"Mindset" 6: What is Style?

What is Style?

What is Style? And can it be acquired and if so, where? Our reply is “Well how much time do you have?” We shall try to keep this as succinct and brief as possible. But first we would like to begin with defining style. *Being that there were five definitions to style we took it upon ourselves to create one definition by highlighting excerpts from each of the five that embodies the whole meaning of what we believe style to be.

Style is:

1. a particular kind, sort, or type, as with reference to form, appearance, or character: the baroque style; The style of the house was too austere for their liking.

2. a particular, distinctive, or characteristic mode of action or manner of acting: They do these things in a grand style.

3. a mode of living, as with respect to expense or display.

4. an elegant, fashionable, or luxurious mode of living: to live in style.

5. a mode of fashion, as in dress, especially good or approved fashion; elegance; smartness.

(*a particular kind, sort, or type, as with reference to form, appearance, distinctive action or manner of acting, living with respect to display as in dress, fashion, elegance; smartness.)

We believe all these definitions to be true to the word as people may know it. When people are on the search for their personal style type they usually are in search of the best style type. However we at TEF do not believe that there is a superior style type over any other. Fashion Style is subjective, like any other form of art. Its neither right nor wrong but rather a form of self expression for the artist and a matter of opinion for the connoisseur. Style is self confidence which results in a personalized comfort with what someone is wearing or doing. Therefore, an individual’s personal style is whatever makes that particular person comfortable.

Now as far as can you acquire it and where? That is a bit difficult to answer. There is a saying that “No idea under the sun is new”, meaning that much of what we see and hear today has developed and evolved from prior ideas. With that said, one can begin to acquire ideas about their potential personal style by observing others that peek their sartorial interests. As well as subscribing to publications or online blogs and magazines (such as this one) that they feel speak to them and their potential personal style. One can take all or some of these ideas and tailor them to formulate their own concoction of what is style to them.

But overall where can you acquire it? That is simple; It must come from within YOU. We at TEF always preach self-confidence when it comes to style. We come across countless clients or overhear people say that they saw something they liked in a magazine or on a person on the street but just cannot visualize themselves executing it; which is fine. Because when we at TEF are asked to style or assist someone with constructing their personal style it is important not to push that person to far out of their fashion comfort zone. If the person feels uncomfortable in what they are wearing then it will surely show.

          There are many celebrities or even common people you may know that have distinctive styles. You can either know what they are going to where on a day to day basis or you could be totally clueless. Try it out. Next time you are at a newsstand, pick up any magazine and choose a celebrity and study what they are wearing when they are caught on camera on a regular day. Then pick up a different publication and look for them again or simply “Google” their images and see what you find. You can also try this with a friend that you see on a consistent basis. Try and see if you can figure their personal style.

          Also an important piece of information to consider is that a personal style is not finite, meaning it can grow and evolve throughout the years, months over even weeks. In the end its all about what you feel comfortable in doing. Therefore do not get frustrated if you see that your personal style is evolving into something different then what your current wardrobe entails, this self-exploration is suppose to be fun (ie: take a look at the two distinct style types Mr. Pharrell Williams is sporting in the pictures below.). You can always sell items on Ebay, etsy or even sell it to your local thrift shops or the likes of consignment stores such as Buffalo Exchange or FlightClub and use the new cash to fund your new look (read our article Mindset 3 Old Money, New Clothes). 

In the end with the many serious predicaments that we encounter in our lives and around the world on a daily basis, fashion should not be one of them. This is not at all to cause you to pull your hair out but to have fun with as you delve into your mind’s creative and artistic side. Construction of your personal style should be therapeutic.

Our next article…. Are you looking to redefine your personal style but need some assistance on where to start? Or do you already have a personal style but wish to define it into words? Then you do not want to miss “What is your personal style?” article in two weeks.

Can you define the two different style types that Mr. David Beckham is wearing? No worries you will know how to describe and call them with our next article. Until then, "keep stylin' on them"