What is style? Is it what we wear, what we want to wear, what we see on television, look at in magazines, or is it something else? Style is personal. It isn't about the model on the cover of the magazine, or the actress in the latest hit film. Style is simply 'you'. It defines you - who you are and what you are about. It encompasses materials such as your clothing, accessories, shoes, and undergarments. It also includes color, fabric, cut and fitting choices. But these are still material, style has to do with much more than that.

Style is what inhibits who you are. The material side is simply the external mirror of what is really within you. Are you flirtacious, funny, fanatical, diplomatic, serious, sensual, divine? These describe who you are and what you really are about. Once you take a deeper look into who you are, you will discover what you are about - hence, your personal style.

For example, if you are someone who sees themselves as a leader, taking joy in being timely, organized, put-together and fearless, your style may be coined as 'classic'. Icons like Audrey Hepburn, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jackie Kennedy would fall within this category. Pieces like tailored black suits, wide-brimmed silk hats and pencil skirts are just a sampling of timeless pieces worn by such a person. This is a great demonstration of allowing ones personality shine through their style.

All in all, it is more important and beneficial for you to define your own personal style, rather than wear the latest trend. Apart from the sense of defining character you achieve from doing so, you will also save a load of cash. Think about it - trends change every season, so that's at least two wardrobe changes a year. Keeping up with this kind of shopping is tiring and expensive! Knowing your personal style allows you to buy pieces that define you, which you usually means buying a couple items per season, as opposed to an entire wardrobe.

Realize what adjectives describe you, use these words to define a look and you will have discovered your personal style for life. Good luck and have fun shopping!