How to find your style

Are you hitting 'buy now' on the latest trends but discovering that they don't always match your vibe? In this blogpost, I will introduce you to the main style categories of classic, alternative, casual, trendy, and ethereal. Within these main categories are several, alternative subcategories to explore so that we can find what your perfect style is!

CLASSIC

Classic fashion is characterized by its timeless elegance, often defined by a palette of neutral color schemes that exude sophistication and versatility. Shades of beige, white, gray, and black create a harmonious foundation, allowing the garments to speak for themselves without overwhelming the viewer. This understated approach is complemented by minimal accessories, which might include a simple pair of stud earrings or a sleek leather handbag, ensuring that the overall look remains polished yet effortless. The beauty of classic fashion lies in its ability to transcend trends, creating a style that feels both contemporary and enduring while celebrating the art of simplicity. Some alternative subcategories of the 'classic' style include dark academia, light academia, vintage, and retro.

Vintage and retro style is a lot harder to define since it spans across most decades from the 20th century (and even in to the 21st century with Y2K styles!) Primarily, it involves wearing styles that reflect trends from bygone eras whether that includes the fit and flare styles from the 1950's and early 1960's or the colorful and unique designs of the 1970's and 1980's. This style might be for you if you have always felt drawn to the clothing seen in old movies or tv shows.

Dressing in the academia style involves wearing cozy neutrals befitting a collegiate setting like sharp button-down shirts, comfy cardigans, and the iconic plaid fabric, especially for bottoms and blazers. This subcategory is the perfect style for the autumnal aficionado who wants to look like the coolest professor on campus. Academia might suit you if you favor dressing in layers, looking put together, and not having to think too hard on what accessories to wear.

ALTERNATIVE

Alternative fashion stands out as a vibrant expression of individuality, often characterized by a bold color palette dominated by black, which serves as a canvas for intricate details such as rivets, studs, and straps. This style category thrives on an eclectic mix of textures and materials, crafting a distinctive aesthetic that embraces edginess and non-conformity. Accessories play a crucial role in defining alternative fashion, with items like chunky belts, statement jewelry, and layered garments enhancing the overall look. Additionally, hair and makeup are integral to this style, often featuring unconventional colors, dramatic cuts, and striking designs, allowing individuals to further personalize their identity. The combination of all these elements creates an unmistakable visual narrative that celebrates self-expression and defiance against mainstream fashion norms. Try out this style category by adopting a signature black moto jacket or dive deeper into the subcategories like punk and goth.

The goth subculture is another style category tied to music and originated in the 1980s with the introduction of bands like The Cure and Siouxsie and the Banshees. This category is mostly defined by black clothes in a variety of silhouettes, dramatic makeup, and unique accessories like tall, detailed boots and macabre jewelry.

Goth style has spawned so many subcultures that it becomes harder to define. Use these queries to explore further subgenres of the goth scene: cybergoth, mall goth, romantic goth, nu goth, gothic lolita.

Punk style is all about wild expression and a dgaf attitude. This style has been around since the advent of punk music in the 1970's and not much has changed the iconic staples like vibrant plaids, metal details like rivets and studs, and the classic band tee. This style is for those who like a little DIY in their wardrobe and look forward to expressing themselves through patches, safety pins, and, of course, through their musical tastes.

CASUAL

Casual fashion has evolved into a dynamic and expressive form of self-presentation that encapsulates a variety of subcategories including tomboy, street style, urban fashion, sporty, and athletic. This eclectic mix reflects a culture increasingly influenced by ever-shifting trends, yet it remains anchored in some key elements that define its core, such as the ubiquitous use of denim and sneakers. Each subcategory brings its own flavor: tomboy fashion eschews traditional femininity for a more androgynous look, often featuring relaxed fits and layered styles, while street style embraces urban influences and a blend of high-fashion aesthetics with everyday wear. Urban fashion thrives in the melting pot of city life, drawing inspiration from diverse backgrounds and experiences, allowing for a more inclusive approach to casual attire. Sporty and athletic styles celebrate functionality and comfort, seamlessly integrating activewear into daily wardrobes. Despite these distinct influences and variations, the enduring staples of denim and sneakers act as the thread that ties these subcategories together, providing both versatility and timeless appeal in the realm of casual fashion.

