Recently, someone asked me, “if I could describe what style I strive for in one word, what would it be?” I really thought about it and came to this word: classy. When I first started this blog – my freshman year of college –  I was still in the process of identifying who I was and trying to define my personal style aesthetic.

So many of us, including countless styling clients over the years, get caught up with putting a restrictive title on their style. Terms like boho, preppy, edgy and girly come to mind. But people don’t like being confined into a single box, but like the idea of identifying with a single word.

Many people get confused because they like aspects of bohemian, the general nature of preppy dressing and leather of edgy. But in someone’s head, this can get jumbled and look like a braided hippie girl, trying to wear a polo and wearing a ton of spikes. That clearly doesn’t work.

What I’ve found works for me is sticking to updated classics with sprinkles of pieces that appeal to my feminine or edgy side (like this GORGEOUS skirt thats $50 – sizing note, it runs small in the waist, which works perfectly for me. If you are on the border, size up!). As recently as six months ago, I had the realization that I really don’t like colors all that much. I find them restrictive, easily dated and not as versatile as neutrals. Plus, a piece will always look more expensive in black than in neon yellow.

For me, I crave a fresh and unexpected use of neutrals, complimented by punchy lipsticks and color neutrals. Oh, those swoon worthy colors have my heart. I’ve been purging any out of character bright colored items in favor of pieces that are blush, olive, plum, camel, grey, black, white and shades of denim or chambray. It just works and is so fuss-free. I’ve been loving how effortless it is to get ready and look timelessly fashionable and plan on sticking to this new rule. 

Shop The Look >>>

Krisa Top via Lyon + Post (get a $30 gift card here) c/o // ChicWish ‘Crochet’ Skirt (under $50!) c/o // Make Me Chic ‘Rose Gold’ Sunglasses (only $10!) c/o // Coccinelle Bag (not available in U.S., similar) // ZooShoo ‘Enzo’ Sandals (only $32) // Everly ‘Harren’ Cuff (now 50% off and all fashion jewelry BUY 2, GET 2 FREE!) // Lips: ‘Lady Danger’ by MAC // Nails: ‘Blanc’ by Essie

What are your thoughts on my dressing technique? Do any of you have a definable formula of your own?

As always, thank you for reading.