How to find your own style in clothing: color type, figure and tips. How to create your own style in clothing: basic principles How to find your style in
Very often we are faced with a situation when, having opened the closet, we realize that “the shelves are bursting”, but, as they say, there is nothing decent to find and nothing to wear. There are 20 T-shirts and blouses of completely different colors and styles hanging on hangers, but somehow none of them fit with these particular trousers or skirt. You try on different ensembles in front of the mirror that you have come up with hastily, it seems to be almost what you need, but somewhere something clearly doesn’t measure up, doesn’t look right or doesn’t suit the color, texture or pattern. And, as a rule, we find ourselves in this unpleasant situation on the eve of important events, when it’s too late to run to the store, and again, you don’t want to spend money at all with such an abundance of wardrobe. And such an evening usually ends with us finding the best of what is available, reluctantly and trying once again to convince ourselves that it will do “for the countryside,” perhaps no one will pay attention and will not look closely. And, as a rule, we really don’t feel close attention to our person. Unfortunately, Russian society is not used to paying enough attention to clothing. Probably, the origins of this lie back in Soviet times, when it was good that there was something to wear at all. But time passes, and people's attitudes to many things change. And with such an abundance of stores and information today you can already find something unique, interesting, and different. And for this you need to be at least a little oriented in the world of style and fashion and know at least the main trends.
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In addition, there is another important aspect why each of us simply needs to find our own style in clothing. Try a little experiment. Collect in a separate pile all the clothes that you bought and wore only once or twice or didn’t wear at all, because you don’t have anything to wear with them yet. Then calculate its cost! I think the amount will be impressive. But this money could have been spent in some other way, right?
Sometimes you look at some well-dressed person, and you like how he looks, how his clothes “fit” on him. At the same time, you know for sure that you would not wear this on yourself, because it is not yours, because it does not suit your soul. And it is not necessary! In my opinion, you will be completely comfortable only in the clothes that you like. You shouldn't try to adapt to someone. After all, almost each of us, with rare exceptions, has some constitutional features, which are sometimes called figure flaws. It’s just that some people manage to veil them, while others don’t even think about it. You may not have such a refined figure and such charming facial features as the models on the covers of women's magazines. But, I assure you, with some effort, any woman can look good if she learns to choose and wear what maximizes her strengths and hides her flaws as much as possible. At the same time, your clothes can be of absolutely any style.
There is something for everyone in every style.
And I am deeply convinced that any thing should first of all be stylish, and only then, if possible, fashionable. Fashion changes so quickly that you need to have a substantial supply of banknotes in your wallet to keep track of its whims. But if there is no inner sense of style, a sense of some kind of harmony, then no super fashionable thing will save you. But if you have in your wardrobe a high-quality, practical and functional item, chosen with taste, that fits you well and generally reflects your personality and inner world, I assure you that you will be happy to wear it for many years.
A sense of style is what is primary, on which the skyscraper of your individual wardrobe should stand.
A sense of style is not something initially given by nature, although it happens. A true sense of style is a continuation of a person’s individuality, his inner world. It develops, changes, improves together with the person himself, “grows up” with him. It reflects the very essence. That is why it cannot be somehow standard, gray and mass-produced, since the inner world of each of us is unique.
What style of clothing do you prefer?
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Clothing style test
Which style do you prefer?
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Clothing style test
Which style do you prefer?
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Clothing style test
Which style do you prefer?
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Clothing style test
Which style do you prefer?
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Dressing beautifully and fashionably is a great art. Some people develop good taste from childhood, while others develop it throughout their lives. A stylish person knows how to harmoniously combine his appearance with his inner attitude. He knows how to hide flaws and highlight the strengths of a figure using wardrobe items and accessories. A sense of style provides indispensable assistance in building a career, personal life and public affairs. After all, based on appearance, a certain opinion is formed about a person as an individual. How can you find your own style in clothing? Since this task is not easy, it is worth seeking advice from professional stylists.
How can a woman learn to create stylish images?
Every day, thinking about what to wear, we unwittingly become our own image makers. Having determined the direction and purpose of our actions, we select things and jewelry that correspond to a specific situation. Don't forget about the right shoes, handbag, hair and makeup. The harmonious combination of these elements adds confidence, dignity and independence. A successful look creates a feeling of comfort and security.
