Curating A Personal Style

In a previous career, I (Jess) worked as a stylist. I'd spent years trying, attempting and also failing quite spectacularly (there are photos to prove!) to curate a style of my own, the elusive “effortless” look. And although I’m probably far form hitting effortless everyday – I have to admit the Capsule wardrobe concept is a lifesaver.

The dream has always been to have a defined style, clothes that just work with each other, and a wardrobe that makes it easy to put a look together without breaking out in a sweat! One that’s true to who I am and how I feel not just what I do. Less of the one-offs, more of an easy mix and match pallete that transitions from day to night, and summer to winter. Clothes that transition from work to play without looking over dressed or out of place. A capsule wardrobe!

So here are a few ideas on what I’ve found to be the most useful tools in curating a style and wardrobe that reflects who you are, not just what you do:

1. The edit is everything.

• Own fewer, but better quality. Focus on classic timeless cuts to create effortless combinations – and stay away from that trend driven dress or cut of trousers!!!

• Curate, curate, curate – You need less than you think – if it doesn’t work with three other items in your wardrobe it’s not worth the effort.

• Colour & Prints? – For an easy combination wardrobe choose a colour pallete as a base to work from especially in the beginning. Anything outside of that should come once you’ve built in all your classics. I love colour but sometimes random colours, or especially patterns just hinder the whole “effortless” approach.

2. Learn what works for Your Body

• Find out your body shape and what style of clothe serve you best. Shape - I know my shape like crazy and although I am not slave to only styling myself for an hourglass figure, I know what works for me, and what doesn’t – that helps eliminate any unfortunate purchases!

• Knowing what you’re working with is the starting point – not trends or magazines so as to choose what serves to enhance your particular canvas.

The Dry Shop

• One of the best ways to learn what works for you is to do a dry shop. Pic a particular item e.g. jeans – and dedicate an afternoon to (ideally in a large department store) try on every possible brand style of jeans possible. The Key is – You’re not buying anything - this takes the pressure off and allows you to just learn what works for you. What brand has the best cut of trousers for you – and which has the best cut of blazers for you – These are rarely all the same brand. Only key thing to not here is this – BUY NOTHING on these days. This is learning exercise.

3. Curate your style bible

• Pinterest board all the way - I literally wake up in the morning, or ideally the night before and refer to my Pinterest board to create an outfit for that day, especially whenever I don’t feel particular inspired / motivated. It takes the mental energy out of it - and as they say we have enough important decisions to make in a day – relieve yourself off of this one once in a while! Having a aboard that you’ve used to build your wardrobe means you’ll be able to literally mimic a whole look, one you already love.

4. Shop your highest Values

• To tame my buying habits – and mostly to ensure I keep to this classic look (and by classic I alsomean curated) I have three values to ask before buying anything. And no –it isn’t do I need this – because really – what has need got to do with it!

• For example it could be simple, classic, tailored, or colours, shape, and fit – totally up to you. But I bear in mind the look I want to create a / emulate and ask these three things to check wither this is actually in lien with the dream wardrobe I’m trying to create.

• Mine are

• ​Is it Simple?

• Is it Classic/Timeless?

• Is it Quality?

5. One in one out policy

That'll make you think before you buy!

• And if in doubt – exercise restraint using this policy. This’ll really keep in check whether you need to sparkling tailored waistcoat in burnt orange. (I’m just saying – Guilty!)

And finally

6. Trust Your Gut

Confidence is EVERYTHING!

• If it doesn’t feel right but look great on everyone else - let it go - Screw whatever people expect you to wear. I go with how I feel. How I feel determines how confident I turn up in my clothes and what we need more of is confident not “acceptance” ;-)

• Feel good! Screw the status quo! If you feel great in it – wear it. If not don’t. Do whatever you like! (including any of the above) – It’s your life (and wardrobe) - You live it!