Fashion curation for Style

If you have uncertainty about what your style is, I offer my perspective on how to understand and develop style. To avoid confusion, I will be addressing fashion and style, relative to the body zone – this is the top of your head to the soles of your shoes.

'Style' and 'fashion' are frequently used on fashion forums and by style bloggers, including on this very site, and they are terms that have become one and the same. Often used interchangeably when referring to the curation or selection of your wardrobe, hairdo, footwear and way of life. However their fundamental meaning has been lost or overlooked in the messaging.

Like me, you will have read many articles about fashion and style, and this piece is intended to explore the distinction of those terms and demonstrate how despite the two being different, they are intrinsically linked.

Let's first address and define fashion. Fashion is an ever changing idea usually influenced or driven in popularity by a person or group. It stimulates and excites your senses, but only for a certain amount of time, until it is surpassed by something different or new which reinvigorates those senses. An obvious example to explain this idea is the fashion industry and the designers who are committed to revealing a new collection for the season. The collection designed for the runway can inspire a celebrity, to seek out that designer to be outfitted for a red carpet event. If worn and fitted well, the wearer is dubbed a trendsetter.

Trendsetters are hailed as brave or pioneers with their choices, generating attention, commentary and excitement. The buzz fuelled by the outfit can increase visibility of outfit, pushing it into the mainstream conversation and affecting demand. Fans and fashionistas buy that outfit (or a close version) hoping to emulate and duplicate the look themselves. With enough people, the look becomes popular, and thus we have a fashion trend.

We know fashion trends come and go, but it evolves whilst still maintaining elements of the original concept. An example of this, would be the flat top haircut – very popular and practical cut the in 1950s. The flat top had a revival in the late 80s, with men and women sporting high-top and curled versions, shaved patterns into the sides, and arguably evolved into the mullet. Nearly 30 years later, it has returned to barbershops with the fade cut. Through each iteration of this fashion, there are resonating elements, and new influences of the era which distinguishes the trend. That influence can be borne from practical reasons, or a motivation to be unique or stand out.

Not all fashionable looks we try will be a success. We have suffered fashion faux pas over the years, and perhaps spent more money than we care to remember on a trendy outfit for an occasion or event. We learned some lessons, good and bad, and reflect that we were fashionable, but perhaps not yet mature in style.

So, what is style? Like a method, style is a particular manner in which something is done. Style and fashion are intrinsically linked - style is slower, but not unaffected by fashion. Fashion is the palette from which you make selections to create the portrait of yourself. I consider style to be your personal curation of fashionable items which reflect your uniqueness. It conveys your personality, evolving with you and ultimately underpins and defines your method, thus being your style.

Navigating your style journey takes time and I believe that you have to grow into your style. There are a few wrong turns along the way, and the need for patience when taking direction from stylish mentors or peers until you are on the right path. Once you have your bearings, trust your judgement and have confidence in your vision and self, you are where you need to be.

You may be asking if it is possible to be stylish without being fashionable – yes you can. Whatever is in trend may not appeal to you, or suit your personality, which is perfectly fine. If the latest trends or fashions don't inspire you, you can comfortably ignore it. Your decision to do so emphasises other elements of style, which is attitude and confidence. This attitude is especially evident if you do not care about critique or commentary on your selection, because the only person who should care, is you.

Be bold, be brave and be confident - it's your attitude which ultimately motivates your style curation. It is how the item is worn, how the wearer moves in the outfit.

Steve McQueen embodied this concept– his casual and formal fashions are memorable due to the composition of classic cuts, bold choices without compromising comfort or personality, but worn with absolute confidence. I believe it's these elements that makes his style so timeless. And I believe, you can’t establish a timeless style without fashion.

Nearly every outfit worn by Steve McQueen from 1960 onward can be worn at any decade until today, and still be considered stylish, because it withstands the trends over time, it is truly timeless.

In conclusion, fashion is the vehicle to help you navigate your style. Style is your unique method reflective of you.

I wish you only the very best on your style journey, and look forward to hearing from you about what lessons or influences brought you to your current style destination. The journey goes on and we are happy to see and hear your stories.