Which style of clothing will be closest to you can be understood intuitively. A woman's character, actions, facial expressions, gestures, gait - all these factors determine the need for specific things. Energetic, active people are suited to a sporty style; enthusiastic people are impressed by romance, vintage, and boho. Purposeful, serious women prefer a classic, business style. Ladies 40 and older often lean towards natural, elegant, dramatic or French looks. The Chanel and lady-like style is also close to them.
People who follow only one fashion trend are rare. Whatever their preferences, most women have several styles in their wardrobe. This allows you to combine different items and feel free in any environment.
Important! To choose the right style, you should start with an objective analysis of your own appearance and lifestyle.
Search for a color type
Our eyes are designed in such a way that they react first to a spot of color and only then to a shape. All existing paints are conventionally divided into two large groups: warm and cold. You can get acquainted with them by referring to the color wheel that artists and designers use in their work. Warm colors yellow, orange and red are typical colors of hot summer. Cold tones blue, green, blue - symbolize winter. In addition to the primary colors, there are multiple intermediate shades.
All people are also divided into warm and cold color types. To determine your identity, just stand in front of a mirror and alternately bring warm and cold-colored objects to your face. As a result of these actions, it is easy to see that against the background of some things your face becomes dull and faded, but next to others your skin looks fresh and healthy. In this simple way, each woman will determine “her” shades of the wardrobe.
Important elements of the image
The structure and proportions of the body also fall into the category of significant factors when creating fashionable looks. Probably every girl noted that in some things she looks impressive and irresistible. And when wearing others, even trendy ones, she loses her individuality and even becomes faceless. It's all about understanding the shape of your own body.
In the classification of female figures, five types of build are known. By objectively assessing the characteristics of your physical condition, you will be able to consciously and competently choose clothes for yourself. Pay attention to the details and silhouettes of the cut - this helps to successfully correct your figure.
Shoulders
The large width is neutralized by vertical fasteners, wide straps, long narrowed lapels of jackets, and raglan sleeves. Do not make folds or draperies along the shoulder line. Balance in the figure is also achieved by a V- or U-shaped neckline, a tight belt with a clearly defined waist.
For narrow shoulders, boat necklines, puff sleeves, American armholes, and voluminous linings are more suitable.
Hips
Excessive fluffiness is well masked by clothes with a narrowed or trapezoidal silhouette. The length of skirts and dresses should cover the knees. Straight trousers with narrow stripes and empire style dresses look great.
The missing volume of narrow hips can be corrected with skirts with a yoke, pleated, flounced, or flared. Wide trousers with thin vertical stripes, patch side pockets, wide belts and sashes, and voluminous texture of fabrics also help.
Bust
Lush breasts are masked with dark shades of clothing, narrow necklines, and high-waist dresses.
It is possible to increase the missing volume with the help of blouses with yokes with thick folds and ruffles. Lush jabots, multiple flounces, large prints, and textured materials also help well.
Height
It is possible to straighten the proportions by shifting the accents. Tall girls are advised to lengthen their blouses and jackets and balance their look with a belt, decorative border or bracelets. Short women prefer elegant heels, large jewelry on the neck or ears.
Accessories and shoes
Additional elements can perfectly correct any figure. It should be remembered that the attention of others is attracted to the area marked by the accessory. Large earrings emphasize the beauty of the eyes, thin bracelets highlight graceful wrists, a flowing scarf emphasizes slender height and light gait.
For a harmonious bow, you need to remember the proportions of the body. For thin figures, choose a stiletto heel, a narrowed toe, or a neat clutch. For plumper women, it is better to stick to large bags and shoes with a stable fit.
How can a man create his own clothing style?
The wardrobe of the stronger sex quite clearly reflects personal qualities and emphasizes the individuality of the owner. You need to start searching for your own style by analyzing your activities and your immediate environment. Think about how people around you perceive you. Perhaps your appearance, which you pay little attention to, looks dull and uninteresting? Or, on the contrary, does your every appearance in a new look arouse the genuine interest of women and the curiosity of your male colleagues? The purpose of such observations should be the desire to find out which style is most close and comfortable to you as an individual.
Profession– serious companies that care about their image are intolerant of liberties in business attire. Worn jeans and a wrinkled shirt are unlikely to be an adornment for a reputable employee.
Body type– any clothing must be in size and in accordance with the build.
Review of fashion trends– periodically flip through men’s magazines, look through the pages of websites with photos of beautiful clothes. Try to imagine how you will look in the things you like. Take time to shop and browse the new seasonal collections.
