Six Steps to Developing a Unique Sense of Style: Self Evaluation

Welcome to Part 1: Self Evaluation

Thank you, Tracy Gnojek of Seattle, for letting us use your photo. We ran into Tracy in the Ballard neighborhood, shopping at Couch, and were super impressed with her unique sense of style.

Let’s begin the process of defining our style . . .

Step 1: Take Stock of Who You Are (A.K.A Self Evaluation)

First, we need to separate out what is true about ourselves from what we assume people think about us. What makes us unique from those around us? In an effort to identify the true self and self image, ask yourself the following questions, physically writing down the answers in a journal or notebook:

Describe “you.” What unique qualities do you bring to the world?
What do I love to do?
What does the outer me look like (appearance, clothes, speaking voice, mannerisms, and posture)?
What does the inner me look like (personality, disposition, goals, and values)?
Is the outer me consistent with the inner me?
How do I want people to see me?
When I look in the mirror, what do I say to myself?
What are my best features?
When I feel my best, I am wearing . . .. Think of the outfit you feel most confident in. Describe it. What is it that makes this outfit work for you?
What I need to become is the real me, in the real world, making a real difference. What does this look like?
Who do I admire most? If this person reflects something good in myself, what is it about this other person that I see in myself?
I am complemented most for my . . .

Choose Five Keywords

Keep these answers handy so you can refer back to them when you are choosing your clothing or having a tough day. After this personal evaluation, spend some time visualizing this real self and what that looks like. Write down five words you would like people to use when they describe you. Here are some possibilities:

Eclectic
Hip
Grungy
Appropriate
Spunky
Wealthy
Intellectual
Cultured
Lavish
Extravagant
Trendsetting
Thrifty
Unique
Girly
Androgynous
Consistent

Rebellious
Powerful
Flashy
Colorful
Sophisticated
Authoritative
Down-to-earth
Eco-friendly
Playful
Hippy
Stylish
Old-school
Vintage
Classy
Eccentric
All business

Remember the goal is to develop your own sense of style. Know that your style changes and evolves as you do. You may actually want to look rebellious as a young person because that is exactly how you feel. Eventually, your look evolves into something vintage and eclectic, reflecting a new state of being. Thankfully, we have the opportunity to change it up as often as we want.

Watch for Part 2: Take Inventory coming next week. We will begin by doing some spring cleaning, going through our closets to determine what we have, what we love, what no longer represents who we are and what we can do without.

To read all the parts of the series:

Introduction

Step 1: Self Evaluation

Step 2: Take Inventory

Step 3: Seek Inspiration

Step 4: Acquiring Perfect Pieces

Step 5 & 6: Test Out Looks and Wear It With Gusto