Personal Style...

Hi Everyone,

The key to having great personal style, is staying true to who you really are. What makes you feel the most beautiful? What catches your eye? What makes you feel the most comfortable? Truth is, we are all different and unique and so should our personal style.

What is Personal Style? 

Personal Style is what sets you apart, style wise. As women (and men), we are attracted to certain styles and trends, incorporated with our lifestyles and interests, which is infused into our clothing, is what makes up our Personal Style.

But how can we correctly define our style when it is so specific to us? Well, from my perspective, even though the list of personal styles are kind of endless, because of the different infusions and variances, so I am quite sure I do not know them all. However, some of these styles stand out.

"Be Not Nobody Else"...

Types Of Personal Style

Like I said earlier, Personal Style is what sets you apart, aesthetic wise. I love it when people know who they are, style wise and stick to it. That is not to say one cannot experiment with other styles. Infact, your ability to experiment with other styles is what makes you a "Fashionista". But, knowing your personal style and staying true to your original aesthetic, is what makes you "Stylish".

It is also important to note that you can have a primary and secondary (even tertiary, lol!) personal style. I will briefly throw light on the various styles I have discovered so far. Hopefully, this post will enable you discover your Personal Style.

* The Diva: The Diva is a Bombshell. Sexy and Sultry best defines her. The Diva is all about glamour and sex appeal. Formfitting clothes with nipped in waistlines, that enhances her curves is of topmost priority. For the Diva, its all about her body and showing it off.
You do not have to be an hourglass to be a Diva, but you have to be in great shape as it requires a lot of form fitting clothes. Do you love Bodycon Dresses? Do you find fitted pencil skirts appealing? You just might be a Diva!
The Perfect Diva examples are Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé.

Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé

* The Gamine: Gamine style, is sweet, innocent and childlike with a boyish charm. Gamine style is spunky and playful, with a hint of casual boyish elegance. They are more about understated beauty rather than being overtly sexy or dramatic.
Think Pixie Haircut, Shift Dresses, High waisted fitted pants (preferably cropped) and Satchel handbags.
Michelle Williams and Emma Watson are Gamine.

Michelle Williams and Emma Watson

* The Sophisticate:  The Sophisticate exudes class and authority. The overall vibe is confidence and elegance. The Sophisticate is all about poise. Her clothes though understated, are always made from the finest fabrics and tailored to perfection.
The Sophisticate is timeless. Sophisticates come across as high maintenance, but this is not always true. They just have the ability to make rhinestone look like diamonds! Neutrals and Pastels, Pearls and a structured dress are typical staples found in a Sophisticate's wardrobe. 
All hail Victoria Beckham, Queen of Sophistication.

Victoria Beckham

* The Bohemian: The Bohemian style is artsy and free spirited. Boho is all about loose, flowing and layered outfits, with a mixture of hippie and outlandish. It has a grunge vibe to it. Boho is a mixture of prints, layers, textures and colours.
Do you like peasant blouses? Does maxi dresses with ethnic prints appeal to you? How about geometric prints on aztec? Hair garland and belts with tassles your perfect accessory? You're definitely Boho chic like Solange Knowles or Nicole Richie!

Solange Knowles and Nicole Richie

* The Minimalist: The Minimalist is all about Simplicity. Lets get one thing straight, Minimalist is not boring like most people think. The Minimalist is "fuss free". They combine clean lines, rich textures and classic colours with simple styling to achieve understated elegance. The Minimalist never tries too hard, but is always effortlessly stylish.
Angelina Jolie, is the poster girl for The Minimalist.

Angelina Jolie

* The Androgynous: The Androgynous, refers to someone whose style does not clearly fit into masculinity or feminity. The Androgynous clothing cuts across gender, as it can be appropriate for both male and female. Unlike the Gamine style that has sweet, innocent and childlike qualities with a hint of boyish charm, The Androgynous is simply put, a girl in boy's clothing.
Androgynys are bold and fearless. They are all about power suits, shirts and manlike shoes (Brogues and Oxfords). The ultimate Androgyny is Janelle Monae.

Janelle Monae

* The Avant Garde: The  Avant Garde style is eccentric. Avant Garde is not just about the outfit. In its entirety, it is art. Avant Garde is usually loud, colourful and over the top. The Avant Garde Style is innovative, experimental and pushes the boundaries of what is accepted as the norm in fashion. It could be a pair of quirky shoes, an unusual dress or an hairstyle that is wild. The Avant Garde style, is far from the ordinary.
A typical Avant Garde, is Lady Gaga and Björk.

Björk and Lady Gaga

* The Rock Chic: I call this the "Messy Glam". It involves a lot of black clothing, lots of jewelry, dark makeup and messy hair (bed head) all mashed up into one outfit. The Rocker chic look can be very on trend, when well put together. If you like Biker jackets, Leather leggings and spiky jewelry, your guess is as good as mine. You are a Rock chic! 
Avril Lavigne and P!nk are perfect examples of Rock chic!

Avril Lavigne and P!nk

* The Cutting Edge: Cutting edge in two words "Trend Setter". A person whose personal style is latest and newest, is cutting edge. They are not afraid to take fashion risks and they mix and match the most unlikely items to create fresh and outstanding looks.
Cutting Edge are the fashion "scientists" as they enjoy experimenting with fashion. They source for unique pieces like an embellished clutch, or one of a kind type jumpsuit, that you will never find on anyone else.
Who other than Rihanna, fits this bill? 

Rihanna 

* The Vintage Style: Vintage usually refers to the clothing style that imitates a bygone era. By general rule, Vintage has to be 20 years and more. Vintage vixens are usually very feminine, ladylike and immaculately dressed.
The Vintage Style is very pretty, filled with pretty and delicate blouses, nipped in waistlines and full skirts. You will hardly find a Vintage girl in pants or jeans. Think corsets, pussybow blouses, polka dots, fit and flare dresses and full circle skirts.

Dita Von Teese is Vintage personified. Katy Perry also has Vintage vibes with a touch of quirky.

Dita Von Teese and Katy Perry

* The Laid Back Cool: For the Laid back cool, Comfort is their Mantra. Their style is easy, breezy, comfort pieces. Nothing over the top. Many think the Laid back cool are "lazy", but this style can be trendy, when a little effort is put in. Laid back cool isn't necessarily "tomboyish", as they also wear dresses and skirts, as long as its comfortable and not too fitted or tight.

T.Shirts, Jeans, Sneakers, Jackets, are wardrobe essentials of this style. A prominent celebrity with The Laid Back Style, is Jennifer Aniston. 

Jennifer Aniston

* The Girly Girl: When I think of the Girly Girl Style, the word "Delicate" comes to my mind. Her style is graceful, prim and proper and romantic. The Girly Girl is feminine in an ethereal girlish way, but not overtly sexy like a woman. The Girly Girl does not subscribe to any thing that does not flatter her femininity.
Pretty soft colours, Flowing dresses in floral prints, Something Lacey, Fancy dresses are some of the items that can be found in a Girly Girl's closet.
Paris Hilton and Kerry Washington are the perfect muses, for the Girly Girl style.

Paris Hilton and Kerry Washington

By now, I am sure you are well aware of what your personal style is. I am "Cutting Edge" by day and "Diva" by night. A part of me is "The Sophisticate" as I love structured pieces and "The Boho" because I love bold prints and quirky accessories. Truth is, I am a little bit of everything and can take up different personas, lol!

What is your Personal Style? I'd like to know!

Love & Fashion,

DivaNista...