Be•YOU•tiful Style

 Style: a manner of doing something, distinctive appearance, typically determined by the principles according to which something is designed.

What words best describe your style?

Would you say you are Classic? Boho? Casual? Glam? Trendy? Practical? Edgy? Vintage?  Bold? Avant-garde? Perhaps a combination of multiple styles?

Your style is a creative expression of who you are, and of how you present yourself to the world.  

In the upcoming weeks, Evilena’s Red Dresser will focus on personal style, and share ideas and thoughts for developing, honing, and appreciating your own style in wardrobe, in home decor, and in developing the gifts that God has instilled in every one of us.

Style is more about who you ARE than what you DO.  How do you introduce yourself?  Are you John’s wife?  Are you Sarah & Sam’s mom?  Are you the manager or administrator?  Those are all things that you do, or roles/positions that you hold...but who are YOU, really?  In developing your personal style, it is helpful to first think about who you truly are, and what are your gifts, your strengths, your calling and your purpose. Then, you also might consider things like body type, physical activity, favorite colors, personal aesthetics, and personality. Style comes from the inside out - and when your inside and outside are in sync with each other, you will carry yourself with confidence and grace.

Here are a few examples of style types - Do you see your signature style in any of these?

Classic ~ Traditional, conservative, timeless, non-trendy, loafers, flats, low pumps (Loft, Talbots, J. Crew, Lauren)

 

Glam ~ statement pieces, bling, faux fur/leather, bold (Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Celine, Prada)

Boho ~ flowing, floral, loose, comfortable, colorful, gathered, layered, romantic, soft lines, sandals (Tempo Paris, Lucky, Anthropologie, Free People) 

Casual ~ relaxed tees, jeans, cardigans, casual, comfortable, slip-ons (American Eagle, Gap, Old Navy)

Edgy ~ bright colors, high heels, distressed denim, leather, firm lines, bold, blunt (All Saints, American Apparel, Silk Fred)

Minimalist ~ neutral colors, simple designs, comfortable, exudes tranquility, ballet flats (J. Jill, Eileen Fisher, Theory, Fair Indigo)

Athleisure ~ Activewear, leggings, sweatshirts/tees, yoga pants, sneakers (Lululemon, Nike, Under Armour)

There are other styles in the world of fashion, but these are some of the most common styles seen in American fashion.  You might even be a blend of multiple styles, or favor one style for special occasions, and another style for everyday wear - but your true style will still shine through, no matter what the occasion.

Do you gravitate toward floral prints? Pastel or bold colors?  Do you prefer comfortable clothing like sweats and a loose-fitting tee, or do you prefer more tailored, fitted attire that accentuates your shape?  Do you work in a profession that requires you to be active, up and down stairs or ladders? Or is your job sedentary? These are all things to consider when determining your personal style.

If your work requires a uniform, how can you accessorize or add personal style when your outfit looks just like everyone else around you?  Think glasses, hair, perhaps jewelry or shoes that reflect the essence of your own personal style.  

First and foremost, when determining your own sense of style, realize that you are a beautiful creation of God.  You are His highest achievement, His most precious possession, His finest work.  Scripture tells us in Psalm 139 that you were awesomely, wonderfully made!

You were not mass-produced.  You are not just a number in human inventory.  God created each of us uniquely, one at a time, with a distinct purpose and presence that we carry with us through life. He instilled gifts into you that He intended for your benefit, and for His glory.  There are unique qualities about you that make you who you are - interesting, diverse, one-of-a-kind!

We are all human, yet with different aspects within and without.  Everything that God created is beautiful - and that includes YOU! He created so many different skin tones, eye colors, hair colors & textures, different body shapes, different abilities, various personalities, and different gifts, diverse styles.  

Human beings are the only entity that struggles with comparison and with finding their purpose and their personal style.  Flowers can bloom side by side in a garden, and be content with their color, their height, their purpose.  The rose does not compare itself to the lily.  It simply does what it was designed to do.  It grows, nourishes the bees, looks pretty for a while, fades away into the next season.  Trees do not compete with each other, or compare who has the greener leaf.  They simply do what God created them to do.  The sun shines, the moon glows, the planets rotate, the rain falls, the grass grows.  These things simply fulfill the purpose for which they were created.  They know their reason for existence and they are content to do what God intended them to do.  Oh, but we humans...God gave us the gift of CHOICE.  He gave us emotions, and souls, and feelings, and oh-so-many options!  We actually have the choice to be what God created us to be, or we can strive to be like someone else.  We can spend our days scrolling social media and wishing we had what “they” have, or working hard at the bigger-better game, and never feeling content with who God created us to be, and never developing the unique gifts that God graciously gave to us. Be the best version of YOU! 

What outfits do you have that make you feel beautiful and confident?  These most likely point to your personal style.  Google a few different style quizzes online and see if you notice a “trend” in the outcomes.  When you shop at Evilena’s Red Dresser, you will have wardrobe stylists available to you to help determine your style, and to gather pieces and accessories that celebrate your own personal style.  Don’t be afraid to try something new - you might be surprised to discover a color or outfit-style that you never dreamed could look so fabulous on you! 

Find your style and…  Be•YOU•tiful!

Evilena’s Anniversary Event on August 14, 2021, will celebrate personal style and give you plenty of opportunities to learn how to let your style flourish in your wardrobe and your home.  Stay tuned to our social media and daily FB LIVE updates for special things coming up in the next few weeks!