As I've gotten older (almost 29 over here!), my sense of style has changed a lot. In my late twenties, I'm leaning much more into what works for me, investing in pieces that will last, and discovering my own personal style. I also recently discovered social media's favorite stylist, Allison Bornstein, who introduced me to the 'Three Word Method.'
Essentially, using three words to describe your personal style can help you better understand your taste, and help you in curating a closet that's reflective of who you are. I was thinking about what my three words would be and I came up with timeless, feminine, and sexy. The pieces I grab for the most are typically very minimal, but styling them is where I get my personal edge.
In thinking about who I really look to for inspiration (in terms of fashion), I notice all these women bear some similarities of style. In aiming for my own unique look, I take influence from Jane Birkin, Carolyn Kennedy Bessette, Sharon Tate, and Mary-Kate & Ashley. MK&A have been influencing my style since I was a little girl (I wanted a leopard midi skirt and silver nail polish so badly!) and I love seeing how their styles have evolved over the years.
I 'm drawn to the mixture of refined and undone in their styles and I find I love having a bit of both in my wardrobe as well. Having less-than-perfect hair while sporting an elegant ensemble is such a fun flair. Wearing big sunglasses or an oversized sweater/coat and heels or flats is also a way to get the best of both worlds.
For my everyday look, I tend to lean more towards the classic feminine approach. Women like Carolyn Bessette really capture my love of the classics. The elegance with which she carried herself drives home that good taste isn't only about clothes. She did refined in an un-fussy way and I absolutely love it.
Sleek and effortless, CBK let her natural beauty shine ahead of her clothes which I find so admirable. I love seeing women dress themselves in such a way that allows the onlooker to see the woman, not just the outfit. I always take note of the shoes Carolyn wore as well - always with the simple, strappy heel! Lately I've been leaning more into heels and am seeking out the perfect pair to add to my closet.
Next up: Sharon Tate's style makes me think spunky, playful, and sexy. The style of the 60s is an obvious turn from the 90s and 00s, but I'm so into it. I think I'm most inspired by *how* Sharon Tate wore her clothes and carried herself. The confidence!
I'm most drawn to Sharon's more simple outfits and the way she wears her hair. I've noticed she typically carried a simple bag with her as her key accessory. The simple button down and sleek dresses are effortless, but put-together - she embodied the effortlessly sexy look. My favorite thing about the photos specifically I chose here is that, for the most part, the time-period would be difficult to place with certainty. Absolutely timeless looks!
At last, my favorite of them all! Besides MK&A, Jane Birkin has to be my biggest style icon. She has a way of styling simple pieces and turning them sexy and elegant. Again, a woman who knows balance - in the way she wears her hair, the bags she carries, and the shoes she walks in - Jane nails easygoing femininity in her wardrobe.
The way she pairs soft and delicate with denim is one of my key outfit formulas. I love putting a feminine blouse with a pair of jeans or wearing simple sneakers with a dress. She also does 'sexy' in a more toned-down, less obvious way. The necklines of her tees, the rolled up sleeves, the undone buttons, the fitted jeans, etc. I find that these are such easy ways to incorporate a modestly flirtatious look to any outfit and I typically gravitate towards these things in my own dressing.
Style is such a personal thing - a way for us to be creative and expressive each day. I love having these timeless style icons in my mental arsenal. Drawing inspiration from women who always exhibit grace and beauty through clothing helps me when I feel in a style-rut. Also, when putting together an outfit / shopping, asking myself, "would Jane wear this?" is a good way to execute a system of checks and balances for myself. Ultimately, I want my style to be reflective of who I am, which is why I love Allison Bornstein's Three Word Method so much. Putting my own special spin on a piece makes dressing fun!
Who are your style icons?
A few wardrobe staples inspired by my icons:
xx,
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