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Eco-stylist and Sparkpick founder Monica Ma shares her top tips for personal styling, a crucial step towards transitioning to a more conscious way of consuming fashion.
Personal styling for the conscious consumer
I’m Monica Ma, the founder, Creative Director, and fashion stylist behind Sparkpick. As a sustainable fashion advocate, I’ve made it my mission to showcase the best in environmentally conscious style and inspire others to embrace the same values.
Sparkpick is your go-to conscious styling blog and online store that brings you curated looks from top responsible fashion brands.
My journey towards sustainable fashion wouldn’t be possible without Good on You. After watching the eye-opening documentary, The True Cost, I was shocked to learn about the devastating impact of fast fashion. That’s when I discovered Good on You. Using their rating system, I was able to make informed choices in our fashion curations and learn more about what it takes to run a more sustainable fashion brand.
Below, we’ll introduce a couple of popular personal styling ideas, a crucial step towards transitioning to a more conscious way of consuming fashion. Personal styling is all about discovering what works best for you, which helps you do more with less.
Fashion styles
Fashion is a form of self-expression and each style reflects a unique personality and attitude. There are numerous style classifications out there. For simplicity, let’s chat about the most common styles.
1. Casual
Casual style is the ultimate go-to for those who value comfort and ease in their fashion choices. It’s a laid-back approach to fashion that emphasises practicality above all else. The roots of casual style can be traced back to the 1930s when sportswear gained popularity, but it was in the 1950s and 1960s that casual style truly came into its own as people began to prioritise comfort over formality.
Key garments for the casual style include t-shirts, jeans, sneakers, sweatshirts, and hoodies. These pieces are versatile and can be mixed and matched to create an effortless and comfortable look. Accessories such as baseball caps and backpacks are also popular choices to complement the casual style, providing a practical touch to the overall outfit.
Casual styles to check out
- Knitted Pinpoint Pullover (Mila Vert)
- Art Jumpsuit (Kuyichi)
- Print Hoodie (Dedicated)
- Livia Love Joggers (Yes And)
- Lois Tan Trouser (Mother of Pearl)
- Arlo Tan Coat (Mother of Pearl)
- Nomad T-Shirt Indigo (Brava Fabrics at Urbankissed)
2. Mod
Great Britain is the birthplace of Mod subculture, which took off in the 1960s but is endlessly stylish. The Mod style was all about sharp suits, short haircuts, and slim-fitting clothing. The key elements of Mod style are tailoring, sophistication, and often androgyny. Key garments include slim-fitting pants, polos, trench coats, blazers, Oxford shirts, and brogues. Accessories such as ties, pocket squares, and cufflinks are also popular in this style.
Mod styles to check out
- The Reese Blazer (BASTET NOIR)
- Smart Derbys (Will’s Vegan Store)
- Wool Knitted Vest (Baukjen)
- The Mary Trench Coat (BASTET NOIR)
- Lapis Blazer (Olistic the Label)
- Kensington Trench (Reformation)
- Recycled Blazer (Baukjen)
3. Punk
Punk style is rebellious, edgy, and anti-establishment. It emerged in the mid-1970s in the UK and quickly spread to other parts of the world. Punk fashion was a rejection of the mainstream and was heavily influenced by music, art, and politics. The key elements of punk style are DIY, anti-fashion, and individuality. Key garments include leather jackets, ripped t-shirts, skinny jeans, and combat boots. Accessories such as studded belts, spiked bracelets, and safety pins are also popular in this style.
Punk styles