In writing, style refers to the way an author communicates their ideas through words. It includes their word choice, sentence structure, use of literary devices and more. The overall style of an author is what makes them unique and recognizable to readers. It is the gestalt of all their choices, both conscious and unconscious, that determines how they will connect with their audience.
Figuring out your personal style can be tricky. It involves determining who you are, what your preferences are and how those things shape your personality. This is why it’s important to take some time for yourself and reflect on your values and goals. You may find that the more you understand your values and interests, the easier it will be to define your personal style.
There are a number of different ways to figure out your style, but it’s best to start by assessing your influences. You can do this through online platforms such as Pinterest or a digital scrapbook, or you can get creative and make your own style book. For example, if you have a love of flowers and feminine details then this will likely influence your clothing choices. You may also favour flowing silhouettes, feminine colours and decorative details such as bows, ruffles and pleats.
You can also think about the people you admire and look up to, such as celebrities and icons. It can be useful to create a collection of style icons, so you can see which ones repeat and identify what it is about them that you admire. For example, if you’re drawn to the natural, simple beauty of Selena Gomez combined with the confident poise of Bella Hadid and the strong eyebrow game of Cara Delvigne, then that’s likely your style personality.
Your management style can also influence your personal style, as it may dictate the type of person you are at work and how you interact with other people. This is particularly important if you’re in a leadership role, as it can have a direct impact on the performance of your team and company as a whole.
A personal style quiz is another great tool to help you figure out your style personality, as it allows you to answer questions about what makes you tick and how your characteristics influence the way you behave. It is worth remembering, however, that when answering these quizzes, be sure to only answer truthfully. You don’t want to misrepresent yourself or give the hiring manager a false picture of who you really are!
Once you’ve determined your style personality, you can then take steps to embody it. This can be as simple as adopting a signature beauty look or hairstyle like Alexa Chung’s tousled locks or Cara Delevigne’s bang fringe. It could also be a more subtle approach, such as choosing the colour palettes or shapes that speak to you the most and incorporating them into your wardrobe. You can even create a Quick Style to instantly apply your preferred formatting to any text.