Yes, You Can Wear the Same Look Every Day: Here’s How to Master Your Style Uniform

What Is A Style Uniform — Autum Love

Do you ever find yourself crunched for time when it comes to putting an outfit together that looks good, makes you feel good, but also reflects your true personal style? After giving birth to my second child, my handsome son, I entered into a new style journey. I was running my blog full-time, trying to balance keeping a clean home and making sure I was spending quality time with my daughter and my husband.

But I noticed that I just wasn’t happy with the way I looked. Even though I had all of the style tools and knowledge that I needed to put myself together. But, my issue wasn’t really finding my style. It was that I had so many options, that it often took me longer to pick out a simple outfit just to run a few errands. And because I was always in such a rush, I had to push aside the super glam Autum. For many months I neglected my skincare routine, and my daily style choice was oversized clothes to hide my postpartum belly fat.

It got to the point where my confidence began to dwindle and I would find myself comparing how I looked to other women. I knew I needed to do something about it. One day as I was sending out an email I had an aha moment “ duh Autum” create a style uniform.

Maybe you have been in a similar situation as I have and just felt so swamped from your daily task that getting dressed was the last thing on your mind. Or maybe you have those days when you stare at your overflowing closet but still feel like you have nothing to wear? Or even worse, you put together an outfit only to realize you're not entirely confident or comfortable in it? 

Or perhaps you have struggled with defining your personal style and feel overwhelmed when trying to curate your wardrobe. If any of this resonates with you, it may be time to create a personal-style uniform. Revamping your wardrobe and developing a style uniform can not only save time and reduce stress, but it can also improve your confidence in your daily outfits.

Keep in mind that a style uniform may not be suitable for everyone, as personal style and individual preferences vary widely.

In this blog post, I will guide you through the process of developing a go-to look that will not only make dressing up a breeze but also boost your confidence in your daily life. So you can finally say goodbye to those pesky indecisive moments and hello to a stylish, chic new you.

What is a Style Uniform?

A style uniform is a specific set of clothes that you wear on a regular basis, which effectively defines your signature look. It simplifies your wardrobe to a few key pieces that match your personal style, body type, and daily activities. The concept isn't new; it has been popularized by figures like Steve Jobs with his iconic black turtleneck and blue jeans, and Mark Zuckerberg with his consistent gray T-shirts. The idea is to reduce decision fatigue—a psychological phenomenon where making too many choices can drain your mental energy—allowing you to focus on more important decisions in your daily life.

Benefits of Having a Style Uniform

Adopting a personal style uniform simplifies your morning routine. With a predetermined set of clothing items, you spend less time deciding what to wear. This can be especially beneficial for working moms or anyone looking to streamline their day-to-day processes.

With fewer decisions to make about outfits, you save a substantial amount of time each day. This extra time can be redirected towards more productive activities or enjoying a little bit of free time.

A style uniform promotes a consistent and cohesive look that becomes part of your identity. This consistency can be key in professional environments where first impressions are crucial. It also helps in maintaining a simple wardrobe that aligns with your color palette and style essences, making every outfit feel like it's uniquely you.

Photos: @wintourworld

By focusing on high-quality pieces that work well together for different seasons and occasions, you invest in what you actually wear regularly. This reduces the temptation to buy trendy items that go unworn, saving you money in the long run.

Wearing a uniform can boost confidence. Knowing that you look good in what you wear because it's been tailored to your style and needs means you can go about your day with one less worry. Also, having signature pieces like a great blazer or perfect pair of black pants can make you feel put together with minimal effort.

Why Every Entrepreneur Needs A Style Uniform

Celebrities and entrepreneurs often wear a style uniform for several reasons. Firstly, it saves them valuable time and energy in their daily lives. By having a consistent wardrobe, they eliminate the need to spend hours deciding what to wear each morning. This allows them to focus on more important aspects of their work and personal lives and reduces decision fatigue. Additionally, a style uniform ensures that they always look put together and polished, which is important in their respective industries.

Another reason why celebrities and entrepreneurs wear a style uniform is that it can help establish a signature look and brand identity. By consistently wearing a particular style, color palette, or set of key pieces, they create a recognizable image that is associated with their personal brand. This can be especially important in the entertainment industry, where an artist's image is often a significant part of their success. By having a consistent style, they can communicate their personal brand to the public and build a strong, recognizable image that sets them apart from their peers.

