No two people have the same personal style, even though there might be similarities. In your quest to develop an authentic personal style, it would be best to consider certain factors. For example, the cost and sustainability of your preferences will determine if your personal style is worth sticking to. Statistics indicate that the average person owns 115 clothing items bought for different reasons, each communicating their personal style. Discussed below are more factors that influence your unique style.
1. Curiosity and experimentation
For some people, their personal style is whatever is in vogue at the moment. Their curiosity and desire to try new things will determine what they wear. Some people usually do this hoping to find something that appeals to their sense of style. However, the downside of experimenting with trends is their short-term nature. Like the name sounds, style experimentation is spontaneous and done simply out of curiosity. When the interest dies down, that style may stick with you, evolve or disappear altogether. For example, in the 80s, neon-colored clothing was the order of the day. It caught on with the younger generation at the time. Fast forward to the 90s, and baggy clothing took over. Then in the early 2000s, people experimented with bright colours, restyled bell bottoms, and so on.
In recent times, clothing style has become more eclectic and almost gender-fluid. In the hair department, there have been several style experiments. Through the years, people moved from big hairdos to curls, and now there is so much craze about bone-straight hair. What hasn’t changed, though, is hair dyeing, highlighting, and hair bleaching. Bleaching, in particular, resurfaced and has become so popular among different age groups. However, for safety purposes, bleach washing your hair is better left to a pro in a hair salon. This will prevent mishaps that could lead to hair loss or a damaged scalp.
2. Comfort
This seems to be the most popular factor that influences personal style. Most of the time, everyone wants to feel comfortable in what they wear. Whether it is tight or loose clothing, comfort is non-negotiable. It helps boost confidence and enhances relaxation. However, note that what feels comfortable for you might not be the same for another person.
The truth is that whatever you opt for regarding personal style, comfort plays an influential role. It impacts your mood and helps you build a positive self-image. Whenever people fix their hair, get a haircut, or dress up, their subconscious mind benefits from an instant boost. When the brain registers this, there is that natural urge to recreate that comfort feeling over and over again. Any clothing choice, footwear, jewellery, or hairstyle that helps to generate the same feeling contributes to establishing a personal style.
3. Functionality and versatility
Experts say this is usually the best choice for people living on a strict budget. Functionality becomes a personal style choice because you want whatever you buy to serve its purpose and even more. For example, when you buy a pair of good-conditioned flat shoes, you may want them for both work and casual occasions. This may be due to your budget, and buying extra pairs for casual outings can be financially constraining.
This principle can be applied to different things regarding your personal style choices. The more you use this approach, it gradually becomes an everyday habit and eventually becomes a part of your lifestyle. Indeed, many people do this without even realising that functionality and versatility are factors that influence their style. You would have to reassess the reasons behind your daily style choices to notice you may be prioritizing functionality and versatility.
4. Climate, seasons, and the weather
What is the first thing you consider before choosing your clothing for the day? For many people, it is the weather. What time of the year is it? Summer, winter, autumn, and fall influence your daily style. From your hair to clothing and footwear, there is no denying how the weather influences choices regarding your ensemble. Undoubtedly, there is an underlying health and safety reason. For example, your winter outfits are meant to maintain body heat. Failure to do this could expose you to cold-related health conditions like hypothermia and frostbite.
Sometimes, you may be compelled to wear long-sleeved, light, breathable fabric in summer. You will think that because of the heat, you may not need to cover up as much. However, you would also have to consider protection from the sun’s UV rays. Indeed, people identify with this reason, explaining their personal style choices and preferences, especially in the different seasons.
5. Cost
Thankfully, the fashion and style worlds are versatile, producing pieces that cut across different budgets. Therefore, you can have access to the high-end, moderate, and inexpensive brands. Cost is a major influencing factor when creating an authentic personal style. If you can afford expensive style brands, sticking with that may not be a problem. On the other hand, when your focus is to avoid going beyond the set budget, you will have to be pickier during the purchasing process.
For instance, a pair of Ferragamo shoes can buy three or more generic footwear brands. The same applies to known clothing brands and style accessories. Apart from the tangible style items, the cost is also an influencing factor when it comes to grooming services. For instance, for obvious reasons, a high-end hair salon will not be your go-to if there is a more affordable place in your neighbourhood. In effect, your finances play a leading role in the things that make up your personal style.
Style forms a part of many people’s identities and personalities and, sometimes, is the basis on which others create an impression of you. And as the saying goes, dress how you want to be addressed. Therefore, it is not a bad idea to put in an effort to find what works for you. Hopefully, the points discussed here drew your attention to factors you may not have given much thought to.
