The Weekly Journal | Fashion
By Yenia Hernandez Fonseca - April 8, 2022
WHAT IS YOUR
Spring Style Archetype?
Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
When was the last time you looked into your closet and thought, I’ve got nothing to wear?
All clothes look exactly the same: unexciting and outdated. It’s on days like these when we wish we could just be that one character from the movies who effortlessly picks the first thing they see in their wardrobe, pairs it with “this old thing,” and still manages to look fabulous as soon as they step out the door.
If you often encounter days like these, chances are you need to reconcile with your personal style. More often than not, when we’re feeling low about ourselves, we can turn to fashion for answers.
There are many shortcuts that can help you make sense of your personal style. For instance, finding your style through fashion muses is as easy as figuring out whether you’re a Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, or Samantha – or any other character (fictional, dead or living) whose traits resonate with the ideal version of ourselves – James Bond, Tony Manero, Mick Jagger. Such muses are the strongest physical and spiritual representations of our values and vision.
While these style archetypes don’t necessarily cement our own personal style, they help us streamline our wardrobe. Think of them as style moodboards; these guides help us choose clothes that feel more authentic to the several roles we play in our daily lives.
However, style archetypes don’t paint the entire picture; the point is to identify our own tastes and embrace our individuality among the vast fashion spectrum. It isn’t to say that we are each of one thing either – mixing and matching different style attributes allows us to come up with new ways of dressing.
Looking for a change? Trying on new clothes is like trying on new selves. Trying on new items of clothing until you find the ones that best connect with your personality, it could be the best activity to put time into for the “new you”. To be yourself, you have to get to know yourself.
Whether you’re trying to make peace with your existing wardrobe, or looking for a new style for the season, we’ve put together a list of spring style archetypes that might resonate with the little truths that make you, you.
1. The Minimalist
Vibe: Understated simplicity
Colours: Neutrals
Drink: Double Espresso
Piece of mind: Pilates
Pièce de résistance: Accessories
Book: ‘On The Road’ by Jack Kerouac
Mantra: Get sh*t done!
Muse: 1990s Kate Moss
Your style may be the opposite of a try-too-hard but you’re a go-getter at heart. You like your clothes the same way you like your coffee: strong with zero fuss. Neutrals first and accents second. No need to overcomplicate things in the closet. You rely on your trusty seasonal capsule wardrobe, so you’re always looking for versatility in clothing as opposed to trends. Razor-sharp lines and smooth materials are always on your wishlist. You like to fill in the gaps with modern touches, like bucket hats, a chunky dad sneaker, a strappy sandal, or an edgy pair of sunnies. No matter what, you always, always look polished. Slacker? We don’t know her.
2. The Preppy
Vibe: Modern traditions
Colours: Classic colours and prints (think nautical navy and brown houndstooth)
Drink: Rosé
Piece of mind: Horseback riding
Pièce de résistance: Outerwear
Book: ‘One Italian Summer: A Novel’ by Rebecca Serle
Mantra: Opposites attract
Muse: Carolyn Bessette
A schoolgirl at heart, our style oscillates between the pretty and the practical. Florals for spring? Groundbreaking. You prefer stripes, luxe lapels, and classic linen trousers – think Yé-Yé-Girl-visits-The Hamptons – a mix of traditional and modern. Pockets are always a bonus in your list. You’re a whip-smart dresser but hotter weather calls for shorter hemlines and a little frill never killed nobody; you always throw on cute wrap dresses every now and then for brunch or happy hour with your friends. If you’re out playing tennis or have an off-duty day, athletic wear is always your go-to: a hoodie paired with a tennis skirt, a pair of colourful sneakers, a baseball cap, a blazer, and you’re good to go.
3. The Earth Mama
Vibe: Genius layering for maximum effect
Colours: Earthy and jewel tones
Drink: Matcha obsessed
Piece of mind: Yoga, followed by a 30-min meditation and a ginger shot
Pièce de résistance: Jewelry
Book: ‘The Overstory’ by Richard Powers
Mantra: Put your best ring forward
Muse: Gwyneth Paltrow
Behind every supermom are her most reliable fallbacks: snacks, totes, denim, and a myriad of blazers, soft knits, and cool, graphic tees to bury in. You’re a mom of the new age. You put your businesswoman hat on from break of dawn, but come 5 p.m. you’re singing the words to Peppa Pig by heart. Simplicity is key when it comes to your wardrobe but you know that such basic head-to-toe ensembles need a little something to come alive. That’s why you’ve mastered the art of layering personal talismans and showstopping mixed metals. You like to wait until you come across something you absolutely love – something you feel emotionally invested in – and only buy into pieces you’ll hold on to forever. Sustainability and good taste are always in fashion.
4. The Nomad
Vibe: Easy seduction on the go
Colours: Prints, prints, prints
Drink: French 75
Piece of mind: Your '70s Spotify playlist
Pièce de résistance: Bags
Book: 'Just Kids' by Patti Smith
Mantra: Live in the moment, borrow from the past
Muse: Harry Styles
You’re free and relish in the whimsical. Bright colours make you feel happy and confident. You’ll try anything once: colours, textures, and superfood fads. You balance your on-the-go, bohemian lifestyle with maximalist fashions and never underestimate the power of print. You often gravitate towards loose-fit fabrics: silk, linen, cotton. Your latest drop of chic? Bags: from belt bags to oversized totes, you carry your wild, carefree spirit wherever your intuition takes you.
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