Growing up, I always wanted to be known for something….specifically in appearance.  I was well aware of the people who were known for a particular type of perfume, or a certain hairstyle, or a certain type of clothing.  It wasn’t that they repeated themselves, it was that they had a specific style and look and were able to achieve that look everyday.  And that’s what I wanted.

Like every other teenager in the world, growing up was difficult.  It was tough to fit in, tough to be yourself, and tough to get noticed…without getting noticed too much.  It might sound complicated, but I bet you all know what I mean! 🙂  I spent most evenings in junior high and high school practicing beauty techniques (and being a child of the 90’s, lets just say there was  a LOT of glitter involved), hairstyles, and attempting to turn my meager wardrobe into something special and unique.  You see, I was under the impression that signature looks were like nicknames.  They came to you in some way and you hoped that you liked what people choose.  And having had one pretty embarrassing nickname throughout high school, I was very concerned about the appearance aspect.

But as I have reach adulthood and entered into my thirties, I have discovered a few things.  A few   rules about life and fashion.

1. Never “save” and outfit for another day.  If it’s cute and you like it, wear it!
2. Highlight your best features.  We all have them.  Don’t believe that you are the one creature on the planet that doesn’t….you do!  Show it off! 🙂
3. Decide how you want to be noticed, and stick with it.

It’s the last one that I want to talk about today.

Decide how you want to be noticed…and stick with it.

Signature looks are not, I repeat, are not like nicknames.  They just don’t happen upon you.  They are carefully cultivated and nurtured out of a one’s likes and dislikes.  To show you want I mean, I will use myself as an example:

It isn’t a surprise that I like vintage fashion, but in my everyday life I also like modern fashion.  So I blend the two.

 How?

By choosing fabrics that are reminiscent of the more feminine fashion of the past, but with the more structure fabrics of today.  I, like most women, am self conscious of my body and therefore will adjust and tweak to feel more comfortable.  Loose, flowy blouses in soft patterns, colors, and textures paired with stiff leggings or structured trousers are my signature look.  Meaning, I feel great in them, I feel confident in them, and I have a variety that are reminiscent of each other, but unique enough that each outfit feels special.  And how do I know this is my look?  Because I choose it.  And I like it.  And I feel put together and confident in it.

Are you ready to create your own signature look?  Here a few ideas to get you started!

Light and Airy Fabrics

If you like the way fabrics wafts and floats around, then let that guide your wardrobe decisions.

This adorable polka dot dress from Dainty Jewels is a perfect choice!

Or this stunning green pleated skirt from Neesees Dresses...

Textured Fabric

If structure is your thing, why not try any of these stunning options!

Dita Von Teese, as featured in the blog Second Hand Challenge, is a wonderful fashion icon for the textured look.

Miss Victory Violet featured a stunning example of texture and structure in the skirt by Emmy Designs.

Accessories

If details make you giddy, then let the accessories become your signature look.

These adorable shoes from Ruche are stunning!  Perfect for a tweed skirt or long jeans!

Jewelry is also a wonderful way to make a statement.  Whether gold, silver, rose, or beaded, choose whatever compliments your skin tone and your fashion sense!

Gold earcuffs from Lanie Lynn Jewelry

And the same thing works with makeup!

I like my eyes, and therefore will focus the attention on them the majority of the time.  But I feel that my eyes are a wee bit small, so a light coat of jet black eye liner slightly winged at the tip does the trick!  While there are always exceptions to the rule, try to pick one main feature of your face and show it off in all it’s glory!

Eyes

Lips

Nails

To see some examples of modern, vintage-inspired makeup , check out THIS POST

So take control, discover your look and find whatever makes you feel beautiful!

Remember, happiness is the best “signature look” of all!

~Aimee

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”

– Coco Chanel