DEFINE YOUR STYLE - How to Find Your Fashion Identity

DEFINE YOUR STYLE

How to Find Your Fashion Identity

In her latest books, uberstylist/designer/reality star Rachel Zoe helps you define your style, and build a bananas wardrobe to match.

PUBLISHED: APRIL 9, 2014

Individual style has little to do with who can collect the most expensive designer bags or ankle boots. Anyone can put together an amazing look, even on a budget. All you need is a go-to signature style.

My first tip is to look to anyone whose style you admire. Peruse your icon's fashion habits. Look to see if you have similar pieces in your wardrobe. It's so much easier to shop once you know exactly what you need!

Another suggestion: Figure out your fashion comfort zone. We tend to buy the same piece over and over because it's safe and familiar (tailored jackets are my happy place). But you need to determine if your staples work for you: Try them on in front of a full-length mirror and truthfully assess how they look, how they work within your wardrobe, and how you feel in them.

My final tip involves a little wordplay: Think of an adjective that describes how you want to look and feel or how you would want someone else to describe your style.

Once you have your look down, you can build a wardrobe that embodies your signature style—and edit out the pieces that don't complement your fashion persona.

If your word is EDGY

LANDMARKMEDIA/SHUTTERSTOCK (RHIANNA); THOMAS MACDONALD/RODALE IMAGES (STILLS)

So Rihanna is your style muse? Chances are, you've got the same I-do-what-I-want fashion philosophy. Rocker leathers, daring textures like sheer mesh, and hardware-studded extras ooze confidence.

1. True Religion jacket, $695, truereligionbrandjeans.com
2. Thale Blanc cuff, $385, thaleblanc.com
3. PinkBasis shoes, $30, pinkbasis.com

If your word is BOHEMIAN

HELGA ESTEB/SHUTTERSTOCK (VANESSA HUDGENS); THOMAS MACDONALD/RODALE IMAGES (STILLS)

Actress Vanessa Hudgens embraces the nouveau-hippie aesthetic whether she's on the red carpet or at a music festival (she's a Coachella fixture). Distressed denim, swingy fringe, and tie-dye are hallmarks of her closet.

1. Trina Turk shoes, $258, trinaturk.com
2. Citizens of Humanity jeans, $268, citizensofhumanity.com
3. Cleobella bag, $366, cleobella.com

If your word is GLAMOROUS

DEBBY WONG/SHUTTERSTOCK (BLAKE LIVELY); THOMAS MACDONALD/RODALE IMAGES (STILLS)

Just like her hair, Blake Lively's clothing choices are lush and expensive-looking. Shimmery fabrics, exotic skins, and bombshell shapes play a big part.

1. Valentino sunglasses, $345, marchon.com for stores
2. Cameo The Label bustier, $136, revolveclothing.com
3. DailyLook clutch, $55, dailylook.com

If your word is CLASSIC

JAGUAR PS/SHUTTERSTOCK (CATE BLANCHETT); THOMAS MACDONALD/RODALE IMAGES (STILLS)

Want to channel Cate Blanchett? Elegant-but-utilitarian Items—think silk blouses, ladylike watches, driving mocs—look posh and polished.

1. Coach watch, $248, coach.com
2. Pleione blouse, $58, nordstrom.com
3. Nine West shoes, $79, ninewest.com

Source: http://www.womenshealthmag.com