When we think of style, we often immediately think of fashion and how it is portrayed by our favourite celebrities. The thing is, the way you look is only one aspect of your style. The little things about your personality, such as your approach to work, love of DIY projects or passion for plants can also contribute to your unique style.
When it comes to identifying your style, finding the right balance between your wardrobe and your personality can be a challenge. That’s where knowing what your style is can be a really helpful tool. There’s a lot of quizzes out there that promise to tell you in 5 seconds whether you are a boho babe or more of a minimalist, but the truth is that your style is a holistic journey of mind, body and closet and it takes time to figure out how to combine all these elements.
In literature, style is an essential element that allows authors to differentiate their work from others. It’s the way the writer structures sentences, utilises figurative language and word choice to evoke an emotion in their readers and create a specific tone in their writing. For example, two writers could be writing on the same topic but if they use different phrasing in their sentences and employ a more dramatic or humourous tone then it will affect how the reader interprets the meaning of the words.
Descriptive style is a literary technique where the author focuses on describing the subject in detail, using sensory words to paint a vivid picture for the reader. It’s often used in poetry and novels to evoke a feeling or emotion. Narrative writing, on the other hand, uses a full story to convey a message.
For example, if you read the novel Romeo and Juliet by E. Lockhart, you will experience a very different version of the story than if you read it by Ernest Hemingway. The difference in the style of writing between these two authors is what makes their writing so distinctive and enticing for their readers.
To identify your own unique style, start by thinking about the clothes you always wear that make you feel confident and comfortable. Consider the colour, silhouette or neckline that you are drawn to and what words come to mind when you think of them. You can then find similar garments that evoke the same feeling to build up your wardrobe and gradually form your personal style. To help you get started, Karla Welch, a stylist who has helped many celebrity clients such as Sarah Paulson and Danai Gurira define their style, recommends starting with your most comfortable clothing pieces and working outwards from there. Taking inspiration from other people’s styles is also an effective way to develop your own look, but be sure not to copy someone else’s whole look. Creating your own style will take time and dedication but is well worth it in the end.