8 Ways to Express Your Style

When we think about style, clothing usually is what first comes to mind. But there are other compelling ways to express your style. 

Despite our outer appearance, whatever we say and do contributes to our style statement. The thing is, most of it usually happens unconsciously and thus unintentionally. As a result, people may not see us the way we want to be seen.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that everyone has to create a style statement or personal brand on purpose. But if you want to be more intentional about the messages you send out to the world and influence how others perceive you, you may want to read this post …

8 Ways to Express Your Style

1. The way you dress
2. Hair, makeup, and scent
3. Body language
4. Your surroundings
5. Conversations
6. Your digital ego
7. Relationships and connections
8. Knowledge and experiences

1. The Way You Dress

Let’s start with the most obvious way to show your style, clothing. Everyone has style and expresses it daily with the clothes they wear. Intentionally or not, our clothing sends a message and plays a decisive role in how we’re perceived by others. Yes, I know, it’s superficial, it’s only clothes. But there are two aspects to consider here. One is that we only have a few seconds for a first impression. And the other is, what we wear influences how we feel, and thus, how we act. 

If you want to dress on purpose but don’t know where to start, this comprehensive post can probably help:

• The Ultimate Guide to a Well-Curated Wardrobe

2. Hair, Makeup, and Scent

Despite clothing, our hair and makeup also contribute to our outer appearance and add to our style statement. Moreover, it’s an area where small changes can have a considerable impact. Just think how a different haircut can entirely change your appearance. Personally, I prefer it when clothing style, hair, and makeup work harmoniously together. But of course, there is also room for creating contrast and highlighting your uniqueness.

And not to forget, a well-chosen (signature) scent can add a ‘finishing touch’ to your personal style statement.

3. Body Language

From my experience, our body language has a significant impact but is quite challenging to control. Most of it happens entirely unconsciously. 

There are basically two ways to adjust your body language. One is to consciously observe and train yourself so your body language reflects what you want to communicate. This isn’t so easy, and you may need objective support to get the results you want.

Another option is to work on other areas, e.g., your outer appearance. Because if this causes you to feel differently, it will inevitably lead to changes in your body language.

4. Your Surroundings

Another area to express our style is our home and all the things we surround ourselves with. Of course, I’m aware that not all of us live in our dream home. Still, we get to decide if we, for instance, drown everything in clutter or not. Moreover, slight adjustments can have a significant impact here too. So even if your home, your surroundings aren’t ideal, there’s always a possibility to sneak in a few pieces that represent your unique style.

5. Conversations

What we say, and maybe even more importantly, how we say it is undoubtedly an essential part of our style statement. Say you want to show elegance and sophistication in your style. How would you communicate?

Very similar to our body language, our communication style can also be quite dissonant to our outer appearance. It’s definitely an area you want to control if your goal is to create a style statement on purpose.

6. Your Digital Ego

For sure one of my favorite topics. Today it feels, that rules for a respectful coexistence are no longer valid in the digital world. However, how we present ourselves online and how we interact and communicate with others largely adds to our style statement.

7. Relationships and Connections

Very closely related to the last two ways, the relationships and connections we choose and nourish also say a lot about us. Hence, they contribute to our style statement. I’m not saying that we have to part with everyone who doesn’t fit into the picture. Not at all. Still, we can intentionally choose to be with people who support us in the way we are and want to be. 

8. Knowledge and Experiences

What we’re knowledgeable about and the experiences we’re making also add to our style statement. Again a simple example. Showing a cosmopolitan, sophisticated style is easier when you traveled the world. However, this doesn’t mean we can’t grow into a style statement.

And there you have it. These are eight ways to express your style. Once you’re aware of them and how they work, you can intentionally influence the message you send to the world. But, of course, only if you choose to.

Share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!