When you think of personal style more often than not, you think of fashion. And while fashion has a lot to do with how the full package is perceived, it’s only one element of who you present to the world.

The photo in this article is the perfect representation of personal style.  These beautiful black women photographed by Lorenzo Agius for O Magazine, give you an example of how personal style can be reflected in different personalities.

So since we’re here let’s talk about your personal style in fashion for a minute. I took a survey while doing a workshop on black skin care this week,  about personal style. And what we all learned from the results is that as women, especially African American women, personal style changes like the direction of the wind.

How African American Women Find Personal Style in Their Wardrobe

Typically the categories are, Dramatic, Romantic, Conservative/Classic and Natural.

What the survey showed with this group of ladies was that everyone felt that they were one of these types at least once or twice a week.

One woman even felt she could be all of them in the same day.

This was a fun and revealing exercise! Why? Because what we all learned was that none of us likes being put into one category.

Here’s how you can be all styles in one day:

Natural and classic would be wearing a pair of relaxed silk pants. You know the ones that have the somewhat wide leg and have that sensual flow as you move about. Let’s choose gray for the color. Natural fabric-silk, classic look-somewhat wide leg.

Romantic would bring in an off the shoulder soft silk tunic top that flows and moves every time you do with grace and ease. Let’s choose teal, orange or hot pink for its color. Allow your inner voice to tell you what’s hot and what’s not.

Dramatic is where your accessories work their magic. That to die for pair of earring that you couldn’t leave in the store when you saw them, can now take center stage, giving you that touch of drama needed to make your look pop.

African American Skin and Hair Care – Finding Your Personal Style

The same “Rules” often apply to skin and hair care for African American Women. You’re told what you should be and you quickly tell the world who you’re going to be.

One of the rules that must be part of your daily activity is a good black skin care regimen.

Your skin is like a blank canvas waiting for you to create your work of art with the make up that you apply.

But your skin must be in good condition in order for it to reflect  the work of a masterpiece.  So to cleanse, tone and moisturize on a daily basis is a must.

Natural and Classic for your beautiful black skin would be a day of wearing a good moisturizer and bronzer with a neutral lipstick. Light mascara and brown/bronze tone eye shadows.

Romantic would be wearing the same look of natural and classic but enhancing it with lip colors of pink, red, plums or sheer color gloss.

Dramatic is when you step completely outside of the “Rules” and your eye shadow becomes teal green with a navy blue eyeliner. Your make up is also a bit more pronounced and obvious in appearance. If not berry red, your lips will certainly be plum, brown and maybe even orange.

Finally …

The point to all of this is that as African American women, while there are certainly “Rules” that must be adhered too, you can step outside the box.  Those rules apply especially in your work environment,  but it doesn’t mean that you have to box yourself into a specific category when it comes to personal style.

You’re a creative being, now handle your business when it comes to creating and flaunting your personal style!

Dedicated To Your Beauty!

Juliette Samuel
Author/Esthetician/Publisher
Nyraju Skin Care