I look at my mother and my mother in law, and they DO have their styles each, but I always wish they tried a little change… I wish my mother would wear happier colors (it’s ok with blue, gray and black, but that’s TOO much), and my mother in law would understand once for all that her skirts are not timeless, are unfashionable and unflattering, and she should wear only trousers.

But, should I say my thoughts aloud? Who are they wearing they clothes for? Me, people in general, or themselves? I wouldn’t like to hurt them, but who wouldn’t feel hurt if someone very close (like a daughter) says things as such?

My definite thought is: if I don’t like what they wear, they probably don’t what I do. So I keep comments to myself, unless someone asks my opinion.

In terms of clothing, I am pretty classic/basic and tend to stick to classic shapes, solid colors and sometimes a classic pattern. There are many new trends out there I am trying out (like the trapeze) but overall I tend to go back to colorful t-shirts, cardigans and classic pants or pencil skirts.

I guess my signature style is that I wear skirts as a main staple instead of pants, and wear jeans once in a while (the way most people wear their skirts) with a dress or tunic. I never really thought of that as anything special until now, just because women wearing skirts is really common in the circles I grew up in, but now I realize that it really does make a style statement. I like that. Thanks, Angie!

Oh, and brown. I always feel fabulous in chocolate brown, even if it’s just a t-shirt, so there’s a lot of it in my wardrobe (I have to consciously try not to buy everything in brown). And it’s natural with my other favorites of earthy greens and fresh pinks.

Some people bring an element of their own organic personal style into their ensemble mix, often without realizing it Lex, while others don’t. It’s interesting to think about what that something special is if you weren’t conscious of it. In other instances it’s fun to evolve that something special to the next level so that we continue to celebrate our individuality. It’s not a rule, it’s more like a playful aspect of your style that you’ve identified.

Not trying to be snarky, but why do you have to mention this to clients? Doesn’t “personal style” naturally emerge in what a person likes, the pieces they favor, the colors and styles they naturally veer towards? It seems a bit trite to “throw something special” in, like boots or necklaces or scarves or what-not, as if style can be manufactured with a few rules or add-ons or removals.

Surely everyone’s got a personal style organically, to some degree? This feels like one of those rules that “What Not to Wear” would tout. Sure, Clinton and Stacy know what suits a woman’s figure, but everyone ends up looking the same (shiny straight hair, wrap dress, trouser jean), with one manufactured “personal style” element tacked on, be it scarves, boots, whatever. Slightly dull.

Boots, boots, boots. My signature style is definitely tall (flat) boots during fall, winter, and part of spring. I’m also one to pick flowing tunics and leggings over jeans and blouses anyday…I’m just a dressy person in general (even out to the supermarket or running errands). And when I am wearing jeans, they are dark skinnies (I’m what you call a ‘racy rectangle’). Not sure if those are “stamps”, but they are definitely my personal fashion patterns.

Oh and just one question I’ve been wondering—when is the time of year that a lot of outerwear goes on sale? I’ve been looking to invest in a timeless, classy peacoat for some time now, but the prices are a little steep for a student like me.

Of course handbags and shoes can be that “something special”, but to m’s point, you can’t look fab if you’re badly dressed but wear the best shoes and handbag.