Last week I asked you to write down a few words that undeniably define your style.  No easy task, right?  I agree.

If you had trouble, try this: go to your closet and choose your absolute most favorite outfit–the one that really shouts This is ME. What attracted you to this particular outfit? Why do you think it captures your essence? Is it colorful, fun, tailored, playful, edgy, on-trend, gentle, bold, eclectic, sexy, comfortable, practical, quiet, non-pretentious, sensible, no-nonsense, designer?

Actually, that outfit most likely represents the best tangible expression of who you are.

In brilliant book titled, Style Statement: Live By Your Own Design, authors Carrie McCarthy & Danielle LaPorte explore the advantages of creating a Personal Style Statement. They say, “Your Style Statement defines your authentic self.  It is a compass for making more powerful choices, a guide for designing a life that reflects your whole being. An anchor, a symbol, a mantra. A declaration, an affirmation, a reminder. You, fully expressed.”

You may be asking: Why do I even need a Personal Style Statement? The truth is, the sooner you can define what works and what doesn’t work for you, the less likely you are to make poor choices. And the more likely you are to have confidence in the choices you do make. McCarthy & LaPorte say: “Every aesthetic and material choice sends a message to the world about who you are, and the world responds accordingly.”

If you seldom make choices you consider to be a mistake, you’ve probably already defined your personal style. But if you are like me (I’ve made plenty of mistakes), this exercise could help heighten your awareness during decision-making.

The advantage of having a personal style statement is the next time you are considering an outfit, a hairstyle, a car, a couch, a dog,* or even a job, you can refer to  your personal style statement and ask yourself, “Is this a good fit for me? Is it an authentic representation of who I am?”

(*Now you see why so many dogs resemble their owners.)

Keep perfecting those powerful words. Since I’ve run out of space, I’ll reveal my personal style statement in my next blog.  I may even get Janna to reveal hers.

If you’ve already created your Personal Style Statement, please share it with us and tell us why these words are a true depiction of YOU.