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Style

Style is expressing yourself through what you wear. Style is defined as a particular of doing or saying something, or refers to a unique form of clothing or way of arranging your appearance. An example of style is the method by which you learn.

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The Rise of Style

In the past couple decades, personal style has become more popular than ever. Instagram accounts, street style blogs, and Etsy pages are now significant peaks in the fashion industry landscape, marking the rise of individual fashion consciousness, as fixation on name brands declines. Let’s discuss this.

Change in the Meaning of Luxury

Depending on your age and proclivities regarding 90s teen rom-coms, you may be familiar with this meditation on agape vs. eros from the 1999 movie.

The Street Style Influence

The rise of street style, publicized by blogs and social media, has changed the fashion industry so much that even the most powerful publications have shifted their focus to the clothes of commoners. The industry cannot ignore the influence of street photographers like the wildly popular Sartorialist, and the fact that photos of attendees taken outside the fashion shows are often more popular than the photos of the runway models inside. Street style is now a fixture in most fashion magazines, which regularly feature street style stars like Miroslava Duma—famous for showing up at shows in killer outfits.


The fashion industry, which has long been considered a realm only for the very rich and elite, is now accessible thanks to social media and street photography. These days, buying a ticket to Coachella will give you as good a chance to make the pages of Vogue as being a movie star. Quickly, personal style has become as significant as fashion.

The Difference Between Fashion and Style

Yves Saint Laurent famously said “Fashion fades, style is eternal.” Whereas fashion is an art that is notoriously difficult to keep up with because trends change seasonally, style is impacted by much longer-lasting factors. Style is affected by religion, politics, culture and subculture, weather, body type, profession, upbringing, I could go on and on and on.
Think about fashion vs. style in comparison to food consumption. You eat every day; you wear clothes every day. There are some days and some occasions when you put more thought to your outfit and meal than you do others. There are some people, cloyingly called “foodies” and “fashionistas” for whom eating and wearing are a special hobby.
We can compare high fashion to 5-star restaurant dishes that show innovation, creativity, and expertise. A plate of soft-boiled quail eggs with a side of liquid nitrogen ice cream will look exquisite and show a great deal of culinary competence, just as so many gowns and suits on the runway look like moving works of art. However, there is something to be said for hot dog vendors, deli owners, and grandma’s kitchen. They may not make particularly progressive dishes, but their food is still delicious and meaningful. Their food may not be fashionable, but it has style. It is unique to them, and it is recognized as something special.
What Goes Into Style
Another difference between fashion and style is that style goes beyond just clothes. President Obama is a great example of someone who isn’t particularly fashionable, but is known for being stylish. Obama notoriously wears one of two suits every day; he’s not exactly innovative with his wardrobe.


However, his style extends beyond the blue and grey suits (and occasional outdated pair of jeans) he sports daily. His style is in his voice, his posture, his choice of words, his haircut, the way he carries himself, the occasional joke he throws into a speech. Style is less technical than fashion because it’s an overall impression.
The style of a writer is called a “voice,” and it extends far beyond adherence to grammar rules and literary formats into something much more personal and visceral, just as clothing style defies fashion trends and accepted color combos to give off an overall effect. Whereas fashion obsesses over perfect proportions and the post-Labor-Day-white controversy, style is an individual choice unique to how a person wants to present themselves and be perceived.
Developing a Personal Style

When developing a personal style, it’s helpful to remember that you already have one. Personal style is equal parts taste and function, and you’ve surely developed taste over time. If you can name a couple favorite movies, bands, and works of art, you have a taste. Function is the less sexy half of style—the part that is dictated by where you work, how you spend your time, your climate, and your comfort threshold. Style is where these two merge.
The rise of street photography blogs and Instagram accounts is great news for those who would like to develop their own style but aren’t really sure where to start. If you find fashion magazines intimidating, perhaps you’ll find style blogs inspiring. Stealing the ideas of someone else and making it work for you is a brilliant way to cultivate your own look.Another difference between fashion and style is that style goes beyond just clothes. President Obama is a great example of someone who isn’t particularly fashionable, but is known for being stylish.

Fashion began : A Beginners Guide For Women Who Want To Improve Their Personal Style

1. FIND YOUR STYLE VIBE

The next time you admire a person’s personal image (or feel jealous she looks so good) ask yourself “why do I like her?” "What's in her vibe that I wish I felt like?"

