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What are your style signatures?
It’s interesting to think about what you wear consistently and why. Is there something about the way that it makes you feel? And what does that say about you?
Sometimes these patterns in the way we dress are called signatures. I think that, in some ways, they’re the truest expression of how we like to feel about ourselves. They’re the things we turn to again and again.
One of my signatures is definitely the silk scarf. I have a big collection and, weather permitting, I wear them instead of jewelry most of the time. I like that they’re a classic item that not many younger women wear. I like that they’re colorful and have some amazing prints, so they’re easy to mix into a simple outfit. And I like that they draw attention to the face.
But most of all, I like that they make me feel classic.
If you’ve never thought about it, take some time to notice how you dress for the next week or so. What do you gravitate towards most often? What things do you like to wear? Do you do a little something that makes you feel unique?
Let’s hear from Caitlin:
“One of my style signatures is my hair. I am a hair chameleon! I love to have different hair styles and mix it up often. My hair grows quickly, so I can cut it without waiting a long time for it to grow out. Because of this, I feel like I can make crazy choices and know it won’t last forever. I’m drawn to this idea of hair as an accessory, just like you might be drawn to wearing vintage brooches.
Of course, I feel like I have other style signatures such as my love for stripes. I have to hold myself back from making impulse purchases just because stripes are involved.”
(This picture is from our Quilt Market set up, when Caitlin was sticking random things on her head. She doesn’t usually have random veils on her head.)
Comments
Rachel
January 26, 2012 #
Im a Scarf addict too.. I love the layered look..
didyoumakethat
January 26, 2012 #
I’d love a blog post on how you knot/arrange your scarves. I love scarves, too, but can never seem to get them to sit right.
Suzie
January 26, 2012 #
I agree with Karen, I would love a blog post on that as well!
Sarai
January 26, 2012 #
We have lots of votes for that here, it seems! It sounds like a good idea for a video, actually.
Vicki
January 30, 2012 #
I love this scarf-tying tutorial! It’ll give you some great ideas… I love the braid and wear that almost every day with my lightweight winter scarves.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LYAEz777AU
Vicki
January 30, 2012 #
granted, the tutorial focuses more on long, winter, outdoor scarves, but all the ideas could be adapted for lighter weight silks. Plus it’s fun to watch.
melissa
January 26, 2012 #
I like to keep my clothes classic and mostly in muted solid colours, but I have a total weakness for wild shoes and boots! I think it’s because I hardly ever buy clothes anymore, so shoes are my only retail thrill!
A Sewn Wardrobe
January 26, 2012 #
My signature pieces are pointy-toe flats (Sam Edelman makes great ones!), wide-leg pants, and a jacket. I have a few pair of skinny pants, but I always gravitate back to wide-legs, for work or casual wear.
Popbabe7
January 26, 2012 #
Jewels and a mix of no more than 3 colours in my clothes. I also do like patterned tights!
Kerry
January 26, 2012 #
I’d also love a post about how you wear scarves. I’ve looked online for some inspiration before but not found just the right thing yet!
I love brooches and always look out for them at vintage and charity shops. I don’t have a huge collection, but I’m quite particular about what I like.
Andrea
January 26, 2012 #
Animal prints are my signature. I’ve worn them since I was a child. It must be my inner drag queen. :)
Sarai
January 26, 2012 #
When we were little, my sister had drawers and drawers of animal print… one for leopard, one for zebra, etc, and she would wear them all together. Nowadays, I’m much more likely to wear a bit of leopard print though. :)
charlottepb
January 26, 2012 #
I’ m a scarf lover too but the big wrap them round kind, pashmina? but with colours and patterns.
To feel totally comfortable though I like to layer, dresses over trousers, longsleeves under shortsleeves. I’m a bit of a hippy at heart.
I then totally swing the other way for 60s smartness when I have time away from the kids . I think I have a personality disorder afer reading that back to myself!!
Danielle
January 26, 2012 #
Cardigans are part of my signature look, but mostly because I’m always cold.
I would also love to see a post about scarves. I have a drawer full of vintage scarves but I hardly wear them because I’m not really sure how.
Alessa
January 26, 2012 #
Apart from the fact that I’m a dress or skirt wearing girl in a city where 99% of the people wear jeans, I think my signature look could be that I like color coordination. I love accesorizing my clothes with similar (or contrast colour) toned jewellery, shoes or barettes. I also have a love for pashmina scarves, I only own three or four, but they are great as a scarf in winter and as a wrap (or an occasional blanket in the park) in summer.