Style Comparison– don’t rush to settle on the first successful solution. Try clothes from other fashion trends, change colors, styles, combine items of the same color scheme from different sets. Through trial and experimentation, you will be able to create many options for stylish looks that are appropriate in any setting.
Use accessories- This is an excellent option for those cases when it is difficult to decide on your own style. Additional elements can significantly change your appearance and add charm and solidity to an ordinary suit. For this purpose, glasses, a wrist watch or on a chain, a hat, a scarf, a scarf, gloves, and expensive shoes will be useful. All these things must have impeccable workmanship and be in harmony with at least one item in the ensemble.
How to choose your own clothing style for a teenager?
The younger generation rarely listens to the advice of their parents. The subject of disagreement is various topics, including teenage fashion. The more children's opinions diverge from the views of adults, the more active the protest sentiments are.
Puberty is characterized not only by physiological changes in the body, but also by active personal search. The desire for self-expression in children often results in radical actions. For example, creating images in the gothic, punk or glam style. Young people who yesterday wore modest school uniforms today flaunt torn jeans, piercings and tattoos.
To mitigate revolutionary changes in appearance or try to avoid them, parents should be as close to their children as possible. Choosing a new wardrobe will help you make friends with them again. You can look at magazines, Internet pages together and discuss the latest fashion items. Pay attention to the people around you and discuss with your children the advantages and disadvantages of celebrity costumes.
Do not rush to condemn and categorically reject what you personally do not like. Try to understand why your child wants to look like the eccentric Lady Gaga or the outrageous Brian Warner. Try to convey that blind imitation of an idol leads to loss of individuality and independence. If this style of clothing still suits you, then try to help balance the new image for your child.
Guide your child's fashion interests in the right direction and give him the freedom to create harmonious looks. Patience, attention and delicacy will be the best helpers in relationships with teenagers. It is these qualities that will help you gain the trust of children and choose your path in the fashion world.
They have receded into the past, giving way to new, more blurred boundaries. In modern society, style means a reflection of a person’s character and inner world rather than a beautiful wrapper. Every person has noticed that some things, even if they are suitable in size, are absolutely uncomfortable, even if they look good, but it is impossible to walk. How to find your style if you don’t have it, where to look?
What you need to know
Even in how to find your own style, there are rules, not so strict, more like recommendations, but you need to listen to them. The tips look like this:
Before you start choosing images, you must get rid of all complexes and pressure from relatives and friends. No one has ever been helped by persistent advice that goes against one’s own preferences on how to find your own style in clothing for a woman.
First item on the list: go to Narnia or explore the closet
The first thing you need to do is sort out your wardrobe. What are we looking for? Things that you don’t wear, that you don’t like, and those that correspond to your ideas about your own appearance. All clothing must undergo a thorough fit test on the following points:
After each item has been carefully reviewed, subjected to constructive criticism and assigned to a new place, you can move on. This point is necessary, because how to find your own style without knowing your own preferences.
Point two: why exactly this?
After a thorough search of your wardrobe, only those things that are worn often are left; you need to take a closer look at them and make a short list of reasons why you like these particular things. By what criteria to look:
- Do you like the fabric?
- Is the color right?
- Are you satisfied with the style of the product?
- Etc.
The list can be continued for a long time, but every person who is thinking about how to find their own style in clothing will have their own characteristics of their favorite thing. It is advisable to write down the signs in a notebook and always take it with you when going shopping.
Point three: symbiosis and style
A person’s lifestyle plays a decisive role in choosing a new style. It doesn’t matter whether the question of how to find your own style comes to mind for a man or a woman, in any case, work activity determines a lot. People running a business or office employees are better off sticking to elegant looks, while students can choose any one they like.
Ideas can also be found in everyday life, simply by walking down the street and analyzing other people, mentally trying on the images and details you like. So, anyone can create a mental picture of what they like. All that remains is to adapt the style so that it fits seamlessly into everyday activities.
Daily activities do not allow you to try on your favorite look every day, but you can adapt it to your own needs, for example, replacing stiletto heels with lower heels, and classic trousers with jeans. You need to learn to seek compromises.
Fourth point: what is beautiful does not necessarily suit
Features of the figure and color compositions of the body also make their own adjustments to the chosen clothes. Before finding her own style, a girl definitely needs to create some kind of system of what can and cannot be purchased. When drawing up such a scheme, you need to be a categorical and decisive person, and not feel sorry for yourself.
