How to create your own style

By Nemuel Mutinda

Many people are not satisfied with simply wearing trendy clothes that make them look like everyone else. They want something more — something that will make them stand out from the crowd.

Creating a personal style will go a long way towards enhancing how you generally feel and carry yourself around.

You may already have something that defines your personal style. It could be the way you walk, talk or dress. In the New Year, you might be looking to redefine your unique style and the easiest way to do this is through your dress sense.

A personal style is a subtle way to announce your real or imagined status without you saying a word.

Look natural

As a fashion icon, you can make a statement in several distinctive ways. But remember, the essence of personal style is that you should act and look natural.

If you choose the suit to define you, then choose styles that make you look good and are a natural extension of yourself. You should never look uncomfortable in a suit.

"Even if you have to ask for ideas, do not make it obvious in the way you dress that you are modelling the style," Consolata Ayuma, a designer in Nakuru says.

"Style comes from within; you ought to live and feel it," she adds.

Ayuma believes that personal style helps boost one’s appearance and has an impact on one’s business and relationships.

People have different styles. African leaders such as Kenneth Kaunda, Nelson Mandela and the late Mwalimu Nyerere can be considered African style icons.

Unique trademark

Kaunda has a suit named after him and the white handkerchief is his trademark. Mandela is credited with colourful shirts in African print fabrics.

"Style means different things to different people, but I believe every man should develop his own unique trademark when it comes to fashion," says Ayuma.

She advises that you should know your personality type and dress accordingly. Flashy attire reflects an outgoing and artistic personality.

Whatever style you intend to create and maintain this year, there are basic tips that should help in identifying and creating a personal style. There are also must haves in the wardrobe that would help improve style if you do not want to go for a drastic change.

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