STYLE PERSONALITIES AND WHY WE LOVE THEM...

Many fashion icons or style crushes we look up to obviously have a better wardrobe or even stylists at their beck and call. However something they also possess is a confident consistency. They have tweaked some part of their personality and made sure they shine through it. 

All women of the world have worries, fears and things they will rather hide... And we all have something we are confident about as well. This is where signature style comes in. Whether we know or not, our personality reflects on our style to a large extent. Style therefore mirrors personality, and in consideration of such external influences as work, lifestyle a good eye or just acquired taste.This post will help you understand what you represent based on style personalities and will show you what to add to take it to the next level. 

Let us take a look at some of the qualities of a few style crushes...

The Bombshell: Toke Makinwa, Damilola Adegbite, Toolz

Sexy is the mantra for these women. And for them, picking pieces that show off a curvy, feminine figure is the norm. These sexy sirens do not believe in choosing a style on the basis of age.

Basic components:

·   When dressing like a sultry siren, be prepared to draw attention to yourself. Look for clothes that accentuate the hourglass. Deep V’s and high slits are acceptable necessities. 

·    Choose body-hugging, figure-flattering cuts. Avoid sack dresses, (too) simple dress designs, masculine tailoring, and anything with too much coverage. (helps even though you don't have an hour glass figure)

  ·  Brights, white, and black all work in solid shades. Prints, patterns, and elaborate embellishment detract from the focal point - your body. 

The Classicists - Kate Henshaw, Stella Damascus 

These women prefer basics — the T-shirt, blazer, white shirt, and trousers — and look effortlessly chic in simple staple pieces. These women would ordinarily not stick their necks in the tidal trend waves. They stick to clothes "as they are made to be", no fancy designs or unnecessary extras.

Basic Components:

·         Embrace tradition. Sticking with things that have stood the test of time is often the key to looking clean and elegant.

·         The hottest and newest don't always suit a simpler style. If intrigued by a trend, incorporate it into your look in a subtle way, maybe with an accessory. 

·         Keep a clean line. Frivolity, frills, and fanciful cuts are not in tune with a more established approach to dressing.

·         If you fit with this persona, pick a pared-down palette - colors that do not call a lot of attention. Black, white, navy, gray, and khaki are classic. 

The Non-conformist: Chimamanda Adichie, Asa

These ladies seem primarily attached to their art and therefore set a free-spirited style in ethnic-inspired looks. They grab your attention because they do not fit into the trendy style mould nor the basic style niche. It's like staying chic, with an aura of  very, very approachable calm.

Basic Components:

·         Master the mix. Layering pieces, pairing new with vintage, and combining multiple textures all add to the appeal.

·         Banish plain shades. Wearing peppy colors highlights a carefree demeanor. 

·         You could even rock a laid back hairstyle (like Chimamanda's threaded hair) and still be in style. 

·         Play up prints - swirly paisleys, pretty florals, retro patterns,— the haute-hippie chick can pull off funky patterns. 

The Polished ladies: Genevieve Nnaji, Agbani Darego, Rita Dominic 

The prim, polished, and pulled-together air still resonates with today's refined set. This polished persona gives her the air of unreachable elegance.

Basic Components:

·         Keep it feminine but not flirty. Pick a silhouette that shows off your waist but not too much else. If you want to show some skin, choose one erogenous zone — like your shoulders, ankles, or décolletage — at a time.

·         Add charm. A bow, a touch of lace, or a slight ruffle offers a sweet edge. But keep it to one or two flourishes. Also try edgy dress designs 

·         Classic colors are most appropriate. Black and white will never fail you. Avoid anything over-the-top or garish, especially with colors - a pop of color is always sweeter. 

·         Fabric counts. Look for structured, high-quality materials. Anything too flimsy or sheer should be shunned. 

The Eclectics: Nkiru Anumudu, Tonto Dikeh 

It's all about having fun with fashion for these playful women. The appeal for these ladies is putting on everything and boy, they sure know how to make it all work. Bright colors, madcap pairings, peculiar accessorizing and loud patterns are part of the package.

Basic Components:

·         Never say never. Follow your heart when it comes to picking out your clothes. Forget what's appropriate or safe, and don't take yourself too seriously. Serious is boring anyway...

·         Eye-catching hues, look-at-me motifs, even bright colored hair are par for the course. 

·         Mixing and matching makes sense -e.g, a bejeweled shoes over a patterned dress... 

·         Be wary of crossing the line into "tacky boulevard". Keep one of your outfit pieces pared down or your accessories classic when wearing something wacky.

The ball is your court to judge your style. What do you think about your persona and your style? Where do you fit in? Oh, you don't fit in with these? Create your persona and tell us about it in the comment box.