Steps to Creating Your Ultimate Personal Style Uniform

Photo by Vinicius Wiesehofer

Discovering your personal style is the first step towards creating a style uniform that truly reflects who you are. Here’s how you can begin to identify your style preferences:

Tips for Discovering Your Personal Style Uniform:

  1. Look for Inspiration: Explore fashion blogs, magazines, and social media. Pay attention to the outfits that catch your eye and save those images for reference.

  2. Consider Your Lifestyle: Your daily activities and environment should influence your style. For instance, a corporate job may require a more classic look, while a creative profession might allow for more bohemian or eclectic styles.

  3. Reflect on Compliments: Think about the times you received compliments on your outfits. Which aspects were highlighted? This can give clues about what suits you best.

>>> Click Here To Discover Your Personal Style <<

Photo by Harper Sunday

Questions to Ask Yourself:

  • Which colors make me feel good when I wear them?

  • What items do I repeatedly wear because they make me feel confident?

  • Are there fabrics or patterns that I consistently prefer?

  • What style icons do I admire, and why?

Examples of Different Style Types:

  • Minimalist: Characterized by clean lines, neutral colors, and simple silhouettes. It’s about quality over quantity.

  • Classic: Timeless pieces like tailored trousers, blazers, and crisp white shirts.

  • Bohemian: Free-spirited and eclectic, featuring flowing garments, vibrant colors, and intricate patterns.

>>>> Check Our Our Style By Type Series To Help You Find Your Style<<<

Photo by Nikita Nikitin

Assessing Your Current Wardrobe

Evaluating what you already own helps refine your style by building on what you love and eliminating what doesn’t work.

Take The  Style Personality Quiz Here

How to Evaluate What You Already Own:

  1. Sort Through Your Clothes: Create categories based on type, color, and frequency of use.

  2. Try Everything On: Fit is crucial. Discard anything that doesn’t fit well or could not be easily tailored.

  3. Check for Wear and Tear: Remove items that are worn out or no longer represent your current taste.

Photo by Afeez Ajibola Yusuf

Find Your Signature Pieces

The next step is to narrow down the pieces that will be the building blocks of your personal-style uniform. Your signature pieces should be versatile, timeless, and importantly, items you love wearing. Think about the clothing items that you wear most often. These could be basics like t-shirts, jeans, or sweaters or more statement pieces like a blazer or a leather jacket. Choose pieces that are versatile, easy to mix and match, and that can be dressed up or down.

Alternatively, take inspiration from fashion icons, celebrities, or even friends who share similar tastes to decide on the core items for your unique uniform.

Making a Statement

Creating a personal-style uniform doesn't mean you have to limit yourself to basic pieces or avoid making fashion statements. By having a curated wardrobe with a constant theme, you can make a bigger impact with your appearance. Experiment with statement accessories, like bold jewelry, oversized sunglasses, or unique shoes to add a personal touch to your style uniform. These items can give you the opportunity to express your individuality without sacrificing the cohesion and practicality of your wardrobe.

Building the Foundation of Your Style Uniform

Creating a style uniform starts with selecting key pieces that form the backbone of your wardrobe. These are the items you'll wear repeatedly, in various combinations, across different seasons and occasions.

Essential Items To Create Your Style Uniform:

Classic White Shirt

A staple that can be dressed up with a blazer or down with jeans.

Tailored Blazer

Photo by Vlada Karpovich

Perfect for adding structure to any outfit, making it suitable for both casual and formal settings.

Dark Jeans

Photo by Becca Correia

  • Versatile and flattering, dark jeans can transition from day to night effortlessly.

Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

Now that you have a better idea of your desired style and wardrobe essentials, it's time to invest in high-quality pieces that can withstand the test of time. Since you will be wearing these items frequently, it’s important to invest in quality pieces. Quality pieces aren’t always based on the price tag. You can shop for quality clothing items at places such as TJMaxx, and Nordstrom Rack for quality pieces but at a fraction of the price. You can also strategically shop at thrift stores and be on the lookout for specific brands that you know are high quality.

