Style vs fashion

Have you ever noticed how some people just seem to have an innate sense of style when it comes to the way they dress? I have a friend who always looks amazing no matter what she is wearing. She often wears only black or white clothing - classic shirts, tailored trousers, and super cool shoes. She doesn’t follow trends. She doesn’t wear what is necessarily “in season” but she is always the best-dressed person in the room. Her style is her own.

 Where does this sense of style come from? It comes from an inner confidence and reflects being comfortable with oneself and the world around. People who follow their own sense of style are not only showing the world who they are, but who they want to be, and how they want to be perceived.

 Creating your own personal style story is about something much deeper than what is on the outside. It is a reflection of your inner state of being. The more you get to know your inner self and accept and love who you are, the more you will develop your own sense of style. It has been said that fashion is your relationship to the external, while style is your relationship to the internal.

 So, how do you find your own personal style amidst the madness of fashion trends?

 First of all, you need to see yourself as a perfect canvas. You need to know deep down that you are already perfect and that the clothes you wear are merely accessories to highlight your beauty. Next, you need to step out of your comfort zone. Wear a dress you would normally not dare to wear. Wear a colour you think is too bright for you. Feel confident with whatever you are wearing. That is the key.

 This summer I got invited to a wine tasting on a beautiful island. I wore an oversized white blouse, denim shorts and my flip-flops. When I arrived to meet my friends they were all wearing black cocktail dresses and heels. Obviously I didn’t get the fashion memo. At first, I felt totally under-dressed and out of place. But then I made a decision. I thought to myself, I don’t need to impress anyone and I feel super comfortable with what I’m wearing so I’m going to own this look. All day people told me how good I looked. A group of Japanese girls even told me I looked “おしゃれ” (oshareh) which means fashionable.

 When you start to dress with more confidence and a sense of your own style, people will notice. People will tell you that you look good, because you feel good, and this is shining through on to the outside. While it doesn’t really matter what other people think, it is still nice to be told we look good, because this also reinforces how we feel.

 At Karishma Design we encourage you to create your own personal style story. It is about knowing yourself, loving yourself and being happier with yourself. In this way, your own unique personality can shine through in your clothes and your look.