.
Most of us aren't a perfect match for just one. We often combine two or even three, creating a look that is distinctly our own.
Let’s take a look at the seven style personalities and see which ones resonate with you.
1. Classic: Timeless and polished
Do you love a beautifully tailored jacket, crisp shirt or perfectly coordinated outfit? Classic dressers appreciate structure, simplicity and timeless pieces that never seem to date.
Their wardrobes tend to be functional, well organised and versatile. They look polished and professional without needing to chase every new trend.
2. Natural: Relaxed and effortless
Comfort is key for the Natural style personality. Think relaxed silhouettes, practical separates, easy-care fabrics and casual pieces that work hard in the wardrobe.
Natural dressers prefer an uncomplicated, unpretentious look. They want to feel comfortable, move freely and get on with their day without fussing over their clothes.
3. Elegant: Sophisticated and refined
Elegant dressers have a polished, self-assured presence. They often favour quality fabrics, beautiful tailoring, refined accessories and harmonious colours.
Their look is considered and sophisticated, with an emphasis on quality rather than quantity. They don't need lots of embellishment to make an impression. Their understated refinement does the talking.
4. Feminine or Romantic: Soft and graceful
Love flowing fabrics, delicate details, flattering shapes and pretty florals? You may have a Feminine or Romantic style personality.
Soft colours, gentle lines and graceful accessories often feature in this look. There's a sense of charm and softness, with a nod to old-world elegance.
5. Creative: Individual and expressive
Creative dressers enjoy experimenting. They might combine unexpected colours, mix patterns, layer different textures or pair vintage finds with contemporary pieces.
For them, clothing is an opportunity to express individuality. They aren't necessarily interested in following the rules. They'd rather create a look that tells their own story.
6. Dramatic: Bold and striking
If you enjoy making an entrance, Dramatic could be your style personality. Strong shapes, high contrast, statement accessories and distinctive silhouettes are often part of this look.
Dramatic dressers are comfortable being noticed. Their style can be fashion-forward, architectural or strikingly minimalist. Whatever the direction, the result is memorable and commanding.
7. Sexy or Alluring: Glamorous and confident
This style personality celebrates the body and enjoys a touch of glamour. Figure-enhancing silhouettes, statement heels, high hemlines and confident styling may feature in the wardrobe.
The look can be sophisticated or daring, depending on the individual and occasion. The key is an assured sense of personal appeal and knowing how to dress in a way that makes you feel fabulous.
And for men: Rebellious.
The Rebellious style personality challenges convention. Think leather, denim, black, distinctive boots and a look that doesn't necessarily follow traditional dress codes.
It's an independent, sometimes provocative style that communicates individuality and a willingness to do things differently.
So, which style personality are you?
Perhaps you recognised yourself immediately in one of these descriptions. Or maybe you saw a little of yourself in three or four.
That's perfectly normal. Your style personality isn't about squeezing yourself into a category or following a set of fashion rules. It's about understanding what you naturally gravitate towards and learning how to express it in a way that suits your life, work and aspirations.
When I work with clients, we explore their style personality through a fun quiz and a closer look at their favourite clothing items. The results can be quite revealing!
Before you rush out to buy anything new, take a moment to consider these questions:
1. What do you love wearing? Look at the pieces you reach for again and again. What do they have in common? Are they tailored, relaxed, colourful, feminine or striking?
2. How do you want to feel? Confident? Comfortable? Sophisticated? Creative? Your clothes should support the way you want to show up in the world.
3. Does your style suit your lifestyle and professional role? Your wardrobe needs to work for the life you lead. You can express your individuality and still look appropriate for your industry and workplace.
Your personal image is part of your personal brand. When your style reflects your personality and supports your lifestyle and presence, you don't just look the part. You feel it, too.
Learn more about visual expression when you sign up for my free eBook, The Secret to Your Personal Brand Revolution. Get Your Free eBook Now!
Sue Currie is an image entrepreneur who guides and empowers business leaders and entrepreneurs to have “Spotlight Confidence”. She is passionate about helping professionals elevate their personal and professional brand through her speaking, coaching and training programs on Self Brand, Style and Speaking Skills, providing a multi-faceted approach to gain high transformation for her clients.
