How is Your Personality Expressed in Your Personal Style?

Dee

Well, some of you know how I love a good discussion on the how's and why's of our fashion choices, so why not discuss how our individual personalities affect our own personal fashion style.

There are many different ways to go about figuring out personal style. Some use Kibbe or other body type methods, there's also mood boards, outfit formulas or colour analysis etc..., but I think for a style to feel really personal, it also needs to reflect some important aspects of our own personality in it as well.

An outfit can look really great to everyone else's eyes, but as Angie has mentioned, it's important that it always FEELS authentic to the wearer, too. If there's not enough energy or softness in the colours, refinement, or edgineess in the style etc.. it might feel totally off to those wearing it because it's not reflecting who they are at their core.

If I were to analyze some of the ways that my personality is incorporated into my personal style, they would include:

Practicality, all my clothing must be functional, durable yet comfortable, and have a certain timeless quality

Easygoingness, I prefer to be relaxed, nothing fussy, too stiff or precious

Creativity and Whimsy, I like playful elements, polka dots, stripes, and ditsy prints. Adding little elements of charm helps to soften any hard lines and adds interest and variety which I always crave.

A need for Balance and Moderation. All colour, patterns, and proportions must feel harmonious and balanced to my eye. Clean, refined style elements, mostly classic lines with nothing that's overtly oversized, chunky, exaggerated, loud, or distressed.

I think these are the most important aspects of my personality when it comes to feeling authentic with my own personal style.

Would love to hear your perspective on this and how you feel you express certain aspects of your own personality in your personal style?

2 months ago

Dressing

24 replies

Latest reply was from Dee

Irina

Veteran

Well, I like to start with definitions.

Style to me is a set of rules or let’s say, a group, eg boho, preppy, goth, grange, sports wear, classic, English country and so on. We all experiment with it through our life, changing it at times. Styles is something that can be learned since it’s so clearly defined. It can successfully done “by numbers”, by applying rules. Most of us, regular women, call our style mostly classic or as I call it, norm core. We wear what is available from a mid range brands.

Personality. Whatever the style, one’s personality will decide if it’s minimal or maximal, how much a wearer influences by public opinion or environment. The level of expressed femininity is also dependent on one’s personality. We are born different and although go through changes in our life, the core remains the same.

Taste. Well, it’s important to some and it’s something one is born with. It’s an ability to see if there is a harmony in a look or not, see it before finding an explanation is to why. If you think about it, you’d be surprised how many people have style but not taste. Often, people with talent visual arts have great taste.

Perception. Those, who are interested in fashion, naturally put too much emphasis on clothes. In reality, I think it is not easy to express one’s personality through it unless one uses bold, brush and consistent style tools. Example: If one sometimes wears stripes, no one notices. If one wear only stripes, they all eventually will.

So, to answer your question I think that my style is norm core with a contemporary twist, my introverted personality is reflected in my preference for minimalism. My opinions are not the most common but not terribly original either. My clothes, too. I think my clothes just looks plain for most people.

2 months ago

cat2

Veteran

Interesting question. I am a very independent and private person who loves the decorative aspects of clothing. So I was DYOT before it was a thing, can’t stand logo tees or sweaters that speak French, and love what is sneeringly referred to as dressmaker details.

2 months ago

Dee

Veteran

Irina- Thanks for the interesting perspective, with reference to definitions, my understanding is that fashion, is as you say what’s currently available or trending on the market,
Style - would be how we individually combine these fashion items together based on personal preferences and aesthetics, therefore this is where our unique personalities can come into play when expressing our personal style.
Taste- I feel is broader judgement on what one considers visually pleasing.
Cat2- Looks as though your independent nature and love of the decorative aspects of fashion is accurately reflected with DYOT.

2 months ago

Irina

Veteran

Dee, I didn’t say that fashion is what is currently available or trending Trends and retail is the end result of fashion cycle. To me, fashion is art, innovation, creativity and craft. In retail we get down-to earth version of it.

2 months ago

Dee

Veteran

Irina - Sorry, I misunderstood you.

2 months ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Dee, for my own style, it's all explained in detail here:

https://youlookfab.com/2021/02.....rsonality/

This, gets to the heart of it for your style, Dee:

"A need for Balance and Moderation. All colour, patterns, and proportions must feel harmonious and balanced to my eye. Clean, refined style elements, mostly classic lines with nothing that's overtly oversized, chunky, exaggerated, loud, or distressed"

Well expressed

2 months ago

RachelNZ

Active Member

Interesting topic! I am still on the journey of understanding how my personality interacts with my personal style.

