When describing your style persona it’s perfectly fine to mix things up. You should never feel that you have to box yourself into one fashion persona exactly as it is defined. After all, these fashion personas are just approximations of our own making. And since style preferences will vary a lot from person to person, you should expect to describe yours using more than one. It could be several, or just two. 

To avoid confusion I should be specific about what I mean by fashion personas and style persona. Fashion personas are the ones that we’ve given names, like “bohemian hippy”, “trendy fashionista” or “modern classic”. Your style persona, on the other hand, describes your own personal style. It is probably a mix of many components, some of which you might describe as fashion personas.

I narrow my own preferences into three main categories, which have been pretty consistent since the ’80s. First, there’s my adoration for pearls, and impeccably crisp, tailored garments with clean lines. Then there’s my love for iconic Dr. Marten boots, biker jackets and distressed leather. Lastly, I have a thing for menswear inspired clothing. 

So to summarize that in terms of fashion personas, my style persona combines Modern Classic, Punk and Androgynous tendencies. I am also drawn to Retro and Preppy looks, but those preferences are not nearly as strong as the first three categories. 

In some respects these components of my style are related. For example, it is easy to see classic minimal elements being part of an androgynous look. But they can also be opposing. A friend recently told she found it interesting that I like a flared, ladylike skirt with patent shoes and hose as much as I enjoy bright tartan skinnies with a black biker jacket. There seem to be many such contradictions in my ensembles. I can’t tell you why I am drawn to Kate Spade and 20 eyelet Docs. Or why I love black as much as white, neutrals as much as brights, soft fabrics as much as rigid ones, and Carolina Herrera as much as Gwen Stefani.

Like everyone else, my style persona is a melting pot for many different preferences and influences. What I aspire to do is combine all of these different components into an overall style persona that is cohesive. To me, this cohesion is extremely important because it makes my style feel stronger and more focused. I want all my outfits to look and feel clean, simple, modern and bold no matter what. Even when I add new trendy pieces, I create cohesion by combining them with classic pieces. The classic pieces are the magic glue that brings my ensemble together. 

Over to you. How do you combine the different components of your style persona? How do the different elements relate to and play off of each other?  Do you think it is important to have a cohesive style?

As I read the perceptions of our forum members, hear the thoughts of my own clients, and browse through the musings of fashion bloggers, I realize that very few ladies aspire to a classic sense of style. In fact, many regard classic style as boring, conventional, uninspiring, frumpy and no fun. Some even apologize for having a classic style, wishing that they dressed in a more edgy and arty way. And when ladies happen to describe their style as classic, there is almost always a qualifying “with a twist or edge” because that addition seems more stylish and aspirational. The fear is that they will be viewed as uninteresting, conservative and old fashioned if they have a classic style. 

Well, I’m sticking up for classic style big time because it’s hard to beat when well executed. It’s chic, flattering, elegant, strong, attractive, eye-catching and always in style. It’s important to add a touch of MODERN to classic style in order to keep things current and fresh. Even classic items need to be refreshed every five to ten years. This is why I prefer to call an effective classic style, “Modern Classic”. In this way you’re taking the stuffy, staid and traditional components out of the concept and making it killer. 

Appreciating the power of classic wardrobe pieces was hands down the most important style lesson that I learned last year. I truly enjoy the simplicity and crispness of classic items, and the more luxurious the fabrication and simpler the cut, the more I love the piece. It’s these characteristics that make the items extremely versatile and therefore powerful. Classic items can be worn together to achieve a modern classic vibe from head to toe. OR they can be mixed together with trendy, arty, urban, bohemian, tomboy, punk, mod or any other type of non-classic style, to give it a more grounded look. At the end of the day, classic wardrobe pieces are called timeless and ageless staples for good reason. Choose them wisely and their versatility and longevity is beyond compare. 

Here is a list of items that are the backbone of Modern Classic style. In all instances the clothing pieces are tailored. Nothing is oversized or slouchy, because classic style is very much about impeccable fit.

• White Button Down Shirt: My basic white button downs function like T-shirts, that is, as basics, while my Anne Fontaine button downs are statement pieces. 
• Tailored Blazer: A single breasted style with one to three buttons in a cool wool or wool blend. 
• Tweed Jacket: Think equestrian or Chanel-esque. 
• Trousers: A sleek boot cut, straight leg or wide leg style with a mid rise in a cool wool or rayon-wool blend. 
• Pencil Skirt: Waist defining and knee-length is best. 
• Striped T-Shirt: Think Breton striped tee. 
• Black Turtleneck: If you like to wear fitted high quality turtlenecks, I truly believe that they work with everything. 
• Cashmere Pullover and Cardigan: Either V-neck or crew. 
• Bootcut Jeans: Wearing them with a pair of killer ankle boots is such a great look. 
• Sheath Dress: How can an item be classic, retro and modern all at once? A sheath dress is all these things and that’s why it stands the test of time. 
• Peacoat: Double breasted and your choice of self-colour or metallic buttons. 
• Trench Coat: Single breasted styles tend to be more universally flattering and hang better when left open. But double breasted styles are just as great when the fit is spot on. 
• Single Breasted Wool Coat: Think revere collar, side entry pockets and knee-length.  
• Loafers: Although these are a trendy item at the moment, they are classic for sure. The more refined and dressy the style, the more timeless the look. 
• Ballet Flats: Chanel introduced them to the world and never looked back. Once again, the dressier the style, the more timeless the look. 
• Basic Pumps: Round or pointy toed with a regular shaped heel. 
• Flat Riding Boots: Snug on the calf and with little embellishment, if at all. Classic Ralph Lauren to a tee. 
• Pearl necklace: Think choker or opera length strands.    
• Diamond studs, pearl studs and hoop earrings: They speak for themselves.

