One of the best things about style is that it can become an expression of who we are. We can also use it as a tool to enhance and embody more of the type of person we want to become. Of what we want to exude. Everything is energetic and how we choose to show up in the world -physically and through our thoughts, beliefs and actions all work together to create our reality.
To me, style isn’t about copying the most popular influencer on the block or following the hottest trends. We can take inspiration of course, and I often do! But I don’t subscribe to the idea that we have to be wearing the most fashionable, instagram-worthy or even catwalk inspired looks to be considered stylish. It’s about what makes you feel good and what you know works for your body type, style preferences and inner confidence. When you do, you become magnetic and it impacts your life in profound ways!
As I’ve evolved in age and maturity, I’m understanding more and more what style means for me. I don’t have a particular ‘look’ but I favour a combination of well cut, classic, tailored pieces that I like to spend slightly more money on, intertwined with colourful (especially pastel tones), feminine and fun pieces. I don’t have a style uniform, but I know what shapes, necklines, colours, tones and lengths work for me and I love to use how I dress as a way to align myself with specific situations. If I want to feel more put together in a professional setting, I’ll go for a pair of classic, wide leg trousers with an asymmetric top, a low heel, blazer and a few pieces of delicate jewellery or one statement necklace, for example. It makes me feel in my power.
For something more casual and fun, I might opt for a bolder print. I recently purchased this top from River Island, which completely satisfies my passion for 60’s style! This kind of piece might not be considered ‘mature’ but when I wear it, I feel energetic, fun, flirty and like ‘myself’.
My mum and I were recently in Morrisons (I know, the glamorous life is just too much over here!) and saw the most striking lady who had a beautifully cut long bob hairstyle. She embraced her natural grey but had also added dyed purple tips. Her nails were painted a vibrant purple, her makeup minimal but fresh with a chic yet bold pink lip and her outfit was fairly neutral but incredibly well put together. I would say this lady was in her late 50’s and she just emanated sophistication and style! Her personality shone through via her style and we had to stop and compliment her because she was just so magnetic. She clearly uses these fun pops of colour as a way to express herself and she had that energetic quality of the type of person you want to be around. This to me, is the definition of style.
Believe me, I’ve tried to go down the road of wearing what I feel I should wear or trying to copy others. It’s left me feeling like a second rate version, uncomfortable and just not like myself. I really enjoy taking inspiration from celebrities and those who we might consider style icons, but ultimately, personal style is about becoming your own style icon.
I’m a firm believer that style is a powerful manifestation tool – the colours we choose to wear, the accessories and seeing dressing for the day as an opportunity to attract what we want to create. It doesn’t have to mean being as ‘put together’ as possible or looking like you’ve just walked out of the designer showroom in the most expensive outfit either. Some of the pieces I feel the best in are years old! I have to admit, I do feel a degree of ‘upleveling’ when I wear a really great quality blazer like this one I recently purchased for example, and I like to spend more on pieces that make me feel amazing. It changes the way I walk, talk and present myself overall. But that’s a personal preference and I like to mix and match.
So don’t feel like you have to follow all the rules. Try an experiment where instead of wearing what you think you ‘should’ wear, tap into what makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Notice how you feel when you wear specific outfits, items, prints or colours. What have you worn previously when dressing felt like a pleasure instead of a hassle, when you had a great time and just felt unstoppable on that occasion?
Use style to embody who you are, who you want to become and what you want to create!
Laura Yates Creative - Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle 
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