We’ve all been there: staring at the wardrobe thinking “Why don’t I look like that cool Pinterest board* I saved last night?” The answer might not be your clothes. It might be… you. (Yes, sorry.)
Because here’s the truth: your personality and values have a sneaky way of messing with the style you think you want. You can buy the leather pants, but if your inner voice sounds like your great-aunt whispering “nice girls don’t dress like that” … those pants will never leave the hanger. This is exactly why I talk about values in my style workshops.
So, let’s talk about the main style archetypes and how personality traits can either be the perfect match, or a very bad blind date.
Classic Style by Melania Trump
Classic Style, pinterest Dressing your Truth
1. Classic Style
Crisp shirts, tailored blazers, pearls, structure. And all that in marine blue or grey. Classic style is basically the clothes version of saying “I pay my bills on time.”
The woman with the classic style prefers to lay out her clothes the night before, including all the above mentioned accessories (the pearls). She likes to spend a little more on timeless and chic quality dressing. Her favourite fabrics are cool wool, jersey, double-face, knit and silk. She does not like her patterns to shout – they are usually either basic colours or closely linked patterns.
- Works like magic if you’re disciplined, traditional, and allergic to chaos.
- Doesn’t work if your soul screams “Let’s try sequins for breakfast!”
If you’re naturally rebellious, classic will feel like wearing a straightjacket to brunch.
Casual Corduroy, natural colours too
Jeans and shirt in natural style
2. Natural style
Think linen, sneakers, and “I totally didn’t iron this but it looks intentional.” The fashion that supports this style often resembles classic but with a sporty or fashionable touch. This woman wears natural, ease-to-care-for hairstyles and loves her make-up to look natural.
- Perfect if you value comfort, authenticity, and believe heels are an ancient torture device.
- Struggles if you secretly want to channel Lady Gaga (because Gaga does not do Birkenstocks. Ever.)
3. Romantic Style
Soft fabrics, draping, florals, “notice me, but in a dreamy way.”
The woman with the romantic style is distinguishable through her feminine chic and womanly figure. She underlines this best with gentle, soft figure accenting clothes. Her favourite colours are everything pastel: pink, yellow, green, blue. She is prefers her fabrics flowing and her prints flowery. Also she likes bling: on her jewellery, make-up and other accessories.
- Fits like a glove if you’re nurturing, empathetic, and can cry during commercials.
- But if you’re pragmatic and unemotional, ruffles will feel like an alien invasion.
- Also if you’re a financial analyst on Wall Street, the romantic style could clash with your work environment too.
4. Dramatic style
Bold shapes, sharp lines, big statements. The “I don’t enter a room, I arrive” vibe.
The woman who carries the dramatic style likes her fashion avant-garde and extravagant. Cic, daring, and vogue, she can wear extreme styles from every other style. Bold prints, large, sweeping lines, abstract and geometrical designs, asymmetrical cuts, stiff or glossy fabrics, tickle her fancy.
- A dream for confident, risk-taking personalities who secretly love it when people whisper “who does she think she is?”
- A nightmare if you’re shy, conflict-averse, and prefer blending in.
5. Creative style (bonus round)
Mixing prints and vintage finds, “I thrifted this in Tokyo and paired it with my grandmother’s curtain fabric.”
- Feels natural if you’re experimental, free-spirited, and okay with breaking (fashion) rules.
- Feels like chaos if you’re structured, methodical, and think socks should always
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The Clash
Here’s the thing: style isn’t just about clothes. It’s about identity. If your values scream security, tradition, stability, you won’t magically wake up loving a leather corset and neon platforms. You’ll just feel like an imposter.
And nobody ever lives in only one (style) box. Thanks to the smart test I use with my clients, it’s clear that everyone’s style is actually a blend of at least two archetypes. A corporate executive might mix classic with dramatic, while a freelancer could live somewhere between creative and natural, whileas aforementioned financial analyst who just freed herself from her wallstreet job, will want to celebrate and accentuate her romantic style. It’s the combination – plus your lifestyle – that makes your style your true self.
That’s exactly why I spend so much time talking about values in my workshops and consultations. Because your values shape the style you can own without feeling fake. They decide whether a blazer feels like confidence – or like costume.
When your clothes and your values align, style stops being stressful and starts being authentic. And that’s when it gets really good.
So tell me: which style type are you secretly crushing on, but your personality just won’t let you pull off?
* And if you’re looking for inspiration for all the style types — Classic, Natural, Romantic, Dramatic, or Creative and other topics. I’ve curated a Pinterest board with 1,000+ ideas. Think of it as your personal style buffet: take what works, leave what doesn’t, and mix it to match your personality and lifestyle.
👉 Dive in here
