Styling 101: Build a Sustainable Wardrobe That Feels Like You

1. Fashion Styles

Knowing your style is like having a compass for your wardrobe. It opens doors to true self-expression and helps you build a statement wardrobe that feels like you. Most of us have a couple of core styles—like casual and preppy—that we can mix and match depending on our mood or plans.

There are endless ways to classify style, but here at Sparkpick, we like to keep it simple. We consider your Style DNA and group similar sub-styles together to make it easier to find your vibe.

Casual style

Casual style is your go-to when comfort meets cool. Think ease, practicality, and pieces you actually want to wear every day. While casual style started gaining traction in the 1930s with sportswear, it truly took off in the 50s and 60s as people chose comfort over stiff formality.

At Sparkpick, we’ve grouped together styles that share this easygoing DNA: Casual, Smart Casual, Casual Chic, Grunge, Preppy, and Minimalism.

✨ Want to go deeper? Read more about Casual style here and shop our curated Casual picks for women and men here.

Key pieces: T-shirts, jeans, sneakers, sweatshirts, hoodies. Add in a baseball cap or a practical backpack, and you’re set for a laid-back look that feels effortless but still pulled together.

Active Style

Active Style is all about movement, comfort, and sporty confidence. At Sparkpick, we’ve grouped Sport and Sport Casual under this category, as both blend functionality with style for a look that supports your on-the-go lifestyle—whether you’re hitting the gym or running errands.

Sport style takes inspiration directly from athletic wear, featuring performance fabrics, streamlined cuts, and pieces designed to move with you. Think leggings, track jackets, sports bras, and sneakers—built for comfort while keeping you looking sharp.

Sport Casual blends athletic elements with everyday pieces, creating relaxed yet stylish looks you can wear beyond workouts. It’s about incorporating joggers, hoodies, and sleek sneakers into your daily outfits while maintaining a sporty edge.

Key pieces: Leggings, joggers, sweatshirts, track jackets, performance tees, hoodies, and sleek sneakers in a palette of neutrals, brights, and color-blocked designs.

Elegant style

Elegant style is what many think of as “classic style.” It’s rooted in English fashion, where sharp tailoring meets timeless silhouettes for both men and women. At the heart of this style is the three-piece suit—a clever invention by King Charles II to steer English aristocrats away from French fashion.

Post-WWII, the three-piece suit took off at formal events, and in 1971, Ralph Lauren’s first women’s collection paid tribute to this English influence, with shirts, loose trousers, club jackets, waistcoats, ties, checks, and tweed. It became an instant classic, making the English-inspired elegant style a global staple.

At Sparkpick, we’ve grouped together styles that share this refined DNA: British Style, Derby Style, and Business Casual.

✨ Want to go deeper? Shop our curated elegant picks for women and men here.

Key pieces: Trench coats, tailored blazers, elegant trousers, knitted waistcoats, pencil skirts, Chelsea boots, and Oxfords. Look for prints like checks, houndstooth, herringbone, and premium fabrics such as tweed, wool, silk, and jersey. The color palette? Sophisticated and timeless—grey, navy, dark green, brown, and black.

Utilitarian Style

Utilitarian Style is all about practicality, functionality, and timeless structure. At Sparkpick, we’ve grouped Military and Safari styles under this category, as both share roots in durable fabrics, earthy tones, and garments designed for real-life utility—while still looking effortlessly cool.

Military style brings crisp tailoring and functional details into everyday wear. Think structured jackets, cargo pants, epaulettes, and sturdy boots. Inspired by army uniforms, it often features olive greens, khakis, and neutral tones, combining sharp lines with rugged practicality.

Safari style is relaxed yet purposeful, rooted in exploration and travel. It features lightweight fabrics, belted waists, pockets galore, and breathable neutrals, designed for comfort and ease while maintaining a pulled-together look.

Key pieces: Cargo pants, utility jackets, belted shirtdresses, safari jackets, structured vests, sturdy boots, and accessories like canvas hats and leather belts in earthy tones like khaki, olive, beige, and sand.

Retro Glamour Style

Retro Glamour Style is all about celebrating the elegance and playful drama of past eras. At Sparkpick, we’ve grouped Art Deco, Hollywood Glamour, New Look, Disco, and Mod under this category, as each brings vintage charm and statement-making confidence to your wardrobe.

Art Deco and Hollywood Glamour draw from the 1920s–40s, featuring sleek lines, luxurious fabrics, and a polished silhouette. Think beaded dresses, satin gowns, fur stoles, and tailored suiting that capture the golden age of cinema and jazz.