Is it the streetwear sportiness of it?

How glam she looks?

Is it her overall cool-girl factor?

Is it how comfortable-yet-perfectly-pulled-together she looks?

Does her powerful presence catch your eye?

Replicate the personal style you love by being an anthropologist. Examine rather than judge to borrow vibes from another person's image.

This builds on the complexity of putting entire looks together because rather than simply appreciating one thing or detail, you're capturing the feeling of an overall aesthetic.

Let's imagine you'd love to feel more (insert adjective) and (other feeling). You often see women who reflect that in the way they dress and you admire it.

These women catch your eye because they do it in the most authentic way. For them, it is an internal feeling they exude through their clothing choices. They dress to express that part of themselves.
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For example: in these images there are examples of sexy and feminine interpreted in different ways.

The sexiness of Kim Kardashian's (bottom right) cleavage is one woman's take on sexy, while Meghan Markle's (middle left) jeans and sharp black stiletto heels are another. Another take is the combat boot or Margot Robbie's leopard print dress. What elements make up each version?

Apply it:  Check out the pictures. There are various examples of personal style to steal ideas from.

What kind of sexy / feminine vibe do you connect with most? How can you create more of that in your style?

2. KNOW WHY YOU LIKE SOMETHING, TO WEAR WHAT YOU WANT

People that have incredible style are attuned to their tastes and effortlessly build a wardrobe out of them.

They build a wardrobe out what feels right.

By refining your understanding of why you like an item you'll have more success choosing the pieces that make you feel pulled together.

Ever hear yourself saying:

“Ohh, that is a pretty shirt.”
“Those pants are cool.”
“That shirt is weird.”
“I want that shoe.”
The next time you like or don’t like an item of clothing (your own, a colleagues, in a store, etc) take note of why.

When we are attracted to or repelled by an item, there are details that make you go yay or nay. Regardless if it is the color, the pleats, the fabric, or the way it moves, it's your job to understand why you kinda love it or hate it.

As you start paying attention to why you like something you'll notice patterns in your style preferences. These patterns are valuable information to dressing yourself smarter. Our awareness of why we are attracted to something is a tool in creating more of that in our lives.

3. WEAR YOUR ENTIRE WARDROBE AT LEAST ONCE

Let's be honest: you have so much shit you never wear yet refuse to get rid of.

Forget Marie Kondo (at least for your closet). Follow my Wear It Once process to clearing the closet clutter, without spending more money or extra time on your wardrobe.
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Wearing every piece of clothing gives you one of two things: a new vigor for it or a clear feeling that the item needs to go.

If you are torn about whether to toss something, then wear it again. You'll have clarity by the day's end whether or not you want to keep it.

COMMIT TO THAT FINAL CHOICE.

Apply it: Every day wear something you've yet to wear in that day's outfit. Do this, in constant rotation, until you have worn everything at least once.

4. ARM YOURSELF WITH A CORE COMPETENCY
“Learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist.
”
— PABLO PICASSO
Like when learning to cook, personal style develops best when creativity meets competency. One has to learn knife yielding before they can advance into culinary arts. Sometimes this can come naturally, but most often it's a culmination of effort and self expression over the years. Refine your rough edges and you'll find more freedom to play.

Follow masters that share their expertise.

Educate yourself on the science of fashion and apply the teachings.

I promise, you'll feel confident you're making sophisticated choices once you develop a stronger sense of skill.

Eventually you'll feel more at ease to explore your creativity and expand your horizons.

Apply it: Hire an expert. Take a class. Take action on what you know.

5. EMBRACE AND FIGURE OUT YOUR BODY’S SHAPE

Your body is fashion's ultimate accessory and you are your canvas. When we struggle to understand how to dress our shapes, it can hinder creativity and/or highlight our insecurities, making us feel frustrated and with limited options.

Understanding your body shape is not:

About making it wrong.

Finding fault in order to look better.

Working yourself to look like someone else's ideal.

Understanding your body shape is:

Learning your proportions correctly

Understanding how your figure translates to clothing design.

An integral step in making smarter purchases and ending frustrating shopping experiences.

