Simply Elevate October 2014 | Page 10

How to Develop Your Own Style Written by Laura Bennett Photos by Shauntae and Kwamaine Young of Sky Photography How many times have you looked in your closet and uttered the words “I have nothing to wear”? I know I have, many times.  In all actuality we probably have plenty to wear, sometimes too many options.  The clothes that one day we WILL fit into again, my favorite pieces from high school (we won’t mention how long those have been in there), and the clothes that still have the tags on them.  Yet we stand in front of the closet and stare, hoping the perfect outfit will appear. So how do you develop your style? Here are 5 easy steps to get you started.  #1 PULL YOUR FAVORITE ITEMS Style is personal, it comes from within. It’s what you feel comfortable in and makes you exude confidence. Sure, sometimes we want to buy something crazy because it’s “in”, but if you don’t feel good in it, it will end up in the closet with the tags still on it. So what is your style? Are you classic, trendy, hippie or preppy? To find out, pull your favorite items from your closet to determine what style trend you prefer. For example, I am all of the above! My style depends on my mood.  I like to dress up, be casual, and also be a bit of a tomboy. That being said, I never set foot out of the house unless I am content with what I am wearing. Don’t be afraid to wear something that isn’t “in style”. I have a pair of plaid wedges that I adore and wear often. Are they in style? I have no idea, but I wear them anyway. Plaids are traditionally a preppy style, so I paired them with a kimono style top, brown belt, and shorts to give it an overall trendier feel. If you have several bohemian skirts you love, then look for peasant shirts and leather bracelets to complete the look. 10 www.simplyelevate.com