Alessa
January 26, 2012 #
Oh, and I shouldn’t forget my weakness for polka-dots…
LEE LEE
January 26, 2012 #
I would love a post on how to wear scarves, and maybe on how to make them!! My signature look is jeans,which I am tired of-so I am sewing up a new spring wardrobe with the help of your new book!
Sarai
January 26, 2012 #
Check out this older post on how to do a hand rolled hem! All you need is a piece of silk. :)
Lauren
January 26, 2012 #
I love Caitlin’s hair and I’ve been jealous of since the first time I saw a picture. Such pretty curls & color! Ughhhh why doesn’t my hair do that lol.
I think my main signature look is my actual body. I dress in very form-fitting clothes – I don’t like hiding behind a bunch of fabric! Even stuff like bulky sweaters are too much for me. I think that’s one part of my style that’s been consistent for as long as I can remember. I also like big statement jewelry – like big necklaces, sparkly brooches, and long earrings.
Miranda
January 26, 2012 #
My “uniform” of sorts is an a-line dress, cardigan, tights and flats. I’ve been collecting more and more cardigans lately; my sweater drawer is stuffed! But they’re so great for covering my shoulders and underarms when I’m in sleeveless tops and dresses, and they can add a lot of color.
Emily
January 26, 2012 #
The solid-colored, classic-shaped dress. (I have several!) Below the knees when I’m wearing my teacher hat, thigh-high when I’m wearing my vixen hat. It’s so simple and always makes me feel lovely, and appropriate. I like to feel appropriate, I guess! I gravitate toward knits and jersey materials because I like to be comfortable… it’s my little secret that dresses are actually more comfortable than jeans. No hip-hugging nonsense here!
Jessica
January 26, 2012 #
My biggest signature is the cardigan… I can’t seem to put together an outfit without one, but I also wear a lot of scarves as well. The scarves started off for function reasons (it was really cold at work) but now I am using them more and more to spice up and outfit.
knitmo
January 26, 2012 #
It’s taken me a while to develop my signature. Folks now recognize me for my close fitting, neutral colored outfits with bright shawls and scarves (usually hand knit).
Sunni
January 26, 2012 #
I too am one who revels in scarf wearing. I own several in several different fabrics weights and types and love them. Wearing a polka dot one right now.
I think overall, this year I’m going to try and define my signature style. Especially as I transition from working exclusively in an office type environment to working at home. I need comfort + luxury to work productively.
Sarai
January 26, 2012 #
I find that dressing up a bit helps my productivity too. I think its partly just about the routine of getting dressed in the morning.
Juli
January 26, 2012 #
My signature piece has to be my socks–the wilder the better. Now I have learned how to knit my own, I’m getting a collection of sock yarns. I like to pair my socks with comfortable slacks and skirts. I love to wear mix and match separates.
Sarah
January 26, 2012 #
I would love to see a scarf post, too! My signatures are crazy patterned tights, polka dot dresses and blouses, and my purple hair.
Leah
January 26, 2012 #
I wear earrings every day, I feel naked without them. My favorite kinds are ones that look like they’ve been stolen from an Egyptian Tomb or an Etruscan Burial mound, I really like the reproductions the Met and the British Museum sell. I wear skirts almost every day with black tights in the winter and nothing in the summer. Oh, and I usually put my hair half up half down, that’s my class thing. I adore scarves of all varieties, but I wish I knew more ways in which to wear them! And I wish I put lipstick on daily, but I never remember. Must remember lipstick, must remember lipstick…
Seraphinalina
January 26, 2012 #
Good question.
Already Pretty posted about stepping out of your comfort zone and I know when I’m doing that. I am trying to play with scarves, they still don’t feel like… me.
But what is my style signature? I’d say dresses have to be part of it. Yes, I wear pants, but more often than not, casual or work, I’ll choose dresses/skirts. I don’t wear a lot of jewellry but what I wear generally has significance to me. Purple is a colour that makes me happy so I wear it often, but more broadly it’s the avoidance of warm colours like green and orange in favour of purple, blue-reds, and blue.
It’s hard to see the patterns in yourself. I wonder what others would see as my signature style.
