What’s Your Signature Look?

“You can easily buy your way into being fashionable. Style, I think, is in your DNA. It implies originality and courage.”—Iris Apfel

A survey of 792 women highlighted the relationship between clothing and body image among women, finding that “personality traits play a role in clothing choices, which suggests that one’s clothing is a kind of manifestation of the self.”

There are so many ways to express yourself through how you look, both for yourself and how you portray yourself to the world. Some people choose a special hair color or a stripe of color. Some people find vintage clothing that feels like them, while others follow the latest trends. Nail color and nail art are other ways to find expression. The style choices we display on the outside reflect and affect our body image on the inside.

While my clothing choices are fairly conventional, I’ve found other ways to express myself through appearance. I’ve been wearing blue mascara since college, and although most people don’t notice, it’s a distinct look from the typical black or brown. But I wear it for me; it takes me back to college and reminds me of the aunt who first told me about it.

Ask yourself what people might remember about you and your appearance. What do you want them to remember? That you’re funky and wild? Daring? Conservative? Sophisticated? Have fun with it and try different things until you find your own. And you may choose different looks on different days.

You likely already use some elements of a signature look. This is an invitation to do it more intentionally—at any weight, shape, or age. Taking charge of your look this way can boost your confidence and enhance your body image. Have fun with it, and let me know how it goes! I’d love to hear about the choices you’re making, and the ones you’ve already made.