How to find your PERSONAL STYLE in 4 easy steps!

[@TheMocao]

The lesson that took me the longest to learn was not purchasing unrealistic outfits. I’ve given away and donated many things in the past before I realized how much money I was wasting.

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

Same! The amount I could have saved 😅

[@randigerber1926]

1) What inspires you? 2) What are your non-negotiables? 3) What do you feel great in? What features are especially wonderful? 4) Try not to embarrass yourself with a style or trend that is not for your station/age/time of life.

[@elenamartrod7305]

Thanks ❤

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I would prefer no music when you’re speaking, dear Mariana. This music is soft, but it still makes it difficult for me to hear you and I don’t want to miss anything! Love your channel, thanks❤

[@teresahalliday3680]

Excellent and wise advice!! Hope you are doing well and feeling good!

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

Classics in natural-fiber materials, forever!

[@sparklie962]

Thank you x10000000 for this topic. It's taken me years to get comfortable with passing on particular trends - not because they're terrible, but because they're terrible for *my* height, colouring and frame. It's been freeing to finally accept that many things that look fabulous on people who have drastically different body types/colouring just don't flatter me. So I've said no the past few years to a lot of the shapes and colour-palettes that have been popular - even when I've loved these looks on other people. And yes, I feel like it does take a bit of courage to step out in a non-trendy shape/colour, especially when so many influencers are pounding the message that you're going to look "old" or "frumpy" if you aren't always incorporating trends into your looks. My view is that there's nothing stylish about going around in pieces that you don't love and don't make you look or feel your best!

[@KIG024]

Great video, Mariana! At 67 I am still a work in progress style wise, and everything you said rings very true to my own experience.

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

It's more of a journey than a destination, isn't it? 😊

[@williamkazak469]

Excellent discussion. Definitely worth sharing. When it comes to favorite pieces, wear them. Don't just collect clothing and shoes that you hardly ever wear. Weed out and donate what you are not wearing. Those are the items that you hardly ever choose to wear because you already have too much of those items to chose from. We should probably not be collectors!

[@dehaan714]

😆 Talented mister Ripley made me laugh, but it’s a great movie.

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

So good!!!!

[@Simplelivingslowliving]

My style changed so much. I was into the hippie style in my twenties. And now I’m 31 and with two kids, married. I like causal elegant with a hint of romantic. I try to bring the romance in my nail polish (I really love red so I only do red lol); but I tend to look at items for my fantasy self (which would be one of those Ralph Lauren models in those impeccable houndstooth pattern blazers and polo shirts etc). I bring some elements of that fantasy self into my reality but it seems like there is a disconnect.

[@sapphireblue7975]

Outstanding video, very helpful!

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I always liked saying “maximizing” our best assets and “minimizing” those aspects of our bodies we don’t love as much, rather than “covering” or “hiding” them. For me, it’s maximizing my legs and minimizing the fact that I don’t really have a waist! Hiding or concealing my straight mid-section with big clothes is actually the least flattering thing I could do, so I just try to minimize my lack of waist definition.

[@sophianachtigall3598]

Just recently I have noticed that I have a lot of photos from Princess Diana in my Pinterest mood board. Those are photos from `80s, relaxed looks… and I also channel that vibe in my dressing. This especially happens when I need outfit for non formal work events. We have a lot of barbecues, team events, where level of formality is not asking for “office look”, but I still want to look polished.

[@almatoledo1608]

Such a pleasure always, Mariana.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

The late 70s (post Boho/hippie style), 80s through the 90s is my style inspo, and anything classic - preppy, Safari, suiting, tailoring, in soft, natural fibers and light feminine colors or neutrals. The looks of the Old Money/Quiet Luxury trends are what I always loved, so I was happy to see them come around, but we just called this style “Quiet Good Taste” when I was young, now 64. Although these trends have been beyond viral, they do have some negative baggage associated with them, which surprised me. They didn’t mean “elitist” or “racist” to me, for example, I thought they involved just buying restrained, classic and elegant styles in the best quality one can afford. There’s nothing wrong with that, I’m glad people want to dress better, at last. Or at least I want to dress well, but that’s nothing new, I don’t really care what others wear, that’s their business, not mine. I see these trends as reactions to the maximalist, OTT trends of 2000-2020 aprx., when “originality”, even shock value, seemed to be the only thing appreciated (pre-stained pants, anyone?) and the extreme sloppiness of dressing during the pandemic. It will be interesting to see what’s up next, but except for the few less extreme, more classic trends I’ll probably want, I can’t see changing my personal style that much. I strive for the most timeless pieces I can find. Of course, retread trends always look a bit different in every iteration, but classics are generally more durable than other styles.