Your body is the way that it is and will continue to change as you age. Learning to work with and love what you’ve got is one of your greatest resources. Women who know what works for their body understand how to flatter it.
6. GIRL, DO YOUR HAIR MORE

When grooming becomes an afterthought, it diminishes the self-image we seek.

Think of when a well-dressed man doesn't groom his facial hair or brush his teeth before a date or imagine a celebrity with post-workout hair on the red carpet. They are still their fabulous self, but an off-centered, false represenation of that version.

This isn't to say you need to be a coiffed model every day, but as the British royals can attest, a ponytail can either be “I just woke up mess” or “sleek and chic”.

The only difference is the extra effort we make in creating one or the other.
Apply it: Figure out a few lifestyle changes that regularly supports having a polished head of hair and do it more often than not. Below is one example of the various hair tutorials available. You are sure to find another go-to that says "I pulled it together" and less "I ran out of time"
7. ADD A NEW NEUTRAL

For most, neutrals mean black or white, gray or navy, and only wear colors that only look like this:
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Instead if color intimidates you and/or you're bored with your style, consider incorporating alternative neutrals. There are are browns, burgundy, greens, creams, blushes and camels that can be worn as neutrals too.
Apply it: The next time you consider buying something in your regular go-to neutral, try one you normally aren't drawn too.

8. WEAR THINGS THAT FEEL “TOO MUCH”

When personal shopping for new clients (even the most stylish ones) I often hear:

"I don't know how to get away with wearing that."
"I can't pull that off."
"I love this, but people are going to think I look (insert extreme adjective)."
It's frightening to go outside our comfort zone, but I want you to know it is okay to be noticed. Instead of desperately trying to blend into the wall, remember people are going to judge anyway. You may as well feel good about yourself.

Try anything new that you would never usually. Expand outside your typical type:

A new color lipstick! An odd looking shoe! A new man! Oh my!
The more you go outside your style box those risky I-can't-wear-that feelings will shrink and your style will expand into a fulfilling expression of your tests.
Apply it: Wear things you're a little overwhelmed by over and over and over again. Before you know it you'll be rocking tutus in Times Square.

9. MÉNAGE À TROIS YOUR LOOK

One of my favorite styling tips is to add a 3rd piece. This piece is an additional item that incorporates a new element into your outfit.

It supports tip #3 because it helps you rotate your wardrobe in a way that keeps you wearing only what you love, while trying all the things you rarely wear.

Let me explain:

Imagine your look is full of clothes (fav shirt, fav jeans, or fav shoes, etc.) that you're confident in, but you’re on the fence about that one item (those other shoes, a headband, new bra, whatever), invite it into your outfit and try it for the night/day.

CLIENT EXAMPLE
Two clutches!

A simple black one on the left, a large floral one on the right. The two are good choices, but the right is a '3rd piece' that adds depth and visual character to the outfit. It's less simple, and more interesting for her outfit.
This is one of safest places to experiment because the rest of the outfit is a confident choice for you.

Apply it: Wear any piece of clothing you're not sure about in an otherwise safe outfit. You’ll either learn you love it or you’ll be eager to get rid of it. Win-win.

10. WEAR BRIGHT COLORS IN YOUR ACCESSORIES

Incorporating color is often a challenge for anyone who has stuck to wearing neutrals.

(Which, by the way, is the majority of NYC.)

Experimenting with brights in your accessories is a simple way to wear more color and find what you love. You can do this with just about anything: a bright bag, shoe, or earrings. It could be a scarf or a hair clip. It works because almost all bright colors pair back to a neutral effortlessly, removing any skepticism of how to match.

Apply it now: All neutral outfits + bold bright accessories = colorful style.
11. TAKE ACTION. DO SOMETHING.

DO BETTER BY DOING UNTIL IT NO LONGER FEELS LIKE TRYING.

