How To Cement Your Personal Style, Lesson 1: Examine Style Archetypes

Personal Style, Defined

Personal style is a nebulous concept.  One thing is certain - you know great style when you see it. This is because style transcends clothing – it’s a vibe. Style is the energy of multiple subtle elements that add up to a personal look with feeling.

It takes time, energy and self-realization to cultivate a wardrobe that feels 100% you. But here’s the good news! Without realizing it you’ve already spent years experimenting with trends, admiring stylish people and collecting inspiration. 

The goal of this series is to help you process all that info so you can get down to business and start cultivating your unique look.

LESSON 1: Examine Archetypes

Boho, classic, vintage, preppy, edgy, downtown, romantic, glam, conservative, minimalist, trendy, beach, street, urban, athletic -- the adjectives to describe style are infinite.  Plus, it’s tricky to categorize a your personal style with just one word. A range of styles likely influences your ideal look.

ACTIVITY: Pinspiration

Step 1: Create a STYLE ARCHETYPES board in your Pinterest account (and follow MappCraft on Pinterest while you're at it!)

Step 2: Consider the 8 Style Archetypes Pinterest boards below and think about how each look makes you feel. Does the energy resonate or fall flat? Are there elements you love and others that don’t vibe? 

Step 3: Pin whatever images resonate, don't think too hard about your identity vs. the Archetype or how skinny the model is compared to your body type (DISCLAIMER! Most are impossibly skinny. I tried.), we are reacting to energy, mood, feeling. 

Step 4: Review your Style Archetype board. It is 100% likely you'll pick several looks from several boards, even if the Archetypes seem to conflict. Personal style is a melding of influences. 

1.    EDGY: 

Edgy Essentials 

2.     AMERICANA

Americana Essentials

3.     EDITORIAL ECLECTIC

Editorial Eclectic Essentials

4.     CLASSICALLY CHIC

Classically Chic Essentials

5.     FULL ON GLAM

Full On Glam Essentials

6.     ATHLEISURE

Athleisure Essentials

7.     MINIMALIST

Minimalist Essentials

8.     FREE SPIRIT

Free Spirit Essentials

Now that you have a better idea of which Style Archetypes you are attracted to you, identify the particular elements that made you pin the look. Americana stripes? Edgy ripped jeans? Athleisure sneakers? Classically Chic pearls? Editorial Eclectic pops of color? Sculptural Minimalist jewelry? Full On Glam body con skirts? Free Spirt embroidery details? 

Jot them down. Take mental notes. You will need this information for How to Cement Your Personal Style, Lesson 2: Evaluating Accessories.

xoxo Jenn

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