Knowing your style type for simple shopping
Eliminate decision fatigue with these boundaries!
It’s a style type quiz! I know I know, there are hundreds of these out there. So how is this one different?
Glad you asked.
My quiz takes the style essences, made popular by Harriet McJimsey, David Kibbe, John Kitchener and others, and removes the idea that you have to be a certain body type to look good in particular styles. I believe that as we age, we’ll naturally gravitate towards styles and colours that we look good in, and while a little help from a stylist can be a great idea, no one should be telling you what you can and can’t wear!
Directions: Choose the letter which you relate to the most- they might not be perfectly aligned with your style, and that’s ok! At the end, I link to corresponding Pinterest boards for each of the six style types, which can help you narrow down which you gravitate towards. The boards all include stylish plus size icons and women of colour so you can get the most accurate idea of the range for each type. Remember these are just my own personal opinions- like those of all stylists and fashion writers, filter them through your own experiences and preferences.
Find your style type:
1. What group includes your favourite brands and designers (choose the group that you are most likely to shop from):
A. Betsey Johnson, Alexander McQueen, Zara, Balmain, AllSaints
B: Chloé, Anthropology, Reformation, American Eagle, Patagonia
C. L.L. Bean, Gap, Ralph Lauren, Ann Taylor, Calvin Klein
D. Lulus, Monique Lhuillier, Dior, Carolina Herrera, Marciano
E. J. Crew, Old Navy, ModCloth, Tommy Hilfiger, Kate Spade
F. Free People, April Cornell, Aerie, Selkie
G. Ted Baker, HillHouse, Self Portrait, BB Dakota, Boden
2. What would be your go-to outfit?
A. Structured leather jacket, deep v blouse, pleated wide-leg trousers, pointed toe boots
B. Bootcut leg jeans, oversize chunky fisherman cardigan, linen cropped top, Birkenstocks or Blundstone boots
C. Cashmere sweater, silk scarf tied around neck, slim cut jeans or chinos, loafers
D. Satin pencil skirt, angora cropped sweater, floral print heels
E. Structured mini skirt, Peter Pan collar blouse, crewneck sweater with cute graphic, tights, Oxford shoes
F. Floral lace long-sleeve maxi dress, delicate sandals
G. Knee-length tiered swing dress with ruffle collar, ballet flats, statement headband
3. Who is your style icon? (Choose the letter with the person whose style you most admire)
A. Diana Ross, Meaghan Markle, Zendaya, Ashley Graham
B. Alicia Keys, Jane Birkin, Keri Russell, Iskra Lawrence
C. Kate Middleton, Jackie Kennedy, Octavia Spencer, Grace Kelly
D. Priyanka Chopra, Marilyn Monroe, Salma Hayek, Adele
E. Zooey Deschanel, Janelle Monae, Audrey Hepburn, Aidy Bryant
F. Cate Blanchett, Vivien Leigh, Amanda Seyfried, Lisa Bonet
G. Lupita Nyongo, Nicola Coughlan, Alison Brie, Elle Fanning
4. What’s your go-to hairstyle?
A. Sleek and straight, asymmetrical
B. Beachy waves or natural curls, side braids, long box braids
C. Mid-length, blunt cut or subtle layers, sleek waves to dress up, always styled and never messy
D. Lush waves or curls, any length
E. Pixie cut, or a longer style with blunt bangs
F. Long and flowing, half up with intricate braids à la Game of Thrones, dreadlocks
G. Shoulder length soft smooth waves or short and accessorized with small barrettes
5. If you had unlimited funds to spend on one clothing item, what would it be?
A. A killer pair of on-trend boots.
B. A luxury ethical wool shawl.
C. A Burberry trench coat.
D. An opulent evening gown from your favourite designer.
E. A funky or cute novelty designer bag, like the Chanel heart or Thom Browne Hector.
F. A celestial-inspired pair of dangling earrings, made with platinum and unusually coloured gemstones.
G. A beautiful headband from Lele Sadoughi
6. What popular aesthetic do you most identify with?
A. 70s Disco Glam
B. Granola Girl
C. Dark Academia
D. Cottagecore
E. Twee
F. Fairycore
G. Pilates Princess
7. What style decade is your favourite?
A. 80s
B. 90s
C. 40s
D. 30s
E. 60s
F. 70s
G. 50s
If you answered mostly A, your style leans Dramatic. Dramatic style is characterized by sharp angles, contrasting colours and shapes, and bold abstract prints. It can be described as edgy and striking. You rock asymmetrical hemlines, stark collars and sharp accessories.
If you answered most B, you tend towards Natural style. Natural style is often found in fabric like wool, linen, and cotton gauze. It is loose (but not baggy), effortless and unassuming. Long cardigans, bootcut jeans, knee-high or ankle boots, relaxed tshirts and floppy hats are all perfect Natural items.
If you answered mostly C, your style is likely Classic. Classic style consists of timeless shapes, patterns like stripes and plaid, and minimalist but well-thought out details. Shapes are not too angular, but also not lush or frilly. You can wear fitted or sailor-style pants, midi dresses and skirts, button-down tops and minimal or subtle patterns to look your best. Avoid cut-off, fringe or asymmetrical details.
If your answers were mostly D, you enjoy Romantic style. The Romantic style is found in pieces that are close fitting all over, or fit and flare into dramatic skirts. Lace, velvet, satin and angora, as well as lush floral prints and embroidered details often accompany Romantic pieces. Sweetheart and v-necklines were made for you. Cropped sweaters show off your waist. Make sure pants are fitted through the thigh, and avoid baggy layers that hide your shape.
If most of your answers were E, you are probably a Gamine style enthusiast. Gamine Style includes fun and quirky elements like stripes, small geometric and animal prints, unexpected graphics, high collars, colour blocking and short hemlines. Gamine style is always close-fitting or A-line in shape. Hemlines are short or cropped (for pants).
If you chose mostly F, your style is the unique and otherworldly Ethereal. Ethereal style has an otherworldly or ancient quality, with diaphanous silk fabrics, subtle sheen, and intricate details. Shapes are usually an elongated S curve, such as puffed sleeves, maxi skirts, flowing sleeves, and delicately draped shoulder straps.
If you chose mostly Gs, your style is similar to mine! The Ingenue has a touch of youthful feminine whimsy in all her outfits. Small ditzy floral prints, fit and flare or babydoll waistlines, knee-length skirts and mid-thigh shorts, fitted tops with rounded necklines are all in your wheelhouse. Remember that if you have Ingenue, anything overly sexy or oversized will look doll-like and separate from you. Accessorize with ballet flats or low heels, headbands and small-scale jewelry like studs or tiny charm bracelets and necklaces.
If you answered with an even mix of two or more letters, your style is likely a blend of different elements from those types.
We have infinite shopping options in 2023.
Just like having a colour palette, knowing your style type can help give you a framework to work within that prevents decision fatigue. Are most of the items you gravitate towards natural? Then you probably won’t wear that gamine tee. You can eliminate all options but those that already work with the items you love.
My style type is Ingenue and Classic, and I borrow heavily from Natural for everyday life. I know what I like, and for the most part, I stick with it!
As always, thank you for being here, and remember that if you want personal shopping, colour, style or beauty, guidance, I’m just an email away.