Introvert Style
My name is Heather, and I am an introvert. I’ll bet if you’re reading this you are too……
I’ve been noticing lately that introverts tend to gravitate toward minimalism, especially when it comes to personal style. Researchers have found that introverts tend to be more easily distracted than extroverts, so that could be a reason we prefer minimalism. Another reason is that we like to fly under the radar in public when we’re not in the mood to talk (which, let’s face it, is like 90% of the time).
However, I don’t think low-profile needs to be boring or ordinary. So how do we express ourselves without drawing too much attention? With accessories, of course!
Let’s take a real world example. My younger sister is extroverted. When we were young, teachers would often move her from place to place in the classroom hoping to find somewhere that she wouldn’t have friends to talk to. But it never worked. She talked to EVERYONE. In contrast, teachers always asked my Mom to encourage me to participate more in class. Sigh……..
Being sisters, we both have similar body types. And since we both like to dress casually, Stitch Fix often sends us similar pieces (the striped shirt below is a piece we both wear). But my Sister styles her clothes with flashy heels/sandals and sparkly jewelry. While I style my clothes with wood jewelry and flat boots.
The outfit on the right is literally an outfit I wear almost weekly. It looks simple, but it took me YEARS to figure out that just a couple of accessories makes all the difference. My usual “Mom uniform” had been jeans + T-shirt (or sweater) with athletic shoes. I didn’t want to stand out so I didn’t try…… Thankfully I found Stasia Savasuk’s style school which helped me come out of my introverted shell and figure out my style–which I call Minimalist Introvert with Attitude.
The 3 Minimalist elements that appeal to many Introverts are:
Hygge–A Danish term that has had quite a moment recently (look it up if you’ve never seen it before, it’s hard to define…..). I very much gravitate toward the coziness aspect, plus I’m also a smidge Danish! All my clothes need to be soft and stretchy or I’m not going to wear them! That structured blazer in the outfit on the right is actually stretchy and cozy. I liked it so much I bought it in 2 colors. Hygge also makes me think of knit fabrics too. I crochet and knit myself various scarves and socks that add a bit of interest to my outfits without screaming “LOOK AT ME!”
Texture–I don’t like patterns because they are just too “flamboyant” for my tastes. But I look for unique textures like interesting knits and weaves of fabric. You can find some really unique textures in your accessories too. I’m personally drawn to wood jewelry (good thing I make it!), but other ideas are leather (or vegan leather) and hammered metal with a flat finish.
Neutral Colors– My basics are usually the neutral colors that look best with my hair and skin tone. If you’re looking for a way to determine what colors look best on you grab all the solid color fabrics you can find in your house (clothes, sheets, towels, your family members’ clothes, etc) and find a sunny room with indirect light and take a bunch of selfies holding up the fabrics near your face. This made a big difference for me, I stopped wearing all black or white shirts. They did NOTHING for me since I’m a soft autumn. Now I wear neutral jackets and pants with shirts in my color range (warm greens, blues, muted reds, etc).
Those 3 elements are the core of Minimalist style for Introverts. Follow those 3 and you’ll always be comfortable (both physically and psychologically) in your clothes. Then add a few accessories to fit your personality and lifestyle.
For me, I like to have a bit of an edge, so I wear my “Stompin’ Boots” (a holdover from my 90’s grunge youth), matte solid color stud earrings, or pieces I buy from BABE (badass, bold, empowered) that have various curse words engraved in metal. My Introvert kids like crazy graphic T’s under neutralish overshirts, and my Introvert Step-Daughter throws in subtle Disney accessories with her core minimalist outfits.
Whew, that took a lot out of me! I’m going back to bed now where I’ll pretend that no one is reading this. Did I mention that I’m an introvert?
PS. Scroll down to find links to the jewelry I make.