Of course, sometimes you want to wear a tight dress or suit that fits your figure, especially if your figure leaves much to be desired. The law of style is that you should wear only those things that hide flaws and highlight advantages.
Point five: completion of work
An objective assessment has never bothered anyone; it is advisable to take with you a friend while shopping who is not afraid to express her opinion and knows how to find her own style. Along with the clothing style, hairstyle, makeup and other small nuances that complete the image often change. The main thing is not to give in to illusions, follow your chosen goal and not give up. It is advisable to make purchases in a good mood, this will protect against a drop in self-esteem.
Clothing that fits well on mannequins will not always fit perfectly on the figure of a living person, and this also applies to shoes. Accessories should complement the look, not spoil it or stand out as incongruous. Before purchasing accessories, it is recommended to think carefully about what you want to show off.
Have you ever wondered how women find and perfect their clothing style? Or maybe you've wondered what it even means to find your own style? Developing your handwriting in anything - from cooking to dressing - has become an integral feature of a successful life. This not only allows you to spend time and money effectively, but also disciplines you. Getting rid of everything unnecessary and inappropriate will make you feel much freer.
What do you need to consider to find your clothing style?
How to cultivate your taste? Fashion expert Lauren Santo Domingo, a woman who will grace any photo, offers valuable advice: “Find a celebrity reference—someone whose shape and size is similar to yours. Feel free to copy proportions, silhouettes and colors - to look good, stars hire expensive stylists.”
First of all, you should be honest with yourself and look at things realistically when it comes to your body. We often like clothes that don't fit at all. The best way to find out which style is definitely yours is to use the services of a professional shopper, if possible. Ask him to pick out several different things (sweatshirts, trousers, skirts, dresses) and, with the help of a specialist, find out what suits you best.
A few important points:
- When you have a miniature physique, you should control the volume and monitor the proportions.
- Can't call yourself curvy? Look for clothes with a defined high waist to better highlight your figure. Take a clever trick from Kate Middleton, who prefers to mark this level slightly above her actual belt line.
- If your body type is “hourglass”, then under no circumstances hide under loose and multi-layered clothes: protruding breasts and hips mean that you need to focus on the waist. Clothes that fall loosely at the top will make you look larger, and the cocoon style is your worst enemy.
Signature style doesn't mean you have to put together your outfit the same way over and over again. The silhouette is important and should always look harmonious. Experiment with colors, patterns and lengths, but try to stick to the lines that best suit your body type.
The “uniform” can be quite conservative (like Grace Coddington) or more relaxed (like Stella McCartney), but it doesn’t have to be boring. Erin Beatty, designer of the eccentric but amazing brand Suno, is a big fan of tunics and trousers. “This is my favorite outfit, it looks a little covered but stylish at the same time.” For example, she chooses something with long sleeves of an unusual shape or a wild multi-colored print - it’s all in the execution.
It may also happen that your hallmark will be some characteristic feature - hairstyle, makeup (for example, adherence to a certain lipstick color) or accessories (like Theresa May's leopard shoes). When you add something you particularly like to your look, it gives you a boost of confidence. Not only will your outfit always look put together, but you will also feel like a fish out of water in those moments when it matters most.
Who should a girl or woman take as an example?
Fashion maven: Caroline Issa
If you need an example of how to follow fashion without falling prey to it, look no further than publisher and leading fashionista Caroline Issa. The list of her constant features over the years includes her hairstyle (a long braid braided at the back) and bright scarlet lips. She pays attention to new trends, colors and trends, but doesn't go crazy about them every season. Her signature detail in clothing is styles that hide flaws and emphasize advantages. Caroline can wear something with a huge print, a long skirt or wide trousers, but her waist will always be clearly defined. She also sticks to a specific color palette when putting together each look. See how the embroidered shoes match the trim of her blue shirt, and how she brightens up her monochrome outfit with splashes of yellow and blue.
Glamor in touch: Diane von Furstenberg
This woman calls her fashion collections “friends in the closet.” Given Diana's more than forty years of experience in producing "friends", it is worth trusting her methods. The fashion designer has come up with a reasonable formula for how to always look sexy and playful, but without the excesses typical of the Kardashian family. A bouffant hairstyle, big glasses, massive earrings are the classic identifying marks of Diane von Furstenberg. Her favorite win-win silhouette is a T-shaped one, with a round neckline and a skirt length just below the knee. The designer also long ago found suitable shoes - shoes with a strappy mid-heeled heel, which visually lengthen her legs and emphasize her ankles.