I wasn't born sophisticated. I always had an appreciation for aesthetics and design, but I didn't know how to dress myself or enhance my own beauty. I learned, I tried and over time I was able to transform my appearance into what I dreamed it could be. Me, only better
.
Fashion began : A Beginners Guide For Men Who Want To Improve Their Personal Style
Developing Your Style
1.Devote time to being fashionable.
Developing your personal style takes a certain amount of enthusiasmand passion. Finding a style that you like can really help you when getting started.
• A great way to start, especially if you don’t know much about men’s fashion, is to read blogs and magazines that are devoted to style, and take tips you like from them.
• Look at celebrities that you like for style cues. Pick a celebrity you like who has a similar body type as you and see what clothes you already own that look similar.
• A great way to start is to also simply search “men’s style tips” and see what is currently trending. Then take a look at your current wardrobe and see if you can emulate popular styles.
2.Take stock of your current style. Compare your style to the current trends and see how you can incorporate any of your clothes into a fashionable look.
• Look at what’s currently in style in terms of colors, patterns, and fit. For example, clothes that offer a slimmer cut and a more tailored fit might be what’s popular.
• Perhaps you have a lot of clothes that have patterns that are out of style. Compare what’s popular to what you have and separate outdated items from popular items.
• While taking stock, you may find that you have some older clothes that have come back into style that you can take out of retirement.

3.Don’t change who you are just for the sake of being fashionable or trying fit in with what’s popular. Changing to a certain look or style just because it’s "the cool thing to do" doesn't mean it’s right for you.
 More than anything else, be yourself.
• Part of being fashionable means feeling comfortable in not only your skin, but your clothes. If you have a favorite shirt or sweatshirt, you don’t have to get rid of it just to be fashionable.
• Keep clothes that make you feel comfortable for now. You may find that when building outfits you can use some of them.