Dior’s New Look from the late 1940s introduced cinched waists and full skirts, creating a feminine, hourglass silhouette that remains timeless. It’s about structured elegance and embracing your curves with confidence.

Disco style from the 1970s is bold and fun, with sequins, metallics, and playful silhouettes perfect for dancing the night away. Mod style from the 1960s brings in clean lines, mini skirts, bold prints, and a youthful energy.

Key pieces: Sequined dresses, satin blouses, wide-leg trousers, mini skirts, structured blazers, metallic accessories, bold prints, statement jewelry, and vintage-inspired heels in jewel tones, monochrome, and metallics.

Ethnic Style

Ethnic Style is about celebrating craftsmanship, culture, and a connection to nature through what you wear. At Sparkpick, we’ve grouped Boho, Ethnic, Hippy, Country, and Pastoral styles under this category, as they share roots in folk traditions, handcrafted details, and a love for relaxed, earthy dressing.

Boho and Hippy styles are laid-back, artistic, and rooted in freedom of expression. Rising in the 1960s and 70s, these styles embrace flowing silhouettes, layered textures, and globally inspired prints, often incorporating handcrafted elements and vintage finds.

Ethnic style draws inspiration from traditional garments and patterns from cultures around the world, celebrating artisanal techniques, embroidery, and prints that carry stories and heritage.

Country and Pastoral styles reflect simplicity and a connection to rural life, with natural fabrics, comfortable cuts, and subtle prints. Think easy dresses, soft plaids, and pieces that feel at home in nature.

Key pieces: Flowing maxi dresses, embroidered tops, peasant blouses, wide-brim hats, layered jewelry, woven bags, relaxed denim, earthy tones, floral prints, and artisanal accessories.

Rebellious Style

Rebellious Style is all about breaking the rules and expressing your individuality. At Sparkpick, we’ve combined Punk and Gothic under this category because both embrace nonconformity, dark aesthetics, and using fashion as a statement.

Emerging in 1970s UK, Punk style is edgy, anti-establishment, and loud. Ripped jeans, band tees, safety pins, and leather jackets were worn as a protest against the mainstream, influenced by music, art, and politics.

Gothic style brings a darker, romantic energy. Rising from the post-punk scene in the 80s, it draws on Victorian and medieval inspiration with black lace, velvet, corsets, and heavy boots, creating a powerful, moody aesthetic.

Key pieces: Leather jackets, ripped denim, band tees, tartan skirts, fishnet tights, chunky boots, lace tops, corsets, and silver accessories in dark, bold color palettes.

Sentimental Style

Sentimental Style is all about soft, feminine, vintage-inspired looks that feel dreamy and nostalgic. At Sparkpick, we’ve combined Romantic, Empire, and Victorian styles under this category, as these styles are rarely seen in pure form today (except in wedding dresses). Instead, we borrow elements from each to bring a touch of softness and poetry into everyday style.

Romantic style is whimsical, feminine, and light. Emerging in the 18th century and revived in the 1970s, it’s defined by soft fabrics, delicate details, floral prints, and a vintage aesthetic that feels both timeless and free-spirited.
Empire style, originating in the early 1800s, is known for its high waistlines just under the bust, flowing skirts, and lightweight fabrics. It creates an elongated, graceful silhouette and adds an elegant, ethereal feel to modern wardrobes.

Victorian style brings in a touch of drama and historical romance, with elements like lace, high necklines, puff sleeves, and rich textures. It’s about adding intricate details and a sense of timeless beauty to your look.

Key pieces: Flowing dresses, lace blouses, puff sleeves, floral prints, high-waisted skirts, soft cardigans, and vintage-inspired accessories in a palette of creams, pastels, and soft florals.

Futuristic Style

Futuristic Style is all about bold experimentation, innovative materials, and a vision that looks beyond the present moment. At Sparkpick, we use this category to capture styles that feel ahead of their time, merging creativity with a tech-forward edge.

Futuristic fashion first took off in the 1960s, with designers like Pierre Cardin and André Courrèges introducing space-age silhouettes, metallic fabrics, and geometric cuts that captured the world’s fascination with the space race and the future. Since then, the style has evolved, blending high-tech materials and digital aesthetics, and continues to influence both high fashion and everyday street style.