I've just posted a weeks worth of outfits and a word that popped into my head reviewing them was softness. All the outfits had an element of softness and I'm wondering if that is linked (especially with work) to the fact that I have to do that delicate dance of being a woman in a specific type of professional role. I need to be an expert but not be perceived as aggressive/dominating.

I also like when the silhouette and colours are harmonious. I don't think dramatic or sharp would be words used to describe my style and I don't think people would use those to describe my personality either!

2 months ago

Dee

Veteran

Angie - OH WOW!! That is such a terrific post and in-depth analysis on your style and how our personal style often reflects our personality, values and beliefs whether we’re cognizant of it or not. I wonder how I missed it, but its exactly at the heart of what I was after when I wrote this post today. I guess I did boil down my personal style essence with my last summation. I love exploring the reasons behind why we choose the things that we do and why certain style elements always felt more authentic for me than others. Thanks for sharing it again, such wonderful food for thought.

2 months ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ohhh, personality absolutely plays a role in my style expression! The elements that I think predominate --

(Among other things) I am practical, energetic, reflective, emotional, quietly unconventional, and attuned to beauty in my environment.

The practical side of my personality is expressed in the way I dress for the weather and (for the most part) avoid buying items that are a stretch for my budget or my lifestyle.

My energy comes through in my choice of clothing items that allow me to move (no stilettos here!) and in my love of contrast and/or pattern or texture mixing. Yay for "gamine dynamism" as Sarah DB and Jaime say.

Blue is the colour of reflection and they don't call me Queen Blue for nothing! I think this aspect of my personality also comes through in the way I compose outfits and (I hope) increasingly in the way I shop and edit my closet. (And Dee, I'd say your own reflectiveness comes through in your own love of blue and your thoughtful posts -- though it might also be encompassed by your term "balance." )

Emotion comes through in my love of bright colour as well as in the way I get dressed -- while I am practical, I'm also 100 per cent a mood dresser, and never like to be tied to what I'll wear until the minute I'm ready to decide that!

I have taken a lot of risks in my life -- not the obvious physical ones like sky-diving, but quieter risks, in terms of relationships, employment, etc. I have not followed a traditional trajectory. True, except for a brief spell in my 20s, I can hardly claim to have lived a wild and crazy rock 'n roll existence. Yet I've always been quietly unconventional and this shows, perhaps, when I wear items that might be thought (by some) as "too young" for someone of my age, or too androgynous. My pixie cuts and grey hair also signal a person who is not tied to conventional beauty standards.

Like most of us here, I'll bet, I'm highly attuned to beauty in our natural and built environments. I like my clothing to exemplify that beauty, through texturally satisfying materials and/or workmanship or interesting cut or details. I appreciate a well-made garment -- it gives real joy -- as well as (often) being more practical.

So we are full-circle!

2 months ago

Dee

Veteran

RachelNZ- Yes I see softness in the styles you’ve posted too, so I’m guessing that softness is quality in your personality as well . Your right that its sometimes its easier to describe what we are not than the other way around.
Suz- Such a wonderful assessment on how your personality is incorporated in your own personal style. I remember your soft lilac tonal outfit and although very lovely, you felt it didn’t have the colour intensity and contrast that really expressed the true you. And I can see the subtle ways in which you reflect some unconventionality in your style, so there might be a little streak of rebelliousness in there somewhere too.

2 months ago

Sal

Veteran

It's very interesting.

My personality is important in my style. I don't like fuss and am impatient, and will never prioritise doing my hair over going for a walk. I am observant of people and feelings - I am better at the broad brushstrokes than the finer details.

I like style and clothes and will notice if a friend is wearing a colour that suits them or fantastic shoes, but I never notice a new ring or if they are wearing makeup or not.

As a tall energetic but relaxed person, I feel discomfort in overly romantic or floaty or gentle styles or colours. I feel best with my hair in a bob - too long and it does not feel like me, and too short is too hard for me to maintain.

2 months ago

Lisa

Veteran

This is an interesting discussion. Lots to think about here.

I like order and nothing says order better to me than the cohesiveness of a matchy matchy element in an outfit. I do this often by matching bags and belts, or belts and shoes.

I am not a fussy person, I like to be comfortable, casual, and relaxed, that's reflected in my style moniker's of "elevated casual" and in the fabrics that I choose. Everything is soft, and has movement, for example, if I wear a button down shirt, it's not a stiff shirt, it's soft and has movement.

