Posted July 31, 2012 / Kimberly Grabinski

Guest blogger: Kimberly Grabinski of Accidental Mommies

A couple of weeks ago a friend from college gave me a very old picture of me.

I was wearing flannel.

Take that image in for a second.

Flannel.

In college.

Go ahead, laugh.  I did.

I’m pretty sure that this look was NEVER in style unless you have the title of “lumberjack”.

I’m not even going to mention the slouch socks.  It was 1995. That’s all you need to know.

Despite my lack of being fashionable, though, my “style” actually was a direct reflection of my lifestyle and personality at the time.  First it said I was an Architecture student that didn’t care what I looked like because I was too busy getting projects done.  Second, it illustrated that comfort was pretty important to me.  I’m sure it also was indicative that I didn’t have any money, that I had gained weight in college and was trying to hide it and that I was comfortable enough in my own skin to not care about my wardrobe.  I certainly hope I didn’t dress that way because I thought it made me look good.

Despite what I felt that my wardrobe said about me, I’m sure that what others saw was something very different.  Their impression probably leaned towards someone who was sloppy, self-conscious and lacking in confidence and even self-worth.

Whether it is what we are wearing, the decor we choose for our home, or the type of vehicle we drive, people take away an impression of who we are just by looking at us or our things.  Personal taste is so very unique and subjective and often these are the first impressions we give of ourselves because generally they are assumed to be a fairly accurate reflection of who we are.

But are they?

Clearly in the example above, form did not follow function (nerdy architecture reference) and my reasons for dressing that way were not necessarily the obvious ones.  But what about now?  Does my style show people the correct image of myself?

My style is mostly conservative.  I do like bold colors but I prefer modest, well-fitting clothes that I can feel comfortable in no matter what situation I am faced with.  I’m old-fashioned in many ways, preferring the looks of a farmhouse over sleek, minimal and modern.  I prefer to drive a vehicle that is safe and reliable and has enough room to fit as many people or things as it can inside it, but I do admit I yearn for a restored 1968 2-seater sports car that I could use as a way to let loose and let my hair down.

When it comes to my personal style, the majority of my decisions and choices really are defined by and describe my personality, but often people make choices (like my sports car I mentioned above) based upon who they want to be or who they want people to think they are. Is your personality reflected in your style choices or do your style choices reflect the person you hope to be?

These non-verbal cues warrant the question:

What DOES Your Style Say About You?