4.Read Carefully
• Read websites and publications devoted to male fashion. These include GQ, Esquire, Fashion Beans, or Reddit’s Male Fashion Advice. You can find places and forums where people will share style tips and wardrobe ideas.
• Don’t buy into everything you read. People sometimes get very adamant that there is a right and wrong way to be fashionable. While there are trends in fashion, it is largely subjective.
• These resources are also a great way find looks and clothing items that may fit better into your budget. You may see a jacket or pair of jeans that you really like, but are too expensive. You can use these resources to find similar items at a better price.
5.Look for brands and stores that appeal to you. 
 When you find a brand or store that has a lot of clothes you really like and that fit you really well, you can easily upgrade your style and feel confident.
• How clothes fit on you plays a big role into looking fashionable. Just because you love a particular item doesn’t mean it will always fit you correctly, depending on your body type.
• Depending on your height, weight, and overall body type, certain clothes will fit you better than others.
• If you’re a bigger guy, avoid horizontal stripes and opt for vertical ones. Vertical stripes will draw the eyes downward and make you look slimmer.
• If you’re a slimmer guy, you can wear clothes that are tighter fitting and will accentuate a tight waist.
• In general, being a fashionable teenage boy means wearing clothes that create visual tricks which will make your body look as evenly proportioned as possible. Some people like tighter fitting clothing while others go for a more relaxed fit, but for the most part, you should avoid overly baggy clothes. A more tailored fit will make a huge difference.
Crafting Your Wardrobe
1.Update your wardrobe for current trends. 
Being fashionable requires a bit of creative improvisation. Experiment with new looks and disregard anything that you don't feel comfortable with.
• Updating your wardrobe can seem like a daunting task and can easily get expensive which can be difficult especially if you’re still growing and don’t have a lot of extra money, but you can do a lot with a little.
• Separate your clothes into two categories: clothes you like and wear, and clothes you don’t wear. Clean out your wardrobe by donating or selling the clothes you don’t wear.
• Then take a look at your “keep” pile. Note which clothes are fashionable and which ones aren’t. This will help you start to build a base for your updated wardrobe.
2. Organize a shopping trip.
 Ask a parent, older sibling, girlfriend, or any fashionable friend to go shopping with you. They might be able to offer advice and pick out some great clothes for you.
Your siblings or your friends will be able to give you advice on what works or doesn’t work for you and can help you pick out something that you might not on your own.
Create a list of clothing items that you need as staples.[3] For example, you may want to get one pair of jeans you can wear for almost any occasion, a pair of chinos, a casual button down shirt, dress shirt, and a sweater.
3.Give away any clothes that you don't wear.
 Often times we hang onto clothes that don't fit or we hardly ever wear. Gather up these clothes and donate them to a charitable organization or sell them to a resale shop. Be prepared that your parents may be reluctant to throw out clothes that still fit you.
If your parents are reluctant to let you get rid of the clothes you already have, you can try selling them to earn your own money for new clothes. Just make sure that you are upfront with your parents.
Being a teenager can make it hard to find the right fit since you may grow several inches in just a few months. Check out consignment stores for cheaper clothes, or shops like H&M and asos, which offer plenty of trendy items at lower prices.
Shopping at stores that offer lower prices can also help you to convince your parents to update your wardrobe.
4.Mix and match clothes from your new spiced up wardrobe.
 It doesn’t take a lot to create several different looks. Think about the occasion that you’re dressing for and pick out items that look appropriate.
If you’re going to school, you may want to wear clothes that you’ll feel comfortable in all day.
You can also create several fashionable looks with a few staple items like a dark pair of jeans. You can wear jeans with sneakers and a sweater to school, add a blazer or light jacket and change into boots if you’re going somewhere after school. You’ll create a whole new look in a few minutes by adding or changing just a few items.
Mix and match items based on your mood. Maybe you’re in less of a classy mood and more in a street style mood. Pair your sneakers with jeans or joggers, a plain t-shirt and a light jacket.
Cleaning Up Your Look
1. Accent your wardrobe with accessories.
Accessories
 Small accents to your wardrobe will go a long way in enhancing your style. Consider wearing an accessory that can be your signature like a scarf, hat, bracelet, etc.
Remember that being fashionable is subjective, and you should feel comfortable with the amount of accessories you wear.
Look for accessories that you might already have that are sentimental to you like a necklace.
Own your style. Maybe you like to wear bracelets, necklaces, and even earrings. Don’t let others’ opinions make you feel awkward for choosing to wear what you wear, because you’ve put in the effort to show off your own style.
Use accessories to tie in a color palate or create some pop. One item that people often overlook are socks. Colorful and patterned socks can add some extra style to your look.
2. Wear a watch. 
Watches
Being a fashionable guy means looking put together and mature no matter how old you are. One item that really does this is the watch.
Even though we may have phones that tell time, a watch is an invaluable accessory, and can tie a whole look together.
Wearing a watch shows that you’re punctual and reliable and adds a level of maturity to your look.
You also don’t have to spend a lot on a nice watch. Get a watch with a nylon band that can easily be switched for another one to match the rest of your outfit.
A watch is also a great gift to ask for. And you can tell your parents or whoever may be giving you one exactly which one you want.
4.Wear a belt that fits your outfit.
Belts
 Besides holding your pants up, belts serve as a way to tie your whole outfit together, and a belt that doesn’t fit right will stand out.
Belts are a great way to connect your shoes to the rest of your outfit. Wearing a brown belt that’s the same color as your shoes will make you look more put together and fashionable.
While sometimes it looks good to wear black and brown together, it can be tricky to pull off. Avoid wearing a brown belt on black pants or jeans as it usually looks mismatched.
Get a belt that’s the right size for you. Nothing undoes an outfit like having a belt that’s way too big.
5.Wear the right shoes.
Shopping
 The right shoes complete an outfit, so don't become dependent on a single pair. While one pair of shoes can be paired with several looks, some just aren’t right for every occasion. You don't want to wear skater shoes at a formal event.
It’s always easier to wear nicer shoes with a casual outfit than it is to wear sneakers with a dressier one. For example, you can pair loafers or wingtips with jeans and a button down or sweater and look good. And while it’s not impossible, it’s a lot harder to wear sneakers with a suit.
Just because you’re a teenager doesn’t mean that you can’t wear dressier shoes either. Loafers, oxfords, wingtips, and nice boots can go a long way when looking fashionable.
If you don’t have the budget to own a bunch of shoes, you can get a lot of mileage out of a few staples. Consider nice sneakers, a pair of boots, and a pair of dressier shoes to start out.
6.Groom yourself.
 Clothes that fit well and that look good will only get you so far. Part of being a fashionable male means taking care of your body.
Whether you like your hair long, buzzed, or somewhere in the middle, consider adding some product so that it looks styled and not like you just rolled out of bed. And be sure to wash it on a regular basis.
Be honest with yourself about facial hair. Some teenagers can grow a full beard by 16, while others teens (and even adults) can’t. If you can grow facial hair make sure that it’s trimmed nicely and not like you were raised in the wilderness. If you can’t grow facial hair well, or it’s patchy, then shave it. A clean shaven face always looks better than patches of peach fuzz.
Keep your nails clean. Dirty or long nails are never attractive and can make you look like you don’t care about your appearance.