I am also a serious and analytical person, have a strong attention to details, and I am an introvert. I try to lighten things up and have a reason to engage with others, through my outfits. I reflect this best in the warmer months when the graphic tees come out to play. They are great for putting a smile on someone's face and starting conversations. I also reflect this with colorful outfit combinations. I'll wear head to toe colors and no neutrals in my outfits.

My attention to detail comes through with how I treat my accessories. I will switch handbags for my outfits, sometimes daily. I do the same with sunglasses.

2 months ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Very interesting post and responses Dee! I am very interested in the connection and distinction between fashion, style and taste but will save my dissertation for now. I will say I agree with Irina that fashion is a form of art and I have a major beef with every newspaper that doesn't group it with culture and arts (it is always in the lifestyle section in the papers I look at).
I think I will join Suz's camp of the quietly unconventional. I will also spare you the autobiography but like Suz, I have not followed the traditional trajectory .
So where does that leave me in terms of expressing my personality in my style? Well, I am very introverted and prefer not to small talk with random people, but I do not like being underestimated either. Ideally, my clothing expresses my unconventionality while also serving as armor and warning. Granted that is a lot to ask from clothing !

2 months ago

judy

Veteran

People are so eloquent in their expressions of personality and style! "Quietly unconventional", I love it!

I think one of my strong personality traits is resourcefulness, in that I can make a meal out of what's in the cupboard or fridge, no recipe required, and I can make an outfit out of what's in the closet. Maybe that's actually improvisational..? And intuitive. I know what I like as soon as I see it, it's based a lot on cut and proportion for me these days. And experimental. I'm willing to try things, hey, what happens if I wear this over/under/with that.

Lately I get the most compliments on an oversized (on me) vintage British hooded duffel coat, kind of a dark mustard color, that was my sons. He is a vegan and no longer wears wool, so my gain. I love found objects like that...tho I shop high and low...but the randomness and spontaneity of wearing his coat is a joyful thing for me, and I suppose is also a personality trait. I do the same with furnishings, an eclectic mix.

2 months ago

Bijou

Veteran

I hope the way I dress gives an indication of my personality. I am a feminine dresser; I like bold statements with a touch of glamour which is reflected in my statement heavy wardrobe. I like luxe fabrications and details and tend to not follow trends too much relying on my emotions as to what I want to wear on a daily basis.

I am quite reserved with strangers, but once I know people I'm outgoing and lively. Over time I have become more confident which is reflected in how I dress. I am always open to new experiences and took up karate in my 40's - something that brings me happiness despite the occasional injury and more recently snow skiing and playing the guitar.

My favourite dog is a West Highland White terrier, maybe having had Westie's in my life for the last 30 years has meant that I have absorbed some of their characteristics. I like their happy disposition and how they are fine to join in life's rough and tumble. Despite their small stature and fluffy coat, they are resilient, fun and friendly.

2 months ago

Sisi

Veteran

Well, I have my own opinion about my personality but I dont know if it's correct. Judging oneselves is not easy.
I think I am a simple, unfussy person - this is clearly reflected in my preference for simple, cleanly cut, practical clothes.
I'm definitely an introvert, but I feel fine if I stand out - I like unusual clothing or shoes.
Since when I was younger I have felt a certain dualism - feminine and romantic (love lipstick, makeup, manicured hands, pretty dresses and sandals) but also tomboy (t-shirts, jeans , booties). I also like juxtaposition.
I once took the Enneagram test and much to my surprise I turned out to be the Artist. I think this explains my love for color.

2 months ago

Dee

Veteran

Such a whole host of marvellous responses, thanks for sharing.I love hearing everyone’s perspective on this topic and learning so much more about your personalities in conjunction with your style.
Sal- I’ve always sensed a lovely carefreeness in your style,
Lisa and Jaime- Interesting to learn that you are both introverts, because you project such a wonderful bold and creative flair with your individual fashion styles. Its always fun to see.
Judy- I love the word resourcefulness, to me its a nice blend of intuitiveness and creativity which is a wonderful quality for style.
Bijou- I definitely see femininity, glamour and might I add, confidence in your fabulous style.
Sisi- You’re right, it isn’t always easy assessing ourselves, it seems we can be full of contradictions and yet our personal style allows us one way to reveal it.

2 months ago

Active Member

Interesting discussion. What even is my personality?? As Sisi notes, it is hard to self-assess. I could say my style reflects that I am an independent thinker who doesn’t feel a need to follow the crowd, but don’t we (ironically) all really think that about ourselves?

Nevertheless, I will borrow Suz’s idea of “quietly unconventional.” Like a lot of you I am an introvert, and fairly shy, and hate being at the center of attention, but I don’t feel the need to dress to avoid attention either. Rather, I tend to assume I am invisible and can wear whatever I take into my head! So I am fine wearing something that doesn’t blend in. If someone does notice I tend to be surprised, but not unpleasantly so.

