Style Buzz: Shortcuts to Signature Style + Anatomy of a Dinner Outfit

Ideas to Inspire Your Style This Week!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"There is a 0% chance I could have figured this out on my own. But I'm starting to get it - this is exciting!"

While this is also something I would say to my mechanic, I loved hearing this from a client. Not because it spoke of my expertise, but because I got to watched her realize that she was learning a new skill. And just like with every skill, you need to practice it to gain competency! I spent years playing in my wardrobe to figure out what worked and what didn't, what I liked, what made me feel good, what was just meh, what was appropriate for an occasion or mood. That's a lot of trial and error, it took time. But I love that I can give clients a shortcut to effortless dressing, especially if it's a skill they feel they weren't born with. (Spoiler alert: no one is!)

 xxx rachel

As soon as we put these two pieces together and finished the outfit with a belt and patent heels, she saw herself - and her clothes - in a whole new way!

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SHORTCUTS TO SIGNATURE STYLE

I once read that Queen Elizabeth was technically the most stylish woman on the planet because you could see a drawing of her clothes and know instantly that they were hers. A signature style is really about recognizability. Color, pattern, and fabric help, as does wearing a single piece in multiple ways, but they’re just the obvious bits. Here are some other effective ways to develop a look that feels distinctly “you” without looking like you’re wearing a uniform.

1. A consistent silhouette: This is a big one. You might favor clean, tailored lines, or relaxed shapes with movement, or strong shoulders and defined waists. When the outline is familiar, people clock your style instantly, even if the clothes change.

2. A predictable formula: Most stylish women have one, whether they realize it or not. Think: great trousers + interesting top + polished shoes. Or simple dress + statement layer. Repeating a formula creates ease when getting dressed and buying clothes.

3. A point of polish: There’s usually one area that’s always done well. Hair, shoes, eyewear, tailoring, or even being true to your color palette. You don’t need everything perfect, just one intentional, reliable anchor.

4. A clear “no” list: Signature style is as much about what you don’t wear. Maybe you avoid fussy details, ultra-trendy shapes, or anything too tight or too floaty. Boundaries create clarity, and clarity is interpreted as confidence.

5. Repetition of proportions: You might balance volume (wide leg + neat top), keep hemlines in a certain zone, or favor cropped layers. They're not just flattering to your body shape; they're quiet consistencies that add up over time.

6. Accessories with intention: Not just what you wear, but how. Collars buttoned to the top, rolled sleeves, a belt worn a certain way, scarves tied simply or artfully, jewelry layered or kept minimal can put your stamp on any outfit.

7. Dressing for a feeling: Rather than an aesthetic, think of a mood you return to: relaxed but sharp, creative but grounded, classic with a twist. A consistent feeling allows your style to follow naturally.

Signature style isn’t about being memorable because you’re loud or are wearing the Crown Jewels. It’s about being recognizable because you’re consistent and comfortable enough in your choices that they stop looking like choices at all. They're just you.

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ANATOMY OF AN OUTFIT

This is a peek into my favorite outfit of the week where I break it down for you: why I've put it together and why it works, what elements could be swapped out, things to consider, etc.

I went for dinner at Ambrosia this week to celebrate my parents' anniversary (58!!) and wanted to wear something that would tick a number of boxes: polished and comfy, adjustable if the restaurant were warm or cold, and respectful of the occasion without being too dressy. The typical list, I suppose! While I don't wear this salmon-colored top often, when it's the right piece, it's the absolute right piece. Paired with a cardigan (for temperature control) and black jeans, the color really pops. The blouse is kind of boxy so buttoning just the top button allows the cardigan to flow out over it, give me a waist, and direct attention to my face. I added high heeled black boots that have a pattern on them for a bit of visual interest and to break up the all-black on my lower half.

Cardigan: White House Black Market

Blouse: Monteau Los Angeles from Nordstrom Rack

Jeans: St John's Bay from JC Penny

Boots: Impo from DSW

Brooch: Unknown designer

Earrings: Aldo