Style is the unique way a person or piece of writing communicates its message to the reader. It is based on the writer’s beliefs, experiences, and background. Style includes tone, voice, and use of literary devices. It can also refer to the type of text, such as fiction or nonfiction. It can also include the narrator of the narrative, including first person, third person, or omniscient narrator. Style can also refer to the use of punctuation to convey meaning.
Figuring out your own personal style is challenging. It’s easy to get tangled in the many styles that are out there, from bohemian to preppy to sporty and business professional. To find your own personal style, we recommend choosing three words that describe the way you want to be seen. These will become your style descriptors and serve as a yardstick against which you can measure your own image.
Whether you’re a fashion blogger or a job seeker, understanding your own style is a key to defining your brand and making an impactful impression on others. It’s a holistic process — mind, body, spirit and closet — that requires some self-reflection to understand what truly speaks to you. It’s important to remember that the goal of personal style is not to be a chameleon, but to stand out in a way that makes you memorable.
If you are looking for a new job, determining your style will help you craft your resume and cover letter. This is an opportunity to paint a picture with your words of how you would fit into the company culture, so hiring managers can envision you working with them. Rather than just listing your job duties and responsibilities, explain how you’ve used your unique leadership skills in those roles to help grow the team.
A strong sense of style is also important when deciding what kind of clothes you’ll wear on a daily basis. While some people might not have a style that’s instantly recognizable, anyone who knows themselves well will be able to identify the styles they gravitate toward and what kinds of outfits they tend to put together.
For example, you may be someone who likes to dress in feminine styles with lace, frills and bows. You might also have a penchant for neutral colors and feminine footwear, such as ballet flats or strappy sandals. You might also prefer to wear dresses that are fitted or loose depending on the occasion. For example, you might be a casual dresser when hanging out with friends but prefer to wear something a bit more formal when meeting clients or colleagues for work-related purposes. If you are unsure what your personal style is, consider taking a style quiz to find out more about the ways your personality shapes your style. It could be a fun and insightful way to get an idea of what you might like to add to your wardrobe!