You will increase the classic quotient of these items if you choose them in neutral colours. You will decrease the classic quotient by purchasing them in unexpected colours (like wearing a citron peacoat instead of a navy one). Patterns like glen plaids, houndstooth, animal print and pinstripes are timeless too.  

Apart from the earrings, loafers, cashmere pullovers and cardigans, I have every item on this list and often multiples of them. Some of the items are in safe neutral colours, while the others are in the loudest of brights. Sometimes I wear classic items from head to toe. At other times I mix classic pieces into edgier and trendier outfits. My style would not function without these key classic items because they’re the magic glue that sticks my ensemble pieces together. All my outfits look and feel better when there is at least one classic item in the mix. Each of the outfits below contains at least one classic item, and in some cases there are several classic pieces.  

The aim here is not to convert you to classic style. The point is to drive home that classic items are so very versatile, and can be transformed into YOUR look when mixed and matched YOUR way. That’s what makes them powerful. 

Prints are especially big for Spring 2012 so that’s why we are talking a lot about them at the moment. 

You are on Team Patterned Top if you prefer to wear patterns on the top half of your body, like patterned knit tops, shirts, blouses, sweaters, jackets, dresses and scarves. You are on Team Patterned Bottom if you prefer to wear patterns on the lower half of your body and away from your face, like patterned skirts, trousers, jeans, shorts, cropped pants, leggings, hosiery, handbags and footwear. 

I wear pattern in all forms on top, from argyle knitwear, pinstripe jackets, plaid blazers and a striped tee, to polka dot and animal print blouses, abstract floral print dresses and all sorts of patterned scarves.  I also wear pattern on the bottom. Micro checks, glen plaid and tartan trousers are close to my heart, as are pinstripes. I love wearing patterned skirts, black patterned hosiery, patterned bags and animal print shoes. 

I was going to bat for Team Patterned Bottom because I thought I preferred to wear patterns away from my face just a little bit more. But I just bought a tartan jacket that makes me feel fabulous, my argyle pullovers are favourites, and my floral dresses always make me smile. Clearly I like to wear pattern as much on top as on the bottom, so I guess I’m sitting this one out on the bench. 

Over to you. Are you on Team Patterned Top or Team Patterned Bottom? Tell us why and no batting for both sides.

Purchasing wardrobe items for an imaginary lifestyle and climate is a common practice. This happens when your style preferences and lifestyle do not match up. When you purchase items that are in line with your style persona, but that you rarely have the occasion to wear them because you don’t lead that life. 

It might be buying cocktail wear when you rarely attend formal events. Buying multiple pairs of dressy shoes when you spend most of the time crawling around the floor with a toddler. Having an abundance of casual wear when you’re in business separates five days a week. Accumulating a very large wardrobe when you wear scrubs or a uniform for work. Buying wool coats, cashmere and tall boots when you live in a hot climate. Adding a large capsule of breezy dresses and airy tops to your wardrobe when you live in Seattle. Does this sound familiar?  

It makes practical sense to build a wardrobe that suits your lifestyle and climate. After all, most of us have to stretch our budgets and make cost effective wardrobe choices. Items that are bought but not worn are essentially a waste of money. So it’s definitely a good idea for your wardrobe to reflect your dominant season(s), and that you purchase items that will get regular wear. 

But I’m also going to play devils advocate here. Although it’s not sensible to purchase items that are worn infrequently, it’s fun to do that from time to time. If our budgets can bear it, we’re allowed a few pairs of uncomfortable but killer “sitting shoes”. Purchasing a couple of incredible dresses at the prospect of wearing them once a year is not such a bad idea. And there is no shame in buying an amazing wool coat that will only be worn a handful of times if it makes you feel extra fabulous when you wear it. Adding in the odd great accessory that will barely come out to play is not the end of the world. 

We don’t need to make practical and sensible wardrobe decisions 100% of the time. Where is the fun in that? I say 90% is a great goal. There is room in our lives for a few frivolous purchases because just knowing that we own them makes us smile, and the process of attaining them was enjoyable. That’s worth it in my book. 

But this should be the 10% exception. For the most part, your wardrobe should reflect your lifestyle.

To what extent do you purchase items for an imaginary lifestyle and climate? Is it more or less than 10%?