Although I may occasionally talk about a product that I find interesting, my real concern in this space is overall style. I was thinking about this the other day while attending a fashion show here in Chicago. Many people were wearing things that look good today, but they’ll be embarrassed about tomorrow. In my mind, fashion is transient. Style is enduring, because it involves much more than what you’re wearing.
I think Gore Vidal said it best: “Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn.”
So if style is much more than the fashion of the day, how can we dress fashionably, but in a more perennial manner (i.e. avoiding fads)? I propose the framework of the three S’s:
Smart Style
Or you could say “sophisticated style”. This means avoiding, for the most part, things that you’d be embarrassed to have your boss see you in. Things that make you look like a child. I admit that I may sometimes dabble in the outlandish accessory department, but overall it’s important to look good while looking like an adult. Remember: the goal is to not be embarrassed when your grandchildren one day see the photos.
Subtle Style
“Subtly is the cornerstone of style.” According to me. This is why, for the most part, you want to avoid high fashion looks. Not only can they make you look unprofessional (see above), but rarely are they subtle.
Also, subtly is about the details. I’ve already mentioned things like your hair and your socks. These are the things that separate you from the guy standing next to you. Use the details, especially when dressing conventionally, to stand out.
Solid Style
I don’t mean solid as in a lack of pattern. I mean solid as in everlasting, stable, reliable. Buy things that are well made and aren’t going to fall apart in a year. Buy things that are going to look good on you for years to come. Buy things you’re not going to come to regret in a year’s time. (I’ve been down that road, and it’s not pretty.)
Within this framework, there is a lot of room for personal expression and experimentation–without the fashion hangover.
What kind of frameworks are you working with? How has your personal style come about?
Photo credit: The ultimate fashion photographer: The Sartorialist
