How do you craft your signature style?

[Unicorina]

So tell me:
How did you assemble your style from your various inspirations?
How can I combine what I like into one cohesive look, and how did you do that for yourself?

I like a ton of different styles, but I like the idea of having a cohesive, signature look. As such, it troubles me how to combine all the looks I adore into one wardrobe, hair, and makeup look and style that I'm comfortable in.

For reference:

I love Melissa Marie's style, especially her hair.




At the same time, I like Megan Fox's look when she's more natural, and in the movie Jennifer's Body.




I also like the look of the singer LIGHTS.



Then here are some random photos of looks that I like, which includes less glamorous and more earthy and feminine styles.

So you see, I have trouble.
Do I part my hair more in the middle, like Megan, or all the way to the side, like Melissa and LIGHTS?
Wavy hair, or straight?
Black hair, or red?
Do I go more glamorous, or bohemian?
Heavy makeup, or natural?

I struggle over this all every time I get ready, and as a result never end up looking exactly how I want to.

Help?

[Cassaela]

Try not to mould yourself into something you're not. If you want to be something, don't feel the need to force yourself into it.

Also, you don't aaaalways have to restrict yourself to one style if you don't want to. But if you're looking for a signature look, pick a hairstyle/colour which is versatile, so you can swap in between 'styles' depending on mood/occasion.

There are styles that you like, but you don't have to pursue all of them. You can like a style but not look it. Not all styles are for everyone personally.

Who are you? What are you most comfortable with, yourself?

Maybe instead of focussing on what you want to look like and who you want to look like, have a look at what actually looks good on you. Look at yourself in the mirror objectively, or ask friends.

Of course these are all my opinions but if you think something applies to you, try it.

[Unicorina]

Cassaela

Try not to mould yourself into something you're not. If you want to be something, don't feel the need to force yourself into it.

Also, you don't aaaalways have to restrict yourself to one style if you don't want to. But if you're looking for a signature look, pick a hairstyle/colour which is versatile, so you can swap in between 'styles' depending on mood/occasion.

There are styles that you like, but you don't have to pursue all of them. You can like a style but not look it. Not all styles are for everyone personally.

Who are you? What are you most comfortable with, yourself?

Maybe instead of focussing on what you want to look like and who you want to look like, have a look at what actually looks good on you. Look at yourself in the mirror objectively, or ask friends.

Of course these are all my opinions but if you think something applies to you, try it.

I don't want to be something I'm not, which is part of why I made this post. Because right now, I don't feel like how I'm looking and dressing is... well, really "me". I'm not happy with it.

I like your hairstyle versatility idea. I think I know where I want to go with that. Also, your point about liking a style but not looking it is good in theory, but most of the looks I'm showing are ones I potentially want to pursue.

You're right though, I should try what looks good on me. I suppose that's how people determine it- they take what they like and then cull out the things that flatter them.

So thank you for the help biggrin

[Cassaela]

Unicorina

I don't want to be something I'm not, which is part of why I made this post. Because right now, I don't feel like how I'm looking and dressing is... well, really "me". I'm not happy with it.
I like your hairstyle versatility idea. I think I know where I want to go with that. Also, your point about liking a style but not looking it is good in theory, but most of the looks I'm showing are ones I potentially want to pursue.
You're right though, I should try what looks good on me. I suppose that's how people determine it- they take what they like and then cull out the things that flatter them.
So thank you for the help biggrin

Things like hairstyle and make-up can be easily changed, yes. About the make-up, if you want heavy make-up to be your signature, make sure you have enough time in your life to apply it all xD

What I find useful for trying out new outfits and styles is to go out on your own in that outfit, like taking a walk with the dog or popping to the supermarket or anything where you're free to... be yourself. If you feel comfortable, fabulous and in your element, it's right for you. =3

[Flynn MacCumhaill]

Just wear and do stuff you like until you find the thing that feels right, do that until it stops feeling right, then repeat the process. ;p

In other words, right now, be versatile.

I'd go dark with your hair to start, if you're unsure about it, as it suits more looks and combinations. Stock up your wardrobe with bits and bobs that you like. You'll start to find there are some things you feel more natural in, or think you look better in... and voila. Signature style developed in the most organic way possible.

[Lady Aurora Borealis]

I base most of my fashion sense around what doesn't itch.

[Ghosty Pie]

Lights and I are hair twins.

We have the same problem. Long on one side, short on the other.

[xMissMacabre]

I love that outfit in the last photo!

Honestly, I'm not sure how I managed to develop my own style. I guess shopping at stores that sell similar style things (ex, punk, vintage, preppy, etc.) will kind of help mold things together.

My look is very vintage inspired, sweet, and romantic. Because I shop at stores like forever 21, aerie, american eagle, gilly hicks, etc. that sell tons of nice cute things :]

As for putting together a signature look, I pretty much base that on what looks good on me, which in turn is based on my body type. For example, I think one of the best features of my body is my legs, so I like to show those off with shorts+tights/long socks, skirts, dresses, etc. so it becomes my signature look. So I guess first try to examine your body type, then look up the clothes that look good on you (example, pear shaped bodies look good in boat neck/off the shoulder tops, etc.) then build your wardrobe from there.

Also, if you have, let's say, a favorite type of shoe, that you wear all the time, that can be a signature thing if it's unique. Like, I love wearing military inspired knee high boots, so that's sort of become part of my signature look as well. And if someone loves to wear scarves with everything, or loves wearing stripes, that becomes a signature look.

Fashion can be confusing, but the more you think about your clothes and your outfits, the more intuitive it becomes 3nodding

[Resonare Praeteriti]

It's all about what you like, really. For me it's corsets, capes, tail coats, boots, ornate jewelry, canes, hats, basically historical era clothing. I've also made it my mission to make it look authentic, so I don't get the cheap, costume-y looking items. I only wear the real deal, and people are often pleasantly surprised by it.

[Tuberculasers]

Ah, Lights.
When I was asking myself if I could still look good with a sleeve tattoo, she set me straight. <3
Too bad I haven't been able to afford one or figure out how to display the things I want in aesthetically pleasing way. emotion_donotwant

What helps me a lot: Go online window shopping.
Bookmark goddamn everything you like, and when you're done go back and look at it and look at the patterns, there are likely to be a lot of things in common.

I discovered I hate pants. I love leggings, tights, shorts, skirts... etc...
I love shorts with tights.
I love chucks, heels and boots.
And I prefer to wear more boyish shirts, or long t-shirts/sweaters. I prefer parkas/leather jackets/etc to more feminine style coats.

I somehow balance on a very thin line between feminine and tomboyish.


I also understand how you feel with the not being able to choose between certain things.
I love my hair both long, and just barely shoulder length. I can never decide. I always end up cutting it because I'm impatient.

[Amy Arsonist]

The internet helped me like whoa.

Fashion blogs, online stores, and folders. When I was younger I would save things I liked into different style folders. It helped me understand the styles I liked and which ones meshed well together.

I would have those folders in mind whenever I went shopping. At first I just had some basics that go with everything. As my wardrobe grew, I'd slowly eliminate the basics because I no longer needed them. When my wardrobe was big enough and fitted to me enough, when I found something I liked I'd keep in mind if it would go with anything else. Pretty soon it evolved into my own cohesive style.