I am also co-signing “attuned to beauty.” (In college a friend once told me—in the interest of cheering me up when I was depressed about something! <facepalm>—“You're not pretty but you really get what beauty is.” I have forgiven but, as you can see, not forgotten this remark. I mean, we are still friends all these years later.) My work is very verbal and I think I’m insecure about other forms of visual self-expression, like I want to make some kind of art but don’t know where to start. So I guess clothing is my visual outlet.

I think “soft” and “detail oriented” also apply to me. But as well, my style reflects that I am LAZY and also rather messy. I guess all my conscientiousness goes to my work. I will not wear anything that needs ironing. I cannot be bothered to color my hair or otherwise manipulate it beyond its natural state, or figure out how to use eye shadow. I guess this also reflects that I am fairly easygoing in most circumstances, though not all. I am not the kind of person who is going to flip out if someone loads the dishwasher in a manner different from my own, LOL.

2 months ago

Dee

Veteran

Cookie -Glad you chimed in, always love how you keep it real with your fun sense of humor.

2 months ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I think my personality has been expressed in my clothing for many decades. I can’t remember many of the clothes I loved until about age 13, which is why I have been fascinated watching Miss M granddaughter, now 3.5 years, and what she has loved over that time period. But at 13 I remember a dress I very much wanted Mum to buy me (she did) with I think a turquoise top half and a skirt with daisies on, seersucker. I think gradually I often wanted something slightly quirky. I am actually a rather conservative person in my views and behaviour (mostly from upbringing) but often want something just a tiny bit less conservative. I always scored as an extrovert on Myers-Briggs but think I have become less so over time, a bit more introverted now or more “neutral”. So I think that’s where the “sassy” in my moniker/persona comes in! A slight quirk?!

1 month ago

Dee

Veteran

Jenni NZ- Yes, there does seem to be a point when many of us as children wanted to make our own clothing choices, because what we wear is often about self expression.

1 month ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I have always enjoyed things that are low-key referential, but recognizable nonetheless. Seventies flare corduroys that look like Dazed and Confused. Big, chunky basketball shoes to let people know I have an urban, techno music personality. Dramatic long earrings and big bangle bracelets that say I am not afraid to be Bohemian.

My big challenge, as I get older, is going to be continuing to incorporate youthful looks in an age-appropriate way.

1 month ago

Ket

Veteran

I am someone who values beauty, sensuality (as in, our senses), exotic, a bit the quirky or kooky, coziness and juxtaposition. And the dramatic. A friend said I like curated outdoors. And it’s true. You’ll never find me backpacking for 6 days in the backwoods. But I do love a farm or little acreage, or a walk on a maintained path. So outdoorsy but not a nature type per se. I’m also intelligent and good under emergency pressure. Things like knowing exactly what to do when my sister and my dog were in a car accident, down to medicating my dog until I could get into the vet. Being able to hold myself together and make crucial decisions when rushing my husband to the ER when he was seriously ill. I also like a level of complexity. I nearly became a veterinarian (and sometimes still regret not choosing that), and ended up with a library science degree and a library science career.

I think my holding it together and likening complexity is expressed in my need for a cohesive outfit. Every detail is thought through even if the resulting outfit maybe isn’t my best.

The cozy factor shows up in a sweater, scarf, or soft fabric, or a very drapey clothing item.

Sensuality is expressed with jewelry that moves when I do, open necklines, and a nice perfume that is really “me”. And very soft and drapey fabrics. I love jersey and knit fabrics.

Quirky/kooky: I’ll do really lovely makeup and clothes but then I might wear a very shapely or knotted band tee. Or a funky jacket or shoes.

I typically do a lot of vintage and ethnic inspired jewelry, which I love.

The drama shows up with my height, coloring, the makeup and wearing it all together: all the makeup, jewelry, clothes and shoes in one outfit. I don’t do well with a little lipgloss and out the door. I want it all. I’ve been told by a few friends that when they first met me they found me intimidating. I was utterly shocked tbh; but it makes sense too.

Yet. with all of that, I love working out and have a whole workout clothing capsule. That is my natural side coming out, I suppose.

I will be honest, after health issues, my confidence fluctuates a lot lately. Sometimes I feel okay dressing to be seen. Other times I carefully hide. So that affects things currently. Anyway.

1 month ago

Dee

Veteran

Carol and Ket, Thanks for sharing, always interesting to learn more about your how your personalities inform your fashion preferences.

1 month ago

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