Pants and perfect fit: Ines de la Fressange
The model and designer can almost always be seen in trousers, but she is not afraid to experiment with length and style, which allows Ines de la Fressange to look fashionable and stylish - no matter what she wears (wide flared jeans, pipes or embroidered matador-style trousers), it looks modern. Ines leaves the top a little loose - for example, wearing a tweed jacket (one of her many vintage Chanel designs) or a biker jacket (slightly cropped to emphasize femininity). But she can wear a fluffy sweater, a luxurious caftan, or a shirt made of compressed fabric. According to Fressange, every woman should have a blue shirt, which looks more flattering than a white one. Playful and glamorous at the same time, she combines big labels with a variety of lesser-known finds. Her wrists, neck, fingers and lapels are always heavily adorned with vintage and ethnic accessories. All this, as well as a dazzling collection of bags and shoes from Roger Vivier (Ines is a brand ambassador), does not leave the fashion icon unnoticed.
Modern Retro: Charlotte Dellal
Shoe and accessories designer Charlotte Dellal is faithful to the aesthetics of the forties and fifties, but presents it in a very modern way. She is partial to bright patterns (for example, leopard print is often found both in her collections and in her wardrobe), but Charlotte's image always looks complete, despite the grotesqueness. What is the basis of her style? Minimalist makeup with the same red lipstick, perfectly styled fiery red hair, daring but simple dresses (colored or with prints) and heels. The designer also selects accessories exceptionally well. As a result, we see a modern housewife in the style of the fifties and a seductive siren rolled into one.
Minimalism: Grace Coddington
In the early years of her career, Grace Coddington was known for her striking images. But after the seventies, she succumbed to the influence of Calvin Klein minimalism. Then Grace moved from London to New York and began working for this brand, and then at Vogue under the wing of Anna Wintour. With a fertile imagination and an equally unlimited budget at the time, she centered her wardrobe around black and brought more dark tones and drama to her photo shoots. Coddington is most often seen in long trousers, shirts (usually loose-fitting) and blazers, but she adds variety to her outfits with matching jewelry, shoes and bags. Undoubtedly, without a shock of red hair, her image would not look so bright, but this is what real style consists of - the ability to take into account physical data when putting together a wardrobe.
Masculine femininity: Stella McCartney
The characteristics of McCartney's style are less obvious than others - it is more a conviction than a set of specific details. Early in her career, Stella paired Savile Row silhouettes with feminine vintage pieces. The dialogue between masculine and feminine in her wardrobe continued later, but with the introduction of elements of sportswear. Whatever the designer wears (a short silk dress or leggings, a model with a daring Seventies-style neckline or one of those comfortable oversized turtlenecks), she always looks relaxed. "The key is to find clothes that work for you," she says. – I’m a big fan of variety. I love the idea of an off-the-shoulder evening suit as an alternative to the traditional tuxedo.”
Simple Classic: Alex Steadman
Blogger, stylist and art director Alex Stedman prefers a relaxed style. Her looks feature a lot of denim, loose blouses tucked into trousers, pinstripes and trendy footwear (luxe leather sandals, gray platform sneakers and suede heels). Stedman's clothes are discreet, they look very budget-friendly, but at the same time very fashionable - her style lies precisely in simplicity. In addition, Alex is rarely seen with her ankles covered and without her signature glasses.
To the question of what we are doing here and )) Natasha and I came across this interview on the Internet more than a year ago and at one time it really hooked us. To call it our manifesto would perhaps be too loud, especially since the moped manifesto is not ours. But we very much agree with many things here) For example,that it's hard to be stylish with an empty head,WhatYou can and should work on your style, that you need to grow into a style... At least that’s what happened to us - we became interested in style while working on our Ph.D. dissertations, and not skipping school, as they sometimes tell us) In general, strongly recommended to everyone who wandered into this community in search of something and found the wrong door.
And the whole point is that standard advice does not fit well with your unique personality. To be able to create your own style from a book, this book must be written just for you! And it was written by a specialist who can not only judge superficially (after reading a couple of books on style, almost everyone can do this), but can look deeper and see your true essence. And only then, by correlating the internal and external, will he find the key to your style, to your image.
