Personal Style & Identity

A Ted Talk by Molly Bingaman

If you were to draw the rhythm of your personal style, could you?

Most of us would like to believe that you have to develop a personal style or create one. That after you have found who you are, only then are you able to express your personal style, however if you have an identity you have style.

” Everyone has style. “

– MB

Molly Bingaman, a transformational personal stylist, explains in her TedTalk that the process of understanding the link between your personal style and identity is understanding how you move and express yourself.

She highlights that the question that you need to ask isn’t if you have personal style or not, but whether or not you are expressing your personal style.

Instantly, I’m on defense. Of course I’m expressing my personal style, I get dressed everyday don’t I? Who bought those clothes? What am I doing when I add that claw clip? Is that not me?

Her response.

” The most attractive look is always going to be the most authentic one. “

– MB

And as much as I get annoyed hearing the word authentic, the statement stands forever true.

Being you is the most beneficial and beautiful thing you can do. Authentically and loudly.

Any attempt to escape this fact will leave you deprived in some way. Because we have this natural psychological human desire to be seen and to connect, in order to fulfill this we must show up.

The match you are looking for is between the wearer and the clothes and it has to create a relationship that is cohesive in both the motion and the expression of you.

The four rhythms

The four categories of style and expression Bingaman compares to the sections of an orchestra. She notes the distinct difference in the sound each section makes and the feeling that it evokes.

The Wind Instrument

This person has very high energy and lives to be bright and bold.

They are constantly looking for variety to keep their energy high.

This person may find themselves shopping for fabrics that have different textures and clothing that is distinct and daring.

The String Instrument

This rhythm has more relaxed energy and finds their confidence in being comfortable in dress.

They are more patient, welcoming, and intentional. They find timeless staples and taking the time in finding what fits this criteria is crucial.

The String Instrument

This rhythm has more relaxed energy and finds their confidence in being comfortable in dress.

They are more patient, welcoming, and intentional. They find timeless staples and taking the time in finding what fits this criteria is crucial.

The Brass Instrument

The Brass instrument has more energy than the last two making it fast and full of passion.

This person is efficient, fierce, and sharp. They need their clothing to match this energy that full of many textures and high movement.

No Movement

The last movement is no movement, which is a movement.

These individuals are intentional. They will not move unless it is the right move and they know where they are going.

What comes with this is a lot of alone time, that creates a clean and bold look. They want their clothing to hold their shape and each look is carefully created.

No Movement

The last movement is no movement, which is a movement.

These individuals are intentional. They will not move unless it is the right move and they know where they are going.

What comes with this is a lot of alone time, that creates a clean and bold look. They want their clothing to hold their shape and each look is carefully created.

” Your clothing moves and expresses the way you move and express. “

– MB

In that you will find resonance. It creates the effortless attractive look where people can see you better, hear you better and feel you better. There will be a better connection.

And that’s the main theme here. The importance of there being a better connection. Between not just your style and identity, but also the people around you.

Bingaman pushes you to find clothing that moves and expresses like you,

I’m pushing you to find a mental space to give yourself room to explore what that looks like and go for it.

So then the question stands from both Bingaman and I,

Are you brave enough to show up as you?

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