This really can be so subjective, so here is my opinion, but first of all one dictionary defines “Style” (n.) as:
- The way in which something is said, done, expressed, or performed.
- The combination of distinctive features of literary or artistic expression, execution, or performance characterizing a particular person, group, school, or era.
- Sort; type.
- A quality of imagination and individuality expressed in one’s actions and tastes.
© Sonja Nuttall 2008-2011
To me, ‘style’ is something that is recognized immediately. It stands out even if it is subtle. It smells of uniqueness or boldness or perfection. Even if I may not resonate with a certain look someone is wearing, I will still recognize and appreciate the style when I see it. The person or object may be walking down the street or asleep. If it is there, it is there. As Sigmund Freud said, “Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.”
Like many of us, I have friends in the fashion and entertainment business. Some of them exude natural style and others act stylishly. I suppose it may be said that dressing sexily, and having sex appeal, is probably the same analogy. I have met trees and animals that have style and others of the same species who do not. I have walked into an elevator with style, but sadly so many more with zero ‘anything’ to speak of, even when some poor misguided person decides to add music to the sad-box-equation.
All I know is the fashion industry is a massive one, and it is probably largely due to people aspiring to express themselves.
I wonder if it may be more easily or cost effectively achieved if people had more self -awareness, therefore more inner confidence, and therefore a more natural exuberance of presence. Would this not immediately help in the noticeable realm?
Perhaps, after all, one large element of having style is poise, and having poise is often self-awareness and the confidence to have one’s own ‘signature.’
Be You.
–c
Started in the way I expected. Ended with my exact sentiments. The last 3 paragraphs put it perfectly. I’ve never understood why people try so hard to be like so many others. I’ve always wondered, from the grunge & alt generation, into the recent emo and hipster generation, what the appeal is in trying to stand out from the crowd by dressing like, acting like and, being like everyone else around to “fit in.” Comfort with one’s self is so much more attractive and appealing than the waste of time it takes to conform to anti-conformance. Therein lies irony in social ambiguity that is not logical … we hear lyrics to music we like, such as “don’t believe everything that you breathe,” and in the next moment buy the same clothes to fit the same style and parrot others rather than questioning things for personal growth and substance beyond the obvious. That which builds character, and truly individual personality, such that one becomes comfortable with him or herself. Then there’s perspective: While some old people wither, others flourish, and yet others are very direct in that life becomes more beautiful as time and ability becomes more limited. To the point, if we respect our elders and should try to learn from their life lessons so as not to make the same mistakes … why then are so many, so young, so uncomfortable in their own skin, akin to the next popular trend in lieu of egotistical sin. Life’s short, why waste the time to be what everyone else wants or expects you to be? What is the old adage? “You have to help yourself before anyone else can help you.” Thus, to be truly confident, you have to know yourself, and yourself is not, are not, those around you so many are dependent on. Herein is another truth: Though such perspective may bother the minds of some, be absorbed by others, that which doesn’t fit a frame or reference is so easily disregarded for feel-good friends and indulgences. Excuses and justifications. Clare: Apologies for the semi-rant, compliments & kudos on your much more succinct last 3 paragraphs. Others: I beg these questions, as Clare raises an excellent point. My thoughts are my resolve in terms of how I came to terms with myself, and not feeling the need to be conformist to any (anti)conformance, nor care much about what others think, but live my life within reason … and I’ve been told this is one of the most appealing aspects of my personality. The body will wither and die in good time, how’s that personality and substance coming along in the meantime?