The Signature Look

I'm a huge fan of Garance Doré; I think she's witty, personable, and unbelievably charming. I'd like to make her my best friend at some point. One can usually spot her signature topknot hairstyle, and when I saw the above street-style photos, I got to thinking about signature touches, whether they be Alexa Chung's shoulder-length hair or Freja Beha Erichsen's (guys, you knew it was going to head in this direction) leather jackets.

I don't have a signature touch. Sometimes, I straighten my hair before work. When I remember to do so, I'll swipe on Nars lipstick in Casablanca. Mostly, I just let all of my makeup fall off before going home and washing off the remnants before bed. I feel like I should implement a signature something, but the intent to do so seems fraudulent and a little forced. One of my bosses has a perfectly frizz-free bob regardless of rain, shine, or monsoon, and the other wears bright red lipstick on the regular. One fashion editor likes to wear ankle boots with opaque black tights and flowing, floaty minidresses. I doubt any of them set off with the motivation of making each her signature look.

I can let nature run its course, but I don't want my signature look to be dark skinny jeans and chapped knuckles. Should I just let a "signature" happen or try to influence it with purposeful applications of mascara (for doll-like lashes) or orange lipstick (à la J.Crew catalogues)? Is a signature even a signature if you've lifted it from the pages of popular clothing store ad? Probably not. Earnest Sewn and a perpetual need for hand cream it is.

Do you have a signature look? I'm just going to wait for mine to develop on its own. Currently, I'm crossing my fingers and hoping to God that frizz-free, humidity-immune hair somehow happens.

Photos courtesy of: Chicago Street Style and The Photodiarist.

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The other day, I was chatting with my boss about how she's influenced my personal style. So far, she's inadvertently shamed me out of wearing denim leggings (but they're Madewell! Almost real jeans!) and chipped nail polish. She also owns (and I've been keeping count): a pair of leather shorts, a leather maxi skirt, a leather jacket, and a leather tunic. Clearly, her own personal style is down pat: edgy but appropriate, and definitely cooler than me.

Besides my bosses, I develop style crushes on semi-celebs with ensembles that just pluck my little pants-and-tee-loving heartstrings. The evidence:

1. Freja? Check. I cut my hair into a pixie because of Freja. Then I grew it into a bob because of Freja. Then I grew it out to shoulder-length, thanks to Freja. Wash, rinse, repeat. In addition to her many hairstyles, Freja may be the reason that I have a black leather jacket. And why I wear dark colors so often. And why I wake up at 6:10 AM every morning to go to the gym.

2. An important lesson for which I have Audrey Tautou to thank: throwing a blazer over a rumpled t-shirt makes it look instantly polished. I have a go-to fitted grey number from J. Crew that I can wear over anything and—ta-da! I'm ready for work.

3. Chanel Iman is just cute. Also, I wouldn't EVER say no to a slouchy grey purse and black stiletto boots. Big smiles!


Whose style do you take note of? It's Freja, isn't it? I knew it.

Photo credits, from left: Pinterest, Cognac and Coffee, The Petite Brunette.