By Christine Chacha

Oprah has her frizzled hair that she has held on over the years, Gwen Stefani has her scarlet red lipstick and blonde hair, while T-pain is never seen without his dark sunglasses no matter the time. These are their signature pieces, something that sets them apart from the crowd, something that is always associated with them.

 

Maybe a friend has told you that a certain look is ‘so you’. If you have then, it is likely that you too have developed a style that is all your own. Or maybe you have a certain piece that dominates your wardrobe, could be shoes or clothes. A friend of mine owns almost a hundred scarves, she loves scarves and she wears them at all times with everything and in every way. She might use them as a belt, or a tie, or just as a scarf.

 

Sometimes they are wrapped around her arm like a cuff bracelet and other times tied on to her purse. I also remember this lecturer at the university. She had the most gorgeous legs, and wore nothing but short skirts. She NEVER wore anything over her knees. She, like Tina Turner, was known for her legs and short skirts were her signature piece.

Find your style

These guys have found their defining signature look, a personal fashion voice. A signature style can be a colour, a fragrance, a type of jewelry, an accessory, oversized sunglasses, hat, handbag, shoes, belts, scarves, makeup, or hairstyle; basically anything. The dictionary defines signature as something (as a tune, style, or logo) that serves to set apart or identify; also a characteristic mark.  Note that the definition is singular, so a signature piece can only be one thing and not more than two so pick one item for your signature style. Developing a signature style is a way of expressing your personality and creativity through fashion.

 

A signature piece identifies you, almost like an identity card. Your signature piece is something that you have on practically every day -- anything that adds originality to your look.  It could even be a colour that flatters you. Most of the time a signature piece is something that dominates the wardrobe. 

Not something on trend

The difference between a signature style and a fashion trend is that a signature style has the potential to evolve or it is adaptable. I think accessories especially jewelry like brooches make great signature pieces because they can be pinned anywhere wherever you want to wear them on a variety of clothing pieces and they can be worn individually or in groups.  Wardrobe classics, like versatile sweaters, can be updated by buying them in different colours, and designs embellished with different details, or made out of different materials.

 

Finding your own signature look or signature piece can be quite difficult especially with the fashion trends that keep coming up; you are tempted to join the fashion bandwagon. Fashion experts advice that when you are looking for a signature piece or style, choose something you love wearing, that is truly flattering your body and highlights your best assets. Don’t just thumb through fashion magazines and decide on an item that’s in trend for the season. Your signature style should last you for years and truly compliment you.  It might change as you grow over time but it is not meant to be as fleeting as the fall fashion trends.