In its purest form, Futuristic Style shines at festivals like Burning Man, costume parties, sci-fi movies, and digital fashion, where boundaries are limitless and creativity leads the way.

Key pieces: Metallic jackets, holographic tops, structured silhouettes, geometric accessories, LED details, asymmetrical cuts, and reflective materials in silvers, chromes, neon brights, and deep blacks.

2. Color Types

Color is one of your most powerful tools in styling, shaping how you look and feel in your clothes. At Sparkpick, we use four main color types—Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring—each tied to colors that complement your natural tones and even reflect your personality. Pretty cool, right?

Summer

Summer types shine in cool, soft, and muted colors inspired by misty mornings and pastel skies. If you have cool undertones with light, muted hair and eyes, and your skin tends to burn easily in the sun, you’re likely a Summer. This type often aligns with a Phlegmatic personality, reflecting calm, peace, and quiet confidence.

Best colors: Pastels, soft pinks, dusty blues, lavenders.

Winter

Winter types glow in cool, bright, and vivid colors like crisp snow against deep green pines. With cool undertones, dark hair, and contrasting eyes, you may be a Winter. This type often aligns with the Melancholic personality, bringing depth and sensitivity.

Best colors: Deep blues, emerald greens, dark purples, cold magentas, striking reds, black.

Spring

Spring types light up in warm, bright, and fresh colors that echo blooming flowers and clear skies. If you have warm undertones with light, bright hair and eyes, you’re likely a Spring. This type often aligns with the Sanguine personality, joyful and playful.

Best colors: Coral, peach, warm yellows, turquoise, fresh greens.

Fall

Fall types look stunning in warm, earthy, and rich colors inspired by autumn leaves and forest walks. With warm undertones and rich hair and eye colors, you may be a Fall. This type often aligns with the Choleric personality—confident and vibrant.

Best colors: Rust, burnt orange, olive green, mustard, warm browns.

3. Figure Flattery

At Sparkpick, we believe styling should celebrate your body, not critique it. We don’t use terms like “pear shape” or “rectangle” to describe people’s bodies. Instead, we focus on styling goals that help you highlight what you love, express your personality, and feel confident in your clothes.

Proportions can work like magic when you know how to use them to create balance, flow, and harmony in your outfits. Here are some of the most common styling goals we see from our community:

“I want to highlight my curves.”

If you want to celebrate your curves, the goal is to showcase your waist, elongate your figure, and highlight your shape with confidence.

Best strategies: Choose well-fitted clothes that hug your curves comfortably, wrap styles, high-waisted pieces, and V-necks to enhance your natural lines. Add belts or statement jewelry to draw the eye where you want it.

Key pieces: Wrap dresses, bodycon dresses, high-waisted jeans, wide-leg pants, A-line skirts, peplum tops, bootcut jeans, V-neck tops, fitted blazers, maxi dresses.

“I want my tummy area to feel more comfortable and flattering.”

If your goal is to feel confident around your middle, the focus is on creating a long, vertical line and shifting focus to your face, shoulders, or legs.

Best strategies: Opt for high-waisted pants, flowy tops, and monochromatic outfits to elongate your frame. Look for structured pieces that skim rather than cling, and add interest up top with scarves or necklaces.

Key pieces: Tunics, long cardigans, high-waisted pants, A-line dresses, flat-front skirts, empire-waist dresses, single-breasted coats, structured blazers, shift dresses, palazzo pants.

“I want to look taller.”

If your goal is to appear taller, the strategy is to create length and strong vertical lines throughout your outfit.

Best strategies: Choose high-waisted bottoms, fitted pieces that don’t overwhelm your frame, and monochromatic looks to add height visually. Vertical stripes and V-necklines are your friends.

Key pieces: High-waisted pants, skinny jeans, cropped jackets, vertical striped shirts, mini dresses, V-neck tops, heeled boots, fluid fabrics, long cardigans, A-line skirts.

“I want to broaden narrow shoulders.”

If your goal is to broaden narrow shoulders, it’s about building visual width on top while keeping the overall silhouette balanced and sleek.

Best strategies: Wear tops with strong shoulder details like puff sleeves or shoulder pads, go for wide or horizontal necklines to expand the upper line, and use bold colors or prints up top. Keep your bottoms simple to let the upper half shine.

Key pieces: Puff-sleeve tops, boat neck and square necklines, off-the-shoulder tops, structured blazers, shoulder-pad tees, bold-patterned tops, cap sleeves, slim-fit trousers, pencil skirts, straight-leg jeans.