 Additionally, if you have the money to, then splurging on high-quality, well-fitting items will ensure that they last longer, ultimately saving you money and time spent on repairs or replacements.
 Moreover, well-crafted clothing tends to fit and look better, adding an extra layer of sophistication to your uniform.

Experiment with Accessories and Layers

While your style uniform might consist of a few key pieces, you can still mix things up by experimenting with accessories and layers.

Unique and bold accessories can elevate your look and make your uniform feel fresh each time you wear it. 

Consider items like statement necklaces, bold belts, or colorful scarves. Similarly, layering can be a strategic way to add dimension and interest to your everyday uniform. Different combinations of jackets, blazers, cardigans, and vests can result in versatile outfit possibilities for various occasions, temperatures, and moods.

Creating a Color Palette for Your Style Uniform

Photo by Ron Lach

A cohesive color palette ensures that your pieces can be mixed and matched easily, offering versatility and reducing the number of items you need. Here's how to create and use a color palette to enhance your style uniform.

How to Select a Cohesive Color Scheme for Your Wardrobe:

Start with Neutral Bases:

  • Colors: Black, white, grey, and navy

  • Why: These offer great foundations and versatility, acting as the building blocks of your wardrobe.

Add Signature Colors:

  • One or two signature colors that suit your skin tone and personal taste.

  • These will serve as a pop of color for your outfits, adding personality and interest.

>>> Click Here To Learn How To Create Your Color Palette<<<

Style Icons and Their Uniforms

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs was known for wearing a style uniform, which typically consisted of a black Issey Miyake turtleneck, blue jeans, and sneakers. He did this for a few reasons.

Steve Jobs's signature style uniform of a black turtleneck and blue jeans was his way of minimizing the decisions he had to make each day and reducing his decision fatigue allowing him to be more inclined to make important decisions.

 And by wearing the same thing every day, he could save mental energy and focus on more important matters.

Finally, Job viewed himself and his wardrobe as a product of Apple, and wanted to ensure that he embodied its values and signature style with his outfit every day.

Overall, Jobs’ style uniform was a deliberate choice that helped him simplify his life,  create an identifiable look, and express the ethos of Apple.

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian doesn’t have a style uniform in a traditional sense. There are certain staples that she tends to favor that have become part of her signature look. For example, Kim often wears form-fitting dresses and skirts that emphasize her curves. 

She also frequently wears statement jewelry such as oversized earrings, or chokers, and often carries a designer handbag.

In terms of color and fabrics, Kardashian tends to favor neutral tones like black, white, and beige, as well as metallics like silver and gold. She also frequently wears materials like leather and latex, which give her outfits a sexy and edgy vibe.

While she doesn’t have a strict uniform that she wears every day, she does have a recognizable style that incorporates certain elements and always makes a statement. Paying attention to these things will help you to develop a stronger style of uniform.

Anna Wintour

Anna Wintour, who is the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, is known for her iconic style uniform, which typically consists of a knee-length sheath dress, a statement necklace, and a pair of elegant, pointed-toe pumps. She often pairs this outfit with her signature bob hairstyle and dark sunglasses. 

Her style uniform is a reflection of her personal style, which is elegant, sophisticated, and timeless. She is often seen wearing designer clothing, and her outfits are always perfectly tailored and polished.

While Wintour’s style uniform is simple and understated, it makes a statement and is instantly recognizable. It has become part of her image and persona and has helped establish her as a fashion icon in her own right,

Diane von Furstenberg Style Uniform

Diane von Furstenberg, the iconic fashion designer, is known for her elegant and effortless style, which often incorporates bold prints and colors. Her style uniform typically consists of a wrap dress, which she popularized in the 1970s, paired with statement jewelry and heels.  The wrap dress is a versatile and timeless piece that looks effortless on all body types and can be dressed up or down for any occasion. 

Typically  she  incorporates elements of bohemian and vintage styles into her outfits,and  prints and patterns that are inspired by nature and her travels around the world.

 In terms of accessories, she is often seen wearing oversized sunglasses, bold statement jewelry, and colorful scarves. She also favors high heels and ankle boots to add height and a touch of sophistication to her outfits.

This blogpost was originally published February 4, 2020. And was updated July 29, 2024

Previous
Previous

Do's and Don'ts of Dressing for Your Corporate Headshot

Next
Next

6 Of The Best Blazers To Style with Jeans In 2024