Style. . . what is it, who has it and, most importantly, how do you get it?

The first thing to realise is that style and Fashion are, definitely, not the same thing: fashion is frivolous; style is forever. That’s not to say you can’t delve into the fashion world – after all, we are all entitled to make the odd fashion faux pas.

Discover your style

Take a deep breath, step back from your wardrobe and think about it or, even better, if you’ve already created your online wardrobe with Style Cloud, flick through it effortlessly. Which are your favourite pieces, what looks do you get most compliments on and which are your old reliables? Now put all these pieces together (you don’t have to include that tutu or over-sized corset from your Carrie Bradshaw moment) . . .is your look emerging yet? You should see a trend going through these pieces, a silhouette, a colour palette, a style.

Still not sure? Then why not create a mood board? You don’t have to go all arts and crafts – an easy alternative is to Google some images: think of your style icons and favourite designers, then put them together in a file and you’ll quickly see your style taking shape.

Your style should embody your personality, your sense of humour, your individuality.

Define your style

There are many ways to describe your style, but here are a few ideas that might help.

• Classic
  An obvious choice is Audrey Hepburn or Kate Middleton. Think timeless elegance
  
• Minimal
  A look Calvin Klein always achieves – clean lines and understated chic.
  
• High fashion
  If you’ve achieved this, you really don’t need to be reading this article. A tough style to embody, you require budget and balls in equal measure to maintain this look.
  
• Bohemian
  This look marries ethnic and romantic, and should always be effortless and relaxed. These two little ladies have definitely grown into their Boho style.
  
• Masculine
  This is pretty self-explanatory. Marlene Dietrich was a pioneer of this look but if you’re looking for a more rough-and-ready version, think Pattie Smith.
  
• Eclectic
  You really have to know what you’re doing with this one. It’s a little bit of everything: high street, designer, thrift, all accessorised with your granny’s handbag and finished off with a good dollop of quirkiness and confidence. Chloë Sevigny has got it nailed.
  

Now that you have defined your style, it’s time to be brutal with your wardrobe . . .get rid of all those well intentioned purchases you know deep down you’ll never wear, have a swap shop with your friends and start on the road to style recovery.

A few dos and donts to keep in mind along to way:

• Do have confidence in your style.
• Don’t feel the need to buy in to every trend.
• Do have a sense of humour.