Having a trademark is easy, and that’s the beauty of it. Think you don’t have time to find one? Too busy doing all the things a modern woman needs to take care of? That doesn’t mean you can’t look stylish and follow your own fashion while living your life.
Style trademarks allow you to set up a style comfort zone that will leave you feeling relaxed and sexy even on the most hectic days. If you’re always running to and fro but still want to look classic and put together, try using non-iron buttoned down shirts as your trademark. Thrown on with jeans and a pair of comfortable flats, the shirt will allow you to be comfortable yet exceedingly stylish as you shuttle the kids, shop, or run your errands. You’ll be that mother that all the others are jealous of because you look so stylish and immaculate. In reality, you may be as frazzled as the rest, but your style trademark will see you through. And if you need to have a business meeting, throw on a pair of black slacks and nice shoes with one of your shirts and you’re set. Your new trademark is extremely versatile. Non-iron shirts are such a fabulous invention—I once got off a plane at the end of an eleven hour journey to discover that the non-iron shirt I was wearing was crisper looking than the one I had packed in my bag! They’re a great way to always look calm and sorted, even during your most hectic and trying moments.
Other trademarks are easy to find once you start looking and get to know your own personal style. One of my friends has a fabulous trademark: the little black dress. She’ll wear it with a sweater and sneakers for a casual look and then slip off the sweater and slip on some heels for a night out. It might not work for everyone, but if you can pull it off, go for it! Sheath dresses work in much the same way—just think of how classic Jackie O. always looked in them. They’re comfortable yet stylish and can take you from the beach to a boardroom—just what a trademark should be able to do.
Jewelry and scarves can also make wonderful trademarks. I used to wear multiple silver bangles everyday and they always seemed to pull together any outfit, no matter that they were a mix of family antiques and cheap buys from a market stall. From a formal party to a night in with the girls, they worked for everything. A classic necklace will have much the same effect. And scarves work in the same way. If you don’t want to deal with tying them around your neck, try using one as a belt or in your hair. Or, just tie a scarf to the strap of your handbag for an effortlessly chic (and French) look.
Style trademarks are an easy way to bring together both an individual outfit and an overall look, which is why every great fashion icon has had one. Trademarks don’t define us as people, but they do let others know that we have our own personal, classic style that will withstand the test of fashion fads. Style trademarks let us feel comfortable and confident at the same time. We get too look great while also feeling great. Bardot might have had her headband, but I have my sunglasses and I’m not afraid to use them.
