Style Reflections: vi. A Style Glossary
- Joanna
- Jan 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 24
Select any style words or phrases from each heading that resonate with you (the lists are not comprehensive). The glossary definitions are designed to help you reflect on your current and future style.
In what way do these words or phrases connect to your motivations towards changing your style, your Style ID, your MBTI Personality Style Type or your archetypal energies?
Take note of any recurring themes and direct your attention towards developing your style in those areas.
1. Style Levels:
How do I wish to be seen and received by others?
What do I want to be recognised or remembered for?
To which of these levels would I ideally take my style to?
1. Functional - Neutral, practical, emotionally disengaged from fashion
2. Discerning - Exhibits quality and proportion without expressive intent eg a basic understanding of how to dress your body or colouring is shown
3. Integrated - Clothing is fully inhabited; style and self are aligned eg the clothes you wear suit you physically and psychologically
4. Expressive - Uses clothing deliberately to communicate personal taste eg clothes are selected with the purpose of communicating something of yourself, telling a story or a mood
5. Aesthetic - Operates through a coherent visual mood or thematic lens eg the previous points are usually worked through to create an aesthetic, different from others
6. Distinctive - Memorable, recognisable, intentionally differentiated eg friends or family can easily recall a particular look or style of yours
7. Signature - A stable, recognisable personal system of dress eg friends or family can easily describe how you usually dress
8. Influential - Style affects peers and social circles eg an influencer
9. Inspirational - Style inspires creatives and designers through presence rather than broadcast eg a fashion muse
10. Style Leader - Initiates or accelerates new stylistic directions eg. a fashion designer
11. Iconic - Style operates symbolically across time and culture eg. remembered and even celebrated decades later
2. Fashion Trends and Cycles
Do I want to be perceived by others as ahead of my time, contemporary or timeless?
What does this communicate to others about myself?
Modern – Forward-looking and innovative, design lines reflect developments in science and technology
Trendy – Aligned with short-term fashion movements, especially multiple, seasonal micro-trends
Fashionable – Socially current and generally accepted by others, the wearer demonstrating an awareness of society and peer influences
Contemporary – Reflective of present aesthetics or tastes, without trend dependence
Classic – Styles rooted in established traditions and silhouettes
Timeless – Clothing, accessories or styles resistant to fashion cycles and not easily placed in any zeitgeist
Style Evolution - A style that shifts with life and identity changes, without losing its core essence
3. Creative Styling
How can I visually express my style? Choose from any list.
How do these definitions connect to my Style ID, MBTI Style Personality, and archetypal energies?
Chic – Culturally aware, restrained confidence
Sophisticated – Mature, subtle, knowledgeable and discerning
Elevated – Greater quality, thoughtfulness or refinement than expected
Elegant – Graceful, balanced and harmonious
Understated – Quiet and subtle in expression
Tailored - Precisely structured; shaped to follow the body with clean lines.
Casual - Comfortable and informal; prioritising ease over polish.
Minimalist – Restrained and essential
Bold – Visually strong and commanding
Edgy – Sharp, unconventional or unexpected
Avant Garde – Experimental and concept-driven
Rebellious - Defying sartorial convention; non-conformist in appearance
Maximalist – Layered and abundant
Bohemian - Relaxed and eclectic; inspired by art, travel or a carefree lifestyle
Free-spirited - Unrestricted and expressive; uses intuition rather than rules
Artistic - Creatively driven; marked by originality, imagination or visual interest
Eclectic - multiple influences in one outfit or wardrobe
Look – A specific outfit or styling moment, unrelated to other looks or styles
Feminine - Soft, graceful or traditionally female-associated in form or feeling
Sensual - Engaging the senses; emphasising texture, movement and physical allure
Playful - Lighthearted and fun; incorporating whimsy or unexpected details
Youthful - Fresh and energetic; conveying vitality rather than seriousness
4. Wardrobe Planning
What role do I want my clothes to play in my everyday life?
How do I approach evaluating, buying, planning, and maintaining my wardrobe?
Cohesive – Harmonious across all elements
Comfortable – Physically and psychologically puts you at ease
Curated – Intentionally chosen and cohesively assembled
Effortless – Appears easy and unforced
Empowering – Increases your confidence and agency
Functional - Supports your real activities and energy levels
Grounding - Helps you to feel centred, calm and physically at ease
Integrated - Clothing, accessories and grooming speak the same language
Intentional – Clearly purposeful in every choice
Interchangeable – Pieces work across different outfits and contexts
Kinaesthetic - Allows movement, ease, posture and mobility
Low Effort - A reliable core of items that reduce decision making
Maintainable – Easy to care for and keep in good condition
Mood Dressing - Aligns with your changeable emotional states
Polished – Highly finished with minimal visible flaws
Put-Together – Complete and context-appropriate
Refined – Edited, selective and restrained
Repeatable – Designed to be worn often, not 'saved'
Self-Expressive - Communicates who you are, without explanation
Versatile – Adaptable across multiple contexts
Weather Resistant - Works with particular climates, seasons and activities
