Fundamentals Part 2: Style Archetypes Explained: Find Your Fashion Identity

When it comes to dressing, most people feel overwhelmed by choice and because we are not all size 6 models, often find it hard to dress with structure and purpose. Personal stylists use style archetypes as a means to identify the way clothes look on you. Think of these like frameworks to help you shop smarter, dress confidently, and build a wardrobe that feels like you.

Most people are a mix of archetypes. Knowing the basics gives you a starting point to identify your own style personality and make practical choices but Style Architypes is an art and training by a professional can take years.

"If an outfit feels like a costume, it is not your archetype."

How Stylists Use Style Archetypes

Stylists study a client’s clothing preferences, posture, energy, and lifestyle to determine which archetypes suit them best. They create moodboards, take notes on shapes, fabrics and accessories, and then guide clients to build a wardrobe aligned with their natural aesthetic. These archetypes are flexible; you might lean mostly towards one type but borrow elements from others to create your unique style.

The 12 Core Style Archetypes

For clarity, we can group them into four broad families that share visual or energy characteristics:

1: Dramatic Family

These archetypes are bold, eye-catching and structured.

• Dramatic – Strong lines, sharp shapes, high contrast outfits, statement pieces that draw attention.
• Soft Dramatic – Basically like Dramatic but with softer, flowing lines and subtle curves to add a touch of femininity.
• Gamine – Playful and boyish with cropped proportions, structured shapes, and quirky details. Think cropped jackets, fitted trousers, and fun patterns.

2: Romantic Family

Soft, feminine, flowing and delicate shapes dominate this family.

• Romantic – Soft fabrics, curves-enhancing cuts, lace, ruffles, florals, pastel tones.
• Ethereal – Even softer and dreamlike than Romantic, with diaphanous fabrics, floaty silhouettes, and whimsical details.

3: Natural Family

Relaxed, effortless, and grounded aesthetics.

• Natural – Easy fits, breathable fabrics, earthy tones, minimal fuss. Great for casual and everyday wear.
• Bohemian – A free-spirited twist on Natural, with layered textures, eclectic prints, scarves, and relaxed accessories.

4: Elegant and Modern Family

Sophisticated, refined, and minimal aesthetics.

• Classic – Timeless silhouettes, tailored pieces, neutral colours, and subtle accessories.
• Elegant – Luxurious fabrics, understated glamour, refined shapes, elevated basics.
• Creative / Avant-garde – Unexpected combinations of shapes, textures, and colours. Artful and imaginative but still polished.
• Minimalist / Modern – Clean lines, pared-back colour palettes, simple yet impactful shapes.
• Rebellious / Edgy – Bold, unconventional pieces. Leather, studs, streetwear influences, dark tones.

Archetype Crossovers

Few people fit neatly into a single archetype. Most are hybrid, combining elements from different families. You might be a Romantic-Natural, pairing soft fabrics with relaxed silhouettes, or a Dramatic-Edgy, mixing strong lines with bold streetwear influences.

Stylists often experiment with combinations to create unique signatures. This approach ensures a wardrobe is cohesive, flexible, and personal rather than rigid or formulaic.

What Architype cross overs do you think these fall in to? 

Conclusion

Style archetypes are not restrictive. They are tools to help you understand which styles suit you so you can buy with conviction and create outfits that feel like they were designed rather than thrown together. Begin by recognising which archetypes appeal most to you, then explore crossovers to build your own signature look.

With archetypes as your foundation, shopping becomes less stressful, outfit decisions faster, and your wardrobe more cohesive and memorable.

"What if an architype doesn't suit me but I like it?" Well... that's another question!

Let us know if you'd like a follow-up on this topic.