Amanda
January 26, 2012 #
Its so funny, I really had no idea what my signature style was until I started sewing. I always thought I was style savvy, and used to really be into trends. But it wasnt until I learned about the construction of a garment that I realized I’m really into classic and clean silhouettes. I love slim pants, anything that highlights my waist, and high necks or boat necks to reveal my collar bone. I love the 60s style, only because its somewhat trendy (Peter pan collars and tie front blouses) without feeling ridiculous. I love lots of jewels, probably to off set the simple lines in my clothing. ;)
KC
January 26, 2012 #
This has been a quest of mine recently, to find out what my signatures are! I’m too old to try every new thing and so tired of not knowing what looks good. I admire those of you who learned early on what worked & stuck with it. I too love scarves and red lipstick; I think it even helps out a sweatshirt & jeans kind of day!
Janice
January 26, 2012 #
I love lucite bracelets and brooches, another accessory very few younger women I know of wear. I’d also love a post about scarves and how to tie them!
Sarai
January 26, 2012 #
Oh, me too! Pretty vintage bakelite also.
Katya
January 26, 2012 #
I have a bit of a blazer problem (my mom teases me over how many I own) and I have a growing love for hats, particularly cloches and fedoras.
Alicia C.
January 26, 2012 #
Black Converse (usually All-Stars), cardigans and earrings (for the past year mainly pearls and giant fake diamond studs). I have been trying to find a suitable replacement for the Converse as they look quite juvenile with most vintage outfits (which I’m trying to wear more frequently), but I walk distances often and quickly and no ballet flat or moc has stood the comfort and wear test yet.
Jenn
January 26, 2012 #
Try some flats from Lands End– they male some of the most comfortable and serviceable shoes I have worn, and are inexpensive. Look nicer than sneaks but are still sporty.
Sarai
January 26, 2012 #
It’s reeeally hard for me to find comfy flats. I walk a lot too, and I find boots work great, at least when it’s cold. It’s easier to find comfy ones, and sometimes I add the nice squishy insoles.
Roisin
January 28, 2012 #
I find the same thing with flats – I find it hard to find ones that support my feet. But recently I bought a few pairs of the Vivienne Westwood/Melissa collboration flat shoes (the style is called Ultragirl) and they’re really comfortable, and because they’re made of plastic they’re waterproof as well!
Brenda Marks
January 29, 2012 #
Cole Haan teamed up with Nike to make ballet flats that have uber technology in the soles. Supposedly they are wonderful.
Kristina
January 27, 2012 #
I would recommend Borns, or their slightly less expensive/more stylish line, B. O. C. I pretty much lived in those in grad school (lots of hiking across campus, over hill and dale)
Jen
January 30, 2012 #
If you want something retro and dressy, look at Naya shoes – I have the Jada pump, which ties w/ribbons and the heels are wooden and chunky. I’ve had foot surgery and worn these for long periods of time without my feet hurting, even after being on my feet the entire day. Plus they come in wide narrow, medium and wide widths. Or I would recommend Clark’s or their sister brand Indigo by Clark’s for cute flats that that funky.
Jen
January 30, 2012 #
I forgot to mention Irregular Choice and Poetic License shoes. They make cute flats and heels that are quirky and retro-looking and I’m told they are fairly comfy.
Kat
January 26, 2012 #
From about Autumn right through to the end Spring (or longer if I can) I basically live in dresses with cowboy boots. I love this look!!! My signature look is probably just dresses. 9 times out of 10 I can be found in a dress.
Doortje
January 26, 2012 #
Fitted clothes, silver jewellery, usually a combination of different patterns…
Amber
January 26, 2012 #
My nickname at work is “Cardigan Queen”…so I guess my signature piece would be cardigans. I pretty much always wear jeans with a bright colored and/or print top with a solid colored cardigan. I have a serious weakness for pintucks, and anything mustard colored.
Amanda
January 26, 2012 #
I have always been the jeans and converse girl. Heck, I even wore Cons for pat of my wedding last year. Though if I think a bit harder it is definitely brooches- the crazier the better. I have huge containers full of them and I don’t think any outfit can be complete without them!
Sarai
January 26, 2012 #
I love love love brooches. I have some that are very meaningful to me (family heirlooms), and some that are just sparkly or weird or fun. Love em.
Cynthia
January 26, 2012 #
Love hearing everyone’s signature. I adore brooches and scarves, but my signature is my rose gold watch. I just love it. I wear it with my white gold charm bracelet and also a pearl bracelet…quite the eclectic wrist
Inna
January 26, 2012 #
In clothes my signature is be bright colors and prints. I do accessorize a lot : jewelry, bags, tights and SWATCH watches ( I own maybe 10 or more…)
Janine
January 26, 2012 #
I love cardigans! Solid, printed, embellished, knit, everything! They can really pull an otherwise drab outfit into something presentable, especially when paired with pearl earrings!