We talk about how to become such a specialist, how an individual image is born and who can be considered a stylish person with an amazing master - Lyubov Mikhailovna Popova. For many Moscow stylists, image makers and designers, this is a significant name, a symbol of exceptional skill in creating a stylish image, as well as a teacher who revealed their creative abilities and became a guide to the world of art.
So, dear friends, I present to you my interlocutor: Lyubov Mikhailovna Popova - candidate of art history, author of a method for creating a stylish image, head of the Studio for the Development of Creative Abilities.
Osinka: Lyubov Mikhailovna, individual style is a fashionable category, but quite mysterious. What is it - a person’s style?
Lyubov Mikhailovna: A person's style is an expression of a vibrant personality. You can't be stylish and not have a bright personality. You can't live a boring, standard life and be stylish. People often live exactly the same as their neighbors, and for some reason they are confident that with such a life they can be stylish. Style is a natural, organic continuation of the essence of a person, and a bright, unique essence. Therefore, style seems to sprout from the human core, as naturally as a swollen grain sprouts in good soil. You can't be stylish on the outside and not stylish on the inside.
In addition, individual style in external expression is an artistic image. And an artistic image is an internal, immanent feature of a work of art. That is, style is always art. Therefore, individual style is a mandatory manifestation of the artistic capabilities of the individual, therefore, it requires certain knowledge in the field of art. You need to realize that style is formed at a certain, fairly high, cultural level of a person.
Osinka: Please give examples of stylish people. What makes them stylish?
L.M.: I have selected photos of stylish women for you. Look with what respect for individuality their differences are presented: the external coldness and secret heat of Marlene Dietrich, the trepidation of Audrey Hepburn, the naturalness of Sophia Loren, the free flight of Maya Plisetskaya. Photographers, through photography, managed to make their style manifest and visible.
Marlene Dietrich is a classic example of a tragic search for style: she suffered, tried, spent money on clothes, jewelry, furs, and all in vain. She called herself a “hairy potato.” There is so much despair in this! But she passionately loved music, played the violin herself, read poetry, but she was unable to express this inner self in a full-fledged visual image. Why? I lacked artistic skill, artistic taste, and sense of style. And then a meeting with director Sternberg, the film “The Blue Angel”. And it becomes not just stylish, but a symbol of style! How did this happen? What and how did Sternberg have to change in the provincial actress?
For me, one of the most striking examples of a stylish person was and remains Maya Mikhailovna Plisetskaya. There is nothing artificial, superficial, or unusual in her style. Flight and energy are still preserved in her appearance. But this originality of hers did not manifest itself so immediately and so clearly. And this could be said about all our heroes. Look at their photographs in their youth (a selection of photos is below, illustrations 5-8). The style seemed to grow in them as their personality formed.
Marlene Dietrich, Maya Plisetskaya
Audrey Hepburn
What makes people stylish? Their life, their creative attitude to life, their meetings, their environment. These are always bright personalities. They are different, and they value this uniqueness.
It's important to find yourself! This is the beginning of the birth of a person’s style. Individual style is always a manifestation of personality and a manifestation of creativity, regardless of the type of activity. I am often asked: can there be stylish people, for example, in business, politics, or science? Of course yes! And I have met them in my life. Many of them would probably be surprised to be called stylish. After all, they hardly thought about style. They lived a vibrant life, and they had enough culture to express themselves appropriately, that is, artistically, externally.
Academician V.Ya. Propp, philologist, author of the famous work "Morphology of the Fairy Tale", is certainly a stylish person. His life, his brightly characteristic appearance with a sharp beard, a semi-military tablet instead of a briefcase - everything is solid, organic, despite a certain negligence, and, perhaps, thanks to it.
True style matures gradually, because the question of individual style is a question of development!
Osinka: Why are there so few stylish people?
L.M.: The reason is that one person does not often combine the uniqueness of personality and knowledge, moreover, practical skills in the field of artistic creativity. Hence the blind imitation. It is blind precisely because a person does not have enough culture to understand that this image, although it is fashionable and stylish, may be in itself, but has a very distant relation to it. Often there is no desire to understand oneself. So it turns out that the dress screams about one thing, the lady’s face whispers about another, and the bag creaks about a third!
Osinka: Lyubov Mikhailovna, please give examples of obvious stylistic mistakes?
