How to Create a Signature Look

Co-authored by Elle Monus

Last Updated: October 7, 2021

Everyone has a look. From preppy to goth to athletic, you have a look. If it's layering or something basic, you can make it work. Just follow these steps to get a signature look.

Method 1

Method 1 of 7:
Explore your style.

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Figure out what you are.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 7 September 2021.} Are you goth? You probably wear a lot of darker make-up and darker clothing. Are you preppy? Three words: Ralph Lauren Polo. Are you athletic? Sweats and a hoodie is the perfect outfit for you. Or are you a girly flirt? You may love skirts, smiles, and flower patterns. Maybe you are a "smart chic", pretty glasses, straight hair, and <3 for dresses!? Whatever you are, no matter how embarrassing you think it is, you can make it work. Read some fashion magazines. Stores like Hollister, Abercrombie, Aeropostale, American Eagle, Wet Seal, Forever 21, and H&M are really in style, although beware of looking like an advertisement. But don't think it has to be limited to those stores. Kohls, JCPenney's, Target, and even Walmart can have some cute clothing and shoes.If you are a little younger, try maybe Justice and even Sears!

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Method 2

Method 2 of 7:
Stay comfortable.

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Be comfortable in your signature look. If you're a bit heavy, don't go for two sizes too small. But if you're skinny, don't go for bigger sizes. If you're a size 5, buy a 6. Clothing can shrink. Also, different brands have different sizes. A size 3 might not fit you in some sizes. Be comfortable with your weight and size.

Method 3

Method 3 of 7:
Try layers.

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Try Layers! Layering is very popular. Try a tank top under a shirt and then let the bottom of the tank top stick out. Target and Walmart are great for cheap tank tops. Be daring and creative. Don't be afraid to mix two or three random colors, or wear a cute tank top with sweats that look good. If you mess up, it's only one day of clothing.

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Method 4

Method 4 of 7:
Use accessories.

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Accessorize your outfit! If all you have in your closet is a shirt and some jeans, add some stuff in. A cute belt, some funky earrings, and an awesome necklace are great to make your outfit look perfect.

Method 5

Method 5 of 7:
Don't overdress.

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Don't go overboard on your look. Don't wear 10 belts and three necklaces, plus 3 shirts and shorts over jeans. It's too much! Simple and stylish is what you're aiming for.

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Method 6

Method 6 of 7:
Be unique.

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You don't have to fit in. Just because everyone at your school wears t-shirts and jeans, doesn't mean you have to. What if you don't have a look? So, you aren't preppy, but you aren't goth. You aren't into athletics, but you aren't a couch potato. That's fine! Wear what you think is cute and like it. Don't take insults personally. The people who insult you are most likely jealous that they don't (or can't!) wear what you're wearing.

Method 7

Method 7 of 7:
Remember rules.

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Wearing a halter top and short-shorts to school might be cute, but isn't allowed. Know what you can wear and create a look off of it. By the way, wearing a white shirt and black bra or white pants and a black thong isn't cool. It's lame.

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Community Q&A

Question

Can I have multiple signature looks?

Community Answer

Yes.
Question

What if I have to wear a school uniform?

Community Answer

You could add some fun earrings or a brightly patterned scarf. For more ideas and pictures showing what you might like to try, see further: How to Look Good In Your School Uniform.
Question

What can I do in order to get the rocker chic style?

Community Answer

A good quality leather jacket can definitely get you there. I would recommend shopping secondhand for one, because it's cheaper, looks like you've had it longer, and is better for the environment. A good pair of Doc Martens is great as well.
Question

How do I know if I am emo, flirty, athletic, and so on so forth?

Community Answer

Don't place yourself into those categories! Those are all pretty much base on stereotypes anyway. Come up with your own style base on who you really are and what most like wearing.
Question

Can we consider retro fashion as a signature look?

Pigeon_overlord

Community Answer

Yes! Retro fashion is its own look and is gaining popularity quickly. Maybe, if your school doesn't have many people rocking the retro style, you can be the first retro-wearing person. Anything can be a signature look, just make sure its right for you first!
Question

How do I know what color phone case to match my look?

Pigeon_overlord

Community Answer

Well, for starters, categorize the colors of your look. Do you wear neons, dark colors, pastels, etc? Make sure your phone case is in this category as well. If you want sayings on your phones, make sure they match how you think someone with your look might act. If you're preppy, maybe the saying would be "young genius" or something. Above all, make sure you actually like your case.
Question

I need some tips for finding a new style for someone who's stuck to the same style for quite a while.

Elizabeth Burton

Community Answer

Start out by broadly categorizing. Are you retro, trendy, beachy, anime, furry (animal lover), preppy, nerdy, or something else? Try on different outfits, meet different people, and find outfits that express you. Try and find ways to personalize. Don't wear the same thing every day but have some similarities. If you play an instrument, wear clothes that match your musical style. If you like something, try and put it into your outfit. Building a style takes time and patience, so don't get discouraged.
Question

I want to make an Ariana Frande effect but my own. I'm a girly girl. Bangs long hair. Popular. Pretty/hot. Tall. What should I do?

Community Answer

You could do a signature hairstyle and wear it almost every day just like Ariana, except don't do the high ponytail because then people might think you are copying her. You could also have a signature makeup style, or maybe a certain style of shirt that you always wear. Remember, your signature look doesn't have to stay the same. In Ariana's thank you, next music video she wears a bunch of different styles of her signature high ponytail.

Warnings

Make sure you like what you wear, too!

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Never go overboard. Too much make-up or clothing is a no-no.

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do not do pancake makeup.

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Stay in the rules.

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Don't overspend just on a look, whether you are rich or not.

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For example don't spend a hundred dollars on Juicy Couture tracksuits if you are gonna be athletic, or on designer clothes, if you are preppy. On the same note, don't buy a whole new wardrobe, it will cost you hundreds of dollars even if it's from Walmart or a thrift store, because a whole new wardrobe is a lot of clothes.

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