A fashion style does not have to be something definitive, with a label, a category. It is very common, over the years, that we change our style according to the stage of life, because our tastes and preferences change all the time. Some people like to mix trends and styles, or even wear something different every day.
But in technical terms of fashion, there are different style presets that help us identify personalities and, from there, find our own style, based on what works for each person and what makes them feel good about them.
The seven universal styles, as they are called, can be mixed and matched with each other, as well as with any style. There is no rule!
They are the result of extensive research on consumer behavior and changes in the fashion market over the years. It was the American image consultant Alyce Parsons who created the term when he developed the PASS (Proportion Analysis, Style Selection) system.
What are the universal fashion styles?
Based on the research of Alyce Parsons and the PASS system, and using behavioral patterns and personalities as a basis, universal fashion styles, references to fashion and design in general were defined. They fall into two main categories: classic and non-classic.
Classic Clothing Styles: The Basics of Fashion Style
Also called classic essential styles, classic clothing/fashion styles are so named because they represent the foundation and core of all other clothing.
They are taken as references and, by keeping their characteristics alive throughout the history of fashion from pret-a-porter, they have become the standard reference, even for other styles.
There are 3 classic styles:
1. Traditional
The traditional style is that of lovers of tailoring, straight lines and more sober colours, such as black, white and grey.
It goes very well in the work environment, but it does not adhere to the office: those who have a classic style, like an elegant sobriety in appearance and invest in fabrics with a good fit and quality.
Some examples in the closet of those who have the classic style are:
- Pencil skirt;
- Shirts;
- Tailoring Pants
- suits;
- Blazers.
2. Elegant
Elegant clothing style exudes sophistication, which is not directly related to the price of a garment or accessory.
Still, those with a chic fashion style tend to invest a little more in good fabrics, impeccable embellishments, as well as timeless accessories and shoes.
Like the classic style, it makes use of tailoring, but in more contemporary designs. For those who have an elegant style, that accessory that imitates jewels (or a real jewel!), looks in black and white, discreet prints, as well as dresses and shirts made of noble fabrics, goes well.
3. Sporty
Just as stripped back as those who have a more creative style, people with the sporty style value the comfort and the low of the look, at all times. The sporty style is also known as basic style and the watchwords for the look are comfort and practicality.
It is wrong who thinks that the sports style is based solely on sportswear. The origin of the name actually comes from the principle that, to play sports, comfortable and smart clothing is required.
This principle, associated with fashion, gave rise to the base style known as sporty, or sporty in free translation.
In the sports style there are pieces in jeans, cotton and other natural textile fibers, fresh pieces that facilitate movement throughout the day, sneakers and shoes without heels.
4. Creative
The proposal of those who have a creative style is to play with colors, shapes, textures and patterns. Very different from the classic style, the creative style is more daring and mixes styles and eras, even in more formal environments, simply adapting the dose of creativity if necessary.
Because it’s the keyword, it’s normal for the creative style to be present:
- Prints of all sizes such as animal print, floral and geometric;
- Blends of jeans with fluid fabrics;
- Classic pieces with sneakers;
- Lots of fashion information, especially with colors and textures;
- The famous hi-lo, in which a sophisticated piece is mixed with a more stripped-down one;
The modern can also be read as an adaptation of the classic in a more urban and versatile way (since working in cities requires this flexibility).
6. Romantic
The romantic fashion style emphasizes femininity, with various vintage-influenced elements, such as Lady Like. The romantic looks usually have a marked waist and a lot of inspiration in the fashion of the 50s and 60s, but they can present a compilation of more contemporary times and pieces, always very delicate.
The main elements found in the pieces are:
- Ties;
- Ruffled;
- Lace;
- Transparencies;
- Delicate flowers;
- Pearls and stonework;
- Pleats;
- Puffed sleeves;
- Fluid fabrics such as tulle, satin and chiffon.