Wardrobe | Know Your Style Words

INDIANAPOLIS - Everyone at some point questions his or her own personal style. We dig through the closet, trying on everything – once, twice or even 10 times. In these stressful moments knowing what your personal style words are can really help.

You need a map

Finding style words that fit you is a journey. From color quizzes to personality tests, a series of maps can point you to the right style destination.

Sola Adelowo from ImageCube and I did some of these tests during one of our image consulting sessions. As a certified Myers-Brigg Personality Type Practitioner, Sola took my results from the MBPT and with the rest of our assessment helped me discover my most crucial style words.

I’ve mentioned before that I honestly wasn’t surprised by the Myers-Brigg outcome. The epiphany I had after was more like an Aha! moment when something you’ve forgotten comes back to you.

I set my goal this year to find a balance between my creative rock and roll side and the professional image I want to put forth. And yes, it can be done! I realized that my style words could help me choose the right clothes and present my best image – vibrant, modern, unique, capable and confident.

Reaching your destination

Whether or not you intend to work with a consultant, you need to establish your goals.

An image consultant, like Sola, is a great way to help you find your personal style and determine your specific style words. However, there is also plenty you can do on your own.

Ask yourself a few questions.

• What is your specific goal for your style?
• Do you want to look more professional?
• Are you looking to loosen up your image a bit?
• What are your favorite colors?
• Which well-known designers appeal to you?
• Do you like traditional, modern styles?
• Are you more fashion forward?

Once you have answered the above questions and determined your style words, choosing clothes and presenting yourself becomes a lot easier.

If you are creative yet old-fashioned, mix a navy blue suit jacket with a splash of color, like a simple patterned scarf.

If your style words include feminine and sophisticated, try adding a sheer, pastel or neutral blouse to your daily office wear. You’ll still have structure, but you’ll also have subtle undertones that show your delicate, feminine side.

But it isn’t all about the clothes. Your style words also give you guidance on how to present yourself by your actions. Be professional, but make sure you show your other sides. Let people get to know you!

After I found my own style words, I realized I wasn’t going to lose who I am in the process. I can now more effectively magnify the positive points I want to help me connect on a professional level.

Pro-tip: Always get a second opinion! Having someone shop with you, whether it is a personal shopper or even your best friend, can help you make easier decisions on what really fits your body type and keep you from impulse buying.

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Do you have a favorite fashion blog or style site? Do you have a fashion site you’d like me to see? Leave a comment below or let me know at twinklevanwinkle.com.

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Twinkle VanWinkle ponders, creates and discovers cool stuff about music, movies, food, fashion and so forth. Her thoughtful writings and interactives give great advice about healthy food, cooking tips, DIY projects, fashion and more. She’ll teach you a thing or two about music as well. Along with producing dynamic entertainment content for LIN Media, she is a mother, musician and social media fanatic.

 

Have fun styling with this week's Paper Dolls.

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