Athletic style doesn't have to mean wearing coordinated sets of yoga clothes. Tap into this style category by wearing sports related styles like jerseys with standout standards like graphic hoodies.

Synonymous with the casual genre of fashion, street style showcases fashion staples like denim and sneakers while allowing for adoption of trends to freshen up your wardrobe. This style category is perfect for those that do not want to totally sacrifice comfort while still wanting to leave room for fashion exploration.

TRENDY

The trendy personal style category is a vibrant realm where boldness reigns supreme, inviting individuals to take fashion risks that can redefine their wardrobes and personal expression. This style is perfect for those who possess the confidence to embrace new fashions, whether it be through eclectic patterns, striking silhouettes, or unexpected color combinations. Trendsetters thrive in this environment, often experimenting with layered looks, statement accessories, and avant-garde designs that push the boundaries of conventional attire. Moreover, this category appeals to anyone looking to explore their style and refresh their closet by merging different influences and expressions into their everyday wear. Current trends in this style include oversized silhouettes that blend comfort with high-fashion flair, an array of vibrant colors that stand out in a crowd, and a revival of vintage aesthetics infused with modern twists. Ultimately, the trendy personal style category celebrates individuality, encouraging wearers to showcase their unique personality through fashion.

The trendy genre is the perfect place for the sexy and vivacious subcategory of 'bombshell.' Bombshell fashion means embracing your sexy side and showing off your natural assets. This subcategory is often represented through revealing or tight clothing often in trendy colors or prints.

In the trendy genre, the foremost subcategory is that of 'trendsetter.' Trendsetters are bold in their choices, embracing new fashion styles at their beginning or setting trends of their own with their 'think outside of the box' mentality.

ETHEREAL

The ethereal style genre, characterized by its dreamlike, airy quality, finds a captivating expression in the bohemian subcategory, which draws heavily from the rich tapestry of the hippie movement of the 1960s and 70s. This movement championed individuality and freedom, significantly influencing bohemian fashion with its vibrant colors, flowing fabrics, and eclectic layering that embraced a carefree spirit. Hippies sought to break away from societal norms, seeking instead to celebrate love, peace, and cultural diversity through their style, often incorporating elements from various cultures as a form of exotic fashion that aided in cultural representation. This fusion of influences not only enriched their aesthetic but also promoted a deeper understanding and appreciation of global heritage. Within the broader realm of romantic fashion, other subcategories such as vintage-inspired, whimsical, and ethereal chic also echo this longing for freedom, self-expression, and a connection to nature, further reinforcing the importance of varied inspirations in personal style choices. The bohemian subcategory stands out as a bastion of artistic expression, continuing to resonate with those who value individuality and cultural richness in their fashion narratives.

Romantic may as well be its own style category, with newly added subcategories all the time. These subcategories include cottagecore, prairie chic, princesscore, and more. The romantic style category pays homage to the airy silhouettes of the ethereal genre while also adding a touch of vintage flair. Some other staples of this category include square necklines that show off the décolletage and statement sleeves.

Bohemian or boho fashion pulls so much inspiration from the hippie movement with dramatic, light and flowy silhouettes and earthy or jewel tones. Boho fashion is especially well suited for those that value comfort while wanting to maintain an air of mystery or whimsy.

With the rise of social media and the impact of e-commerce, the landscape of fashion styles changes near daily. It is easier than ever to try new trends to find your own identity or dive even deeper into the familiar style categories that have become part of your authentic self. If you are struggling to discover your personal style, I encourage you to look through your closet and see if any of the genre staples are already present. Maybe you have a lot of neutral pieces and simple jewelry - then the classic style may be the right choice for you. Do you have an overflowing jeans drawer and more sneakers than days in the week? Then, I bet the casual genre is one to explore further. Wanting to add a little edge to your style? Try some of the trends found in the alternative genre.

Personally, I like to change my style depending on my mood. I alternate between the vintage, alternative, and bohemian styles with a specific focus on 1950s fashions, punk fashions, or witchy boho vibes. If this sounds like your brand of strawberry jam, stay tuned for more fashion updates!