Leslie, I wonder if you're a mind reader. At least this week you've read mine! It hit me sometime last week "I wonder what style I have, and which would fit me the best". I also started to wonder what style does your shopping guide represent. I also wonder, what stylies do you SYSters prefer? Are there styles that look better on certain body types? For example, I'm very close to being "Hourglass" according to Trinny & Suzanna's body types, and they claim that hourlgasses should wear very feminine style and look a bit smarter, because they don't look convincing in casual styles.

I am B--hourglass. I would hate a very feminine style. That's so not me. I would hate to have a style because everyone says that's what I should have.

With regard to the above - I've just checked on-line:- Trinny and Sunsannah said "go for simply classic lines ... baggy clothes are never a good idea for anyone... avoid flounces, frills and bows.

LInda and Natasha,
Figuring out or knowing your own "signature style" is so important. Knowing what feels right and describes your style means you'll shop smarter and avoid buying "bargain" clothes that you will never wear.
As far as hourglass shapes, you should wear clothing that highlights your curves-not hides them.

By style I meant something like "classic", "feminine", "sporty", "ethnic", "boho chic", and so on and so forth.... And not specific clothing details.

My style varies, but is centered around comfort. Generally, at work I go for "feminine-artsy meets business-casual" (I'm a creative professional in government) and outside of work I go for "dressed-down urban chic". (For reference, I'm a C and live in a big city.) Is that the sort of thing you were wondering, Memengwa?

yes, that's exactly what I mean.

Thank you for bringing up this subject! It reminded me of how, in the past, I too have read similar articles and books that try to assign a specific "look" or "theme" to people based on personality, physical traits, etc. I used to put some stock in that approach, but now I think it's a mistake and a waste of time to approach style that way...it treats style as a series of costumes we wear; treating women as actresses who need to dress to convey that they are playing a specific role, rather than living a real life. I never exactly fit into any of the categories I read about anyway. We are all unique, special and individual women in every way, and need to find our own authentic style that meets our own needs. That's what I really appreciate about MissusSmartyPants! Leslie doesn't define our style for us, she helps us find it ourselves by giving us advice and inspiration. For myself, I'm also a B figure and have a streak of feminine/romantic in me. If I followed the "theme" advice, I would be stuck in the romantic category. However, I always feel more comfortable and confident in plainer, classic garments. And I'm frequently casually dressed for my current lifestyle. So I try to express my feminine side through soft fabrics (pima cotton, cashmere, pretty fleece), flattering colors (for me it's blue & rose shades) and touches of romantic jewelry. A casual outfit for me is my favorite blue jeans, a quarter-zip fleece pullover in a heathered wine color with princess seams, and a 14K gold amethyst charm necklace (the romantic touch!). I believe all figure types and personalities can look very attractive and stylish in casual clothing.

I was a tomboy growing up, and I still feel most comfortable in sweats, jeans & t-shirts. Though I do sometimes wear more smart/dressy trousers,and have dress/skirt-only periods when I get bored by trousers, the casual (not even business-casual) dressing code at work doesn't push me towards having to look smart. Button-up shirts are difficult to find (My chest is on the bigger size). I feel uncomfortable in feminine style and seldom wear classic (only if I have to). I tend to gravitate towards casual tomboyish and sport-chic, sometimes with a fun eye-catching detail. Though I have had periods of boho/ethnic chic and romantic.

It's why I'm here. Although it's flattering that everyone thinks I'm younger, I feel that I need to change the way I dress to be taken more seriously.

I grew up with a battle between my parents over clothes. My father despised shopping, and my mother, who didn't drive, didn't want to rock the boat. The result was that I had very few clothes and what I got either came from gifts from family members, hand me downs, and purchases with my allowances. I continued the trend into adulthood, and never had enough clothes even though I could afford it. Thanks to MSP, I've been able to get more, and better quality clothes. But style--largely all the style types are largely technobabble to me. Not a clue what even "classic" means. Maybe a future article on what styles are ...?

There are many ways and ideas on how to divide fashion into "styles". Classic though is one of those that always exist and has many definitions.

Classic is sometimes called conservative. It's chic, elegant, with timeless pieces, and often connected with the upper class and business, though you don't have to be rich or high profile to wear it. Jackie O is considered to be the ultimate example of classic. Hilary Clinton wears classic.

http://blog.makeovermayhem.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/CLASSIC_CONSERVATIVE-STYLE-copy.jpg

Feminine - some confuse feminine with romantic. But "girly" (lace, frills and cute) doesn't make a feminine style, although it can on the right woman. A feminine style is clothes that celebrate your womanhood and accentuates it and your curves. A feminine style can be very sexy, without being inappropriate. A feminine style always needs an appropriate hairdo and makeup to pull it off. 50's style was very feminine. Think Scarlett Johansson, or Marilyn Monroe.

Boho Chic is a modern take on Bohemian. Think loose-flowing, romantic tops, skirts and dresses with relaxed, easy vibe. It's not unusual that they have ethnic details. Think Flower Power but modernized. It actually has an entire span from very Flower Power/hippie to only borrowing some parts. Kate Moss's wedding dress is also boho chic.

http://www.mychicadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/boho-chic-2.jpg

Should I describe more styles?

I think a feminine style of dress can be worn without resorting to lots of makeup and an elaborate hairstyle. Anyone can wear a feminine type dress - it's just a matter of finding one you like.

What I mean is, that even if we usually wear business, classic or very casual style, we can opt for an occasional change and wear something more romantic/feminine/dramatic/boho. What is difficult is finding these items that will give us a lift and cheer up our wardrobes...