5 Questions to Help You Find Your Style Without a Celeb Stylist

  Do names like Kelly Hurliman, Monica Rose, Ty Hunter ring a bell? No? What about Dimeji Alara, Toyin Lawani and Veronica Ebie-Odeka? These are well known stylists; basically creative people who select clothes for appearances made by celebrities as well as coordinate photo shoots, fashion shows, magazine editorials etc. Fashion stylists are responsible for most of the glamorous looks you see on the runways and those magazine covers you cherish so much. Kelly Hurliman: Oprah Monica Rose: Ladies of the daily 10 on E! Ty Hunter: Beyonce Olori Swank: Keyshia Cole Veronica Ebie-Odeka: Waje, Tiwa Savage Stylists help to find and create an identity for the celebrity. For example, think Kim Kardashian and immediately what comes to mind as her staple pieces are lots of black, bodycon skirts, nude killer heels, boyfriend blazers, high waisted pants and smoky eyes. Try this for Michelle Obama, Kelly Rowland, Victoria Beckham and the popular character in Scandal, Olivia Pope. When you are done, you will notice a distinct pattern. How can you find your style without a stylist that you probably can’t afford? Don’t despair, the following can help you create your own ‘brand’: 1. What do you like? Do you scream when you see pictures of Rihanna in the magazine, or is it Ciara? Decide on your preferences. 2. What is your body type? Regardless of what you like, your body size and type will also be a factor; short legs in leggings are a fashion no-no just like a heavily endowed woman in the chest region trying to rock a turtleneck sweater. Know your body frame, you may be small, medium, large or extra large and in some cases, extra extra large. 3. What type of image do you want to portray? Do you want to appear sexy but intellectual, dramatic yet trendy, or you want to appear contemporary but want to wear vintage pieces? 4. What influences you? Books, music, time e.g. the Victorian Era? Lanre Da Silva is a great example of a designer who is good at creating pieces in Victorian style. 5. What is your occupation? It is very important to separate your work clothes from your personal style; if you work in a bank, you most definitely can’t be Gothic and expect to keep your job. Keep the answers to these questions for next time you go shopping, it will aid you in picking key pieces for your wardrobe that will define you clearly. About the author:  Adelarin Eniola Awotedu is a storyteller from Lagos, Nigeria. An avid reader and traveler, she writes and produces content for the web, stage and screen with an interest in Technology. You can follow her on twitter @abiikeblogger