People who know how to dress and look fabulous any time, any occasion know their own style. They understand that fashion is subservient to style. Many words have been written on the subject of style versus fashion. The challenge for those of us who seek to express the difference is comparing the tangible with the intangible. Fashion is obvious but style is ephemeral. There are numerous expressions offered by many people in an attempt to encapsulate the difference between style and fashion. Perhaps the most succinct of these is attributed to Yves St.Laurent; Fashion fades, style is eternal.

When you have style you leave a positive and lasting impression. A person of style leaves an enduring and positive impression. True style lacks pretension and contrivance and because of this these people are enclosed by and air of credibility. This credibility creates a sense of ease which is transferred to others. George Clooney and Helen Mirren are superb examples. They are good looking and exude a sense of style that differentiates them from the rest. The have created an image of themselves that portrays their own identity so that their elegance and glamour appears natural and comfortable.

Fashion fits in, style stands out.

Maturity and self knowledge is perhaps the true difference between fashion and style. Having an understanding of oneself is the first step in the success of a stylish person in knowing how to dress themselves. These people understand who they are and this knowledge gives them the confidence to stand up and be noticed.

Its not by accident that young people in the turmoil of adolescence are the most slavish adherents to fashion.Due to their youthfulness they are not ready as individuals to know their own style. They need their social networks to validate themselves, to provide their identity and bolster their fragile sense of self.They are still evolving and so in the meantime they will conform to their group of peers.

Fashion is compliance, style is uniqueness.

Many people emerge from adolescence with some sense of identity and self-understanding, but many continue through life with immense levels of self doubt. This is unsureness is reflected in their visual image. Their garments are normally toned down and make no statements. They will very rarely use colour staying with neutrals. They admire people who can wear bold colours and creative combination’s but will refuse to wear these types of clothing as they would attract too much attention to themselves.

People generally want other people to see them in a positive light, but at the same times they do not have a concise image of themselves and how they want to be seen.Thereby, they run the risk of being incorrectly interpreted through their visual image because they havent purposefully considered it. They can be misconstrued and unrecognised. It is only when we are clear about the perception we wish others to have of us that we will truly know how to dress to express our own unique and intentional style.