Tina
January 26, 2012 #
I too am a scaft devotee–they’re so versatile! I have a few lovely silk ones I bought in India that are absolutely divine. I also wear a lot of bracelets and earrings. Never necklaces or rings.
Sandra
January 27, 2012 #
This is a really good question and I will be thinking about it some more. But I think mine is dresses. Even when I cannot afford them, they are the things I linger on when in clothes shops and buy in sales. A big part of learning to sew has been so I can make myself some dresses that fit well.
Salinda
January 27, 2012 #
Pearls! Long strands, short strands, 1 strand, 3 strand, cultured, freshwater, colored, white, earring, whatever! I wear skirts or dresses everyday too(with tights and boots in the cooler months and sandals in the warmer months).
sarah
January 27, 2012 #
Give me a lovely scarf anytime. Love them with just about any outfit, a scarf can add flair to a pair to jeans. Very European, those ladies know the art of scarves.
Kristina
January 27, 2012 #
1) dresses. So comfortable and so easy. They always make you look as though you put a lot more effort into getting dressed than you did.
2) color. I have very dark skin and I take full advantage of it. :)
To be honest, I wouldn’t have said anything was a “signature” of mine, but those are the things my co-workers seem to know me for…women I do not know at all often come up to me to compliment what I am wearing, and usually end with “you always have the best dresses/wear such great colors”!
Roisin
January 28, 2012 #
This is the same for me! Well, apart from the dark skin – I am very pale – but I think my signature is brightly coloured dresses and cardigans.
chibidani
January 28, 2012 #
My signature (right now) is made-by-me fabric headbands. Some stay on with elastic at the back of my head, some I tie into a knot, and have a fabric tail down a small part of my back. I like that it keeps my hair out of my face without requiring a ponytail, since my hair seems to fall out of those so quickly.
Raquel
January 28, 2012 #
Dresses, silver jewelry and hats. Small hats to protect from the sun on summer, and to protect from wind on winter. I have many of them and I use hats even on working days, at lunch time on the city center. I don’t know why but this is not common in Rio, no matter how hot is the day. So, became my signature. Someone wearing hat? Must be me!
Dorien
January 28, 2012 #
This post really made me think! At first, I instantly thought of dresses (I own only 2 pairs of pants), but I like to try different shapes, styles and colours, so that’s not really a signature. There’s one thing I’ve been sporting since, well, forever, and that’s my bangs. They’re classic full, straight bettybangs, and though I’ve let them grow out once in highschool (hello big forehead!) and cut them assymetrical a few times (too much styling required), I always return to the original. So inspiring to read all the other stories!
pieceLove
January 29, 2012 #
Mine would definitely be supershort fingernails–no white growth allowed ever–I don’t know why!!! And then painted horrible colors, like Fuschizzle, that match nothing–and left on well past chippage point. That’s me.
Jacqueline Cherie Moules
January 30, 2012 #
*severe hairdo to counteract
* frills, peplums, silks, pretty skirts and dresses
* colour colour colour (lots of pink, red and cream, though getting into bright blue)
* red lipstick
* fab tights
* heels
* ALWAYS ~ a rose in the hair or headpiece
* Alannah Hill in Australia is my inspiration
Natalie | FrizzyDizzy
January 30, 2012 #
When I put my hair up I add a little twist on the side to add some shape to a plain updo. I also wear broaches. I love the retro feel of them.
darling
February 6, 2012 #
close to 60 years old— just found ur blog site —love it— tried to print off the pantaloon pattern—– too many pages for my budget—but it is so cute i think my 3 newly teen-aged grandaughters will love them —– good descriptions and great tips– will be looking through my patterns to see if descriptions are close —low waisted—-the ribbions are a very sweet idea—txs
Joanne
January 2, 2013 #
I wear a lot of Southwest jewelry — turquoise, Mediterranen coral, silver, white shell, lapis, a beautiful purple stone that I can’t remember the name of now. And lots of it. Bracelets, necklaces, brooches, rings, all at once. So, my clothes are classic, plain, simple in design. I try to concentrate on cut and style rather than prints or fussy-looking clothing. So many of the patterns from here are just about perfect. And I am happy to read that there may be more patterns coming during 2013.