Earlier this year I attended a colour workshop – and I don’t think it’s an over-exaggeration when I say that it has changed my life … or at least my wardrobe!
So I was keen to attend the follow up style and image workshop.
Now some might wonder WHY I would pay to attend a class like this – surely at 50+ I have a pretty good idea of my personal style?
Wellllllll yes … and no.
As my colour experience proved, we don’t always get it right. We might have been influenced over the years by what others have said, what’s in fashion, and a million and other random experiences. For years I avoided orange tones like the two pics below – such a shame when it is actually a really great colour on me!
Plus, I think our personal style is continually evolving as we get older, and our bodies and lifestyles change.
So I was curious to see what I would find out …
Once again I came home with my head spinning with so much new and useful information, some of which I shared in this post: 5 things I learned at a style workshop.
Now I know my style personality, I’ve realised WHY I never felt comfortable in some clothes (even if they were in my colours), while others quickly became my “go to” outfits.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to only ever spend money on things that were “just right”, instead of having a wardrobe full of mistakes (that never get worn, or feel wrong when you wear them)?! I’m already noticing the difference now I have a better understanding of my colours and style personality!
My Clothing Personality
There are a number of style personalities, including Dramatic, Classic, Natural, Gamine, Ingenue and Romantic … and most of us are a blend of two.
And I called it back in this post – “I’m predicting that I will be a casual/sporty style personality (which is quite hilarious because there ain’t a sporty bone in my body!)”. My clothing personality was indeed identified as “Natural / Romantic”.
Naturals are often sporty types – but not always, as my case proves. Typically they prefer clothing which is simple, comfortable and easy to move in.
Interestingly, the husbear has always loved me in autumn colours and natural/sporty outfits. Dare I say it – sometimes husband really does know best?!
The Romantic side of my style personality is more obvious in my occasion dressing, and is drawn to glamour and sparkles, as well as sumptuous fabrics like silk, satin and velvet.
Other Things I Learned
- I’ve pretty much avoided belts my whole life – except for wearing low slung big belts in the 80’s – and guess what, that is still a great look for me!
- My best jacket length is one that reaches my hip bones.
- My best skirt length is knee length (which I kind of knew) but I was encouraged to add some swish to my skirts!
- I suit soft, draped, and curved necklines.
- When it comes to jewellery, dainty items get lost on me so I should aim for medium to large pieces.
- My best patterns are soft straight, soft curved and full curved prints.
I came home and was able to look at my wardrobe in a whole new light. Suddenly I understood why some outfits I *thought* would be great, actually weren’t.
Like this dress I bought from Rivers a couple of years ago, which I loved – until I had to wear it. It just felt too short and the straight skirt was too restrictive for the Natural side of my personality. (I still love Rivers though – use this link to get $10 off* your first order!
I’ve taken what I’ve learned to heart, and yes, it is already proving useful. Having gone up a size over the winter months I’ve been forced (that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!) to buy some new clothes. As I’m not sure if I’ll stay this size (or hopefully lose the weight now I’m walking again), I don’t want to spend a fortune on “investment” pieces that may not fit in 12 months’ time.
So, here are some cheap and cheery bits and pieces I bought recently at Kmart and Target to help get me through while my body works out what it is going to do.
And guess what? They’ve already become firm favourites!
My new style and colour knowledge should also stand me in good stead for my next major clothing purchase: a mother of the bride outfit for Miss 22’s wedding next year!
Can you hazard a guess as to your own style personality?!
If you live in Brisbane, I highly recommend the style, colour and image consultant I saw – Ann Whitaker at Kenmore. Not sponsored – just sharing my experiences.