L.M.: I often see a girl in high heels, “on parade,” and next to her a young man almost in a tracksuit. I note that modern fashion favors mixing different styles, but this requires exceptional skill. This can also be seen at social evenings. The elegant appearance of a lady is often discordant with the appearance of her companion: a baggy jacket, a blue striped shirt.
The couple should be in the same style space. If there is appropriate knowledge, taste and various stylish images are used, then they should be woven into one story: they seem to cling to each other, like a puzzle, complementing each other and emphasizing something important. Johnny Depp and his wife, actress Vanessa Paradis, always pleasantly surprise. They are not just organic next to each other, but each time it is a new fascinating story, told with subtle taste and completely consistent with their individuality.
Look at the photos of this couple. Please note that Johnny is wearing a tuxedo, but on his feet are not shoes, as one might expect, but boots with thick soles, and on his head is a felt hat with a rather high, not at all classic, crown. Johnny seems to be laughing at himself, at his pretentious tuxedo. And Vanessa is very organic next to him: she resembles a disheveled bird with wet feathers. In her portrayal, Johnny's mockery has turned into a warm smile, and this enhances Vanessa's touchingness. Use the maximum magnification of this photo on page 4. This is necessary so that you can grasp what I am talking about. To catch means not only to see, but also to feel. Do not hurry!
Look at the next photo. Johnny is dressed according to the laws of the classics, and Vanessa, it would seem, is simply a tastefully dressed young woman. But there is something in this pair that makes you stop looking and respond to feeling. What? And how did it happen?
Just imagine, I see Vanessa in a classic white dress, straight, without details, of medium length. Suddenly something happens to Vanessa, something changes in her condition, and the dress begins to flow down in tiers of flounces. And immediately Johnny responds to this emotion, and his short-cropped hair urgently grows, falling in a careless forelock. Touching, funny and a little sad. Try to mentally comb your forelock: no style, no history.
What is the secret of the fourth image? The classicity of Vanessa's black jacket is reflected in Johnny's round glasses, somewhat incongruous in their extreme traditionality. The images come to life. Such images are not invented. They are seen in the imagination, and they are seen already ready.
Osinka: But then, is style achievable for ordinary people?
L.M.: If by “ordinary” people we mean standard people, then no. If you identify and preserve your uniqueness, and not be an automaton, then style can be accessible to everyone. In any case, this is what we should all strive for. Finding your style means looking for yourself: what you love, where you would like to work, who you would like to see next to you. And, note that this will not always coincide with generally accepted ideas.
Osinka: Lyubov Mikhailovna, how do you come up with a style?
L.M.: Modern man wants to have everything at once. It is important to realize that a truly stylish person is not a mask, but a certain stage of human development. In addition, we must remember that the formation of an individual style is not a craft process, but a creative process: after all, as a result, a one-of-a-kind, inimitable image is formed. Art plays a huge role in this process.
Look at female images from different eras (see photo series below: ill. 13-20). Art teaches us to see and appreciate the diversity of femininity. For Botticelli, this is an image of poetic melancholy. Titian has the luxury of life-affirming sensuality. In Fragonard's rock image there is a flirtatious playfulness. The lady with a fan in the painting by Velazquez represents severity, dignity and piety.
In the image of Proserpina there is a tragic sensuality with a hint of barely perceptible poison. Rene Notgaft on Kustodiev’s canvas is the embodiment of female intelligence. The image of Countess Carpio on the canvas by Francisco Goya, somewhat reminiscent of a fragile insect, remains mysterious and inaccessible. In the luxurious Monna of the Pre-Raphaelite Gabriel Rossetti, the romantic tradition overlaps with echoes, as if memories, of the Baroque: its sensuality is aggressive, and therefore dangerous. They are different. And everyone is beautiful.
Art shapes personality and helps to find oneself. And at the same time, it develops the skill of perceiving an artistic image. But a stylish appearance is always an image.
Therefore, comprehend art. And remember that it is important to know the biographies of artists, directors, to know what Baroque and Rococo, Italian neorealism are, to list all the surrealists in French literature, but this is not yet knowledge of art. After all, these are all facts of artistic culture. Art is an artistic image. And to know art is to be able to comprehend an artistic image. Style is always an image, and an image born in the space of art.
Osinka: Where would you advise starting your path to understanding art?
L.M.: Refer to the books of Boris Robertovich Vipper ("Introduction to Fine Arts"), Tatyana Valeryanovna Ilyina ("History of Art. Western European Art", "Domestic Art").