[@ShadowyLady82]

Great video Mariana. I would add: 1. Personal style is a journey and there are no quick ways to get there. We also all evolve with age. The beauty is in the journey. I'm in my early 40's now and while some of my style key words are the same (for example, I prioritize glam) they way I put things together has changed from my 20's and also from my 30's. I've made significant leaps in career into senior management and also became a mom (to a now 12 year old). All of these also impact style. 2. I'd like to hear your take on "classics" because I think the words is often mis-used. For myself, there is a difference between personal wardrobe classics (what fits me well, I wear a lot, looks great on and stays as a staple) vs what is considered by masses as classic style (tends to be more minimal, often simpler cuts something like a white button down shirt or a striped knit for example). I think every woman needs to figure out their own wardribe classics based on their lifestyle, body shape and style preference. for example a midi knit dress, a silk shirt, body skimming bias cut midi skirt, long belted cardigan would be my wardobe classics. I would not wear a white button down especially not in cotton, a classic blazer, a-line skirt, strippy knit nor any kinda t-shirt which are all widely seen as part of a "classic style closet". None of these suit my body shape or fit within my own style 3 key words.

[@Taffy-w3c]

Thank you. It is time to pare down my wardrobe, and your advice will help me choose a what to keep.

[@Ingrid0410]

Hi Mariana! Your skin looks so perfect here, plz show your skincare routine and yr favorite products

[@nikkiwitt9475]

Genius tips!❤

[@christinekellyrose9435]

Waiting for your take on the new trend "Rich Mom Look". Although it's been around forever...😊

[@Shiryone]

My inspiration and true fashion love has been Audrey Hepburn meets Calvin Klein minimal. But being a curvy latina, it just doesn't suit me realistically. So, I've leaned more towards natural/classic meets a bit of boho-chic, with muted and natural tones. This was a wonderful video.

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

I think that's the hardest thing: when we have a look in mind but it just doesn't suit us... but I'm really glad you've found an alternative - that, by the way, sounds lovely and super stylish 😊

[@celiathirlwall3329]

Great video, Mariana!!

[@ladykadiijha]

Are you a true Autumn 🍂 ? That top is amazing on you

[@agataczajkowski1096]

Another excellent video and great advice. So many times we are buying something because we have a vision not based in reality. This is for example me with patterns: I’m always thinking that I want to buy flowery summer dresses and they never look good on me. I look the best in simple Scandinavian style. Unfortunately for me this style requires implacable quality in materials and workmanship and that requires more money than I have 😂 The most difficult for me is finding event outfits for weddings, fancy dinners and similar occasions, I need help with that.

[@PrairieWoman6680]

I need to memorize this video and I love your A-line outfits. They are beautiful!

[@jwkout7386]

Great video! ...Please make another video... maybe about hot weather looks with elegance? .. Many thanks :)

[@karenjones6953]

Great video! Bravo!

[@elenamartrod7305]

Love your videos, I tend to agree in 99% with what you say. I am currently working on my style on a budget and being quite mindful about what I buy, the quality, etc. I find it easier in summer! Also, since your last video I've been obsessed with Jennifer L. Scott channel and I am now reading her Madame Chic book which I'm enjoying so much! Thank you ❤

[@elenamartrod7305]

Oh and btw you can try to make those curls (or similar) with a robe belt and it really does not take time, you put the mostly dried hair around the belt and you go to sleep or do some chores around your house and then remove the belt, brush and that's all! There are also accessories for it so you don't need to remove your robe's belt haha. There are tutorials for it, I've got some nice results!

[@jenniferwatson6094]

Thank you Mariana for your inspiration and common sense . Fortunately I have found that the enduring classics are very flexible and enjoyable to wear and easily tweaked to make each occasion special. 😊

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

So true!

[@annade2094]

How is your hair tied back? Is it a barrette? Sometime you wear in a pony. Would love to know what you use for those looks.

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

Hi Anna! Yes, I just pinned it up with 2 small barrettes on the side. Nothing complicated or fancy 😌

[@latoletole18]

Thanks for this video! I really enjoy your channel. I'm new here btw 😀

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

Welcome!

[@AliciaGomez-pp8re]

❤❤❤

[@Lisa-sp5if]

Good evening, darling! Could you give us some pointers on how to create a mood board? Are you just kind of talking about maybe a Pinterest board? Or do you use something like Canva…

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

I'll use it all, Lisa 😆 Canva, Pinterst, folders on Instagram and on my phone, magazine cut-outs... it depends on how crafty I'm feeling ;)

[@yayak6799]

A thousand bucks lol. I feel that

[@leeatomassoni3901]

👏👏👏

[@workinprogress3609]

I have always been into the classics. I don't know why, but it bothers me that it is now a trend.

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

I knoooow! I feel the same way, weirdly 😅 It's like when you discover a really cool band and feel like you're in on a secret, and then they become famous and everyone starts talking about them.