As human beings, we are all blessed with a sense of individuality. We have individual appearances, individual mindsets, and, consequently, this leads us to make individual decisions. Furthermore, this individuality is reflected in our sense of style, right from the way we dress up our dresses to the way we tie our own ties. This is, ladies and gentlemen, fashion.

Fashion is often interpreted as a “world of dictatorship” in which a string of designers and other snobby fashion elitists decide the fate of our wardrobes. Granted, fashion is, at large, all about trends and copying and stealing one another’s style. But this doesn’t make it a bad thing. And it certainly shouldn’t remove us from our individuality – not at any cost.

Through several years of careful observation I’ve discovered that some of the world’s best dressed are those not afraid to reject the idea of fashion as a world of vast dictatorship. (I’m well aware that I’m making the likes of Karl Lagerfeld sound like Hitler here with all this talk of dictatorship… but oh well).

First, let’s take Kate Moss: an international icon who’s dress sense has been rattling the rules of the catwalk for many a year. Her style is cool, effortless, and oozes attitude. There is little wonder, then, that so many of us want to be just like her.
The thing about Kate Moss is that whilst she oozes that “I don’t care” attitude which we all so lovingly admire, there is an underlying sense that she does care, which saves her from the disasters of looking too casually thrown together. And this is exactly where individuality and fashion work hand in hand.
If asymmetric dresses are in, no doubt Kate Moss will have worn one several months beforehand. Burberry, Balmain, Stella McCartney…. the clothes are handed to her on a plate, ready for her to add her own unique twists and turns.

Then there’s the more up-and-coming fashionistas of the 21st Century. Take Alexa Chung: slightly rock-chic, slightly girlie-girl. Once again, Alexa Chung is not afraid to add her own twists and turns to an outfit. Brogues, shorts, tights and chain bags – I say if we have anyone to thank for that look, it’s Alexa.

Lastly, let’s examine the look of someone much more far-removed from the likes of festival-chic. What about Dita Von Teese? Forgetting the poles and the underwear and the giant cocktail glasses for just a second… has anyone seen her typical outfit choices? Here is a woman who enjoys sophistication to excess – think 40’s dresses, simple courts and super-polished hair and make-up. Despite the latest fashionistas stating that hair and make-up should be “effortless-chic”, Dita remains true to her own.

This brings me nicely to the main point of this post. The common ground between these three celebrities is that they are all not afraid to express their individuality through their sense of style. They adopt and reject trends according to their own individual sense of taste, and it is this fact alone which results in feelings of admiration and often envy.

So how can we express our own sense of indivuality through our dress? Read on for inspiration…

1.) KNOW WHAT SUITS YOU
It’s good to know which trends suit you and which trends don’t. For those which do, take advantage and wear them as much as you can whilst they’re still in. This way, you won’t cross the line of looking too individual and furthermore anti-fashion.

2.) SUIT YOUR CLOTHES TO YOUR PERSONALITY
I always like it when an individual’s personality is reflected in their choice of clothing. This shows confidence, which to me is the most beautiful thing you can possess.
If you’re daring and extroverted, it would be a good idea to go for bolder colours and patterns. If you’re on the slightly more introverted side, however, this doesn’t mean you should stick to browns and boring fleshy tones. Wear what you feel personally comfortable with and what makes you feel good. This is how you know if your clothes match who you truly are.

3.) DON’T REJECT YOUR OLD FAVOURITES!
If it’s a staple, and it’s comfortable, and you love it, wear it. Whether it’s a pair of battered military boots, a classic handbag or a beautiful vintage coat, wear it. Just make sure you team it with something bang on trend to ensure you stay on the fashion-wagon.

4.) DON’T BE SCARED TO EXPERIMENT!
All too often it seems young fashionistas get caught up in the exhilaration that is finding their own style, thus forgetting to experiment with different trends. It is still possible to maintain a sense of individuality whilst experimenting, so don’t be afraid to keep ‘em guessing by mixing and matching your classics with other more daring garments.

And so there you have it. An unusually long post regarding individuality and fashion. Remember, appreciate your uniqueness as a person and embrace the beautiful trends which fashion gives unto us!

Question time: What are your thoughts on individuality and style? What do you think makes your style your own?

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