B.R. Vipper is a recognized classic of Russian art history. T.V. Ilyina is a professor at the Department of Art History at St. Petersburg University. Her books contain basic information on the history of fine art. In addition, you will find lists of additional literature. Popular books by Lev Lyubimov are useful.
And at the same time, be sure to get acquainted with the works of art themselves in museums, at exhibitions, and on various trips. There's a lot to see! When selecting illustrations (see photo series at the end of the publication: ill. 21-52), I tried to ensure that you see how diverse the world of art is, how much it can suggest and awaken in a person. All images on the last page can be enlarged. Take advantage of this.
Now try to perceive, for example, the painting “Vase with Flowers” (ill. 25, photo on the right). Dive inside this bouquet. Do not hurry. Respond with feeling to each flower. Take a closer look at the heavy peony, the velvety twilight iris, the cool tulip. Feel them. Why is this bouquet illuminated so unevenly? Don't rush to answer! First respond with a feeling, and then look for answers.
Maybe you would like to see real living flowers, and you will see them differently, under different lighting and surroundings? After all, each flower has its own favorite lighting and its own space: timid morning, deepening twilight or bright day. What flower and what lighting is yours? Where is your kinship space?
Please note how the works are described in the annotations to the photos: author, title, year of creation, material, size, where it is stored. For example, ill. 28: Andrea Mantegna. Parnassus. 1497. Tempera on canvas. 150x192 cm. Louvre. Paris. This description of the work is not accidental: it helps to enter the space of art. Please note where the work is stored. Let this be the beginning of acquaintance with museum collections for some.
Note that the paintings were painted not only on canvas, but also on wood. And they were painted not always with oil paints, but also with tempera and using the encaustic technique, that is, with wax paints, when the coloring pigment was diluted in heated wax. Ask yourself, does the solvent (wax in encaustic, chicken yolk in tempera, and oil - these are all solvents) affect the inner meaning of the artistic image, and if so, how and why?
Art helps us see the diversity of the world, its richness, its contradictions, its beauty. Your perception becomes more refined, your imagination develops, and you gradually develop, unnoticed even by yourself, a sense of style.
It is important that you have the opportunity to constantly look at well-published art albums, where the illustrations are adequate to the original. Unfortunately, in many publications, instead of, for example, the mustard color of the original, you see bright lemon, and instead of deep cherry, you see dirty brown. Therefore, it is important that the books you purchase are well published: the illustrations must be clear, not blurry, and the color must match the original. Therefore, I recommend purchasing books from the publishing houses "Taschen/Rodnik", "AST" and "Astrel", which are distinguished by high quality printing.
Do not forget that education must be systematic: you cannot skip three steps. First acquire the necessary minimum, with which you will later be able to read and understand Heinrich Wölfflin and move on to more complex issues.
* What is style?
* How does the structure of a baroque image differ from the structure of a rock image?
* And what is this - the structure of an artistic image?
* Which fabric pattern will better convey light, changeable, flirtatious, rocking movement, and which one will be sharp and energetic, baroque?
* What coloring, that is, the ratio of color spots, should I choose if I want to convey a somewhat brazen joy, in a kitsch-baroque spirit?
* Which composition will convey a complex feeling of mixed anxiety and timid joy (which, of course, is more common in the space of romanticism), and which - unshakable confidence and strength (which is closer to the Romanesque style)?
These questions should not be terra incognita for you. You need to avoid wandering in the dark, you need to know how not to reinvent the wheel. But the most important thing: look, touch, listen, feel, in a word - live creatively!
Make the art space feel like a family to you, so that you are welcomed and loved there, so that every spot of color tells you its own story, and the character of the line reveals hidden secrets. Vermeer of Delphi will teach you to see the beauty of color, Botticelli will teach you to respond to the character of the line, Goya will allow you to see the birth of romanticism. Art will reveal the origins of the creativity of the most prominent fashion designers of the 20th century - Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Lacroix, Vivienne Westwood.
Osinka: Lyubov Mikhailovna, thank you very much for the informative conversation! What would you wish for the readers of Osinka?
L.M.: Finding your own style is a fascinating activity. You become more mature, more whole, more active. Your life becomes deeper. Therefore, look for yourself, do not retreat when you fail.
And further. Live in art.
Along this path you will find your true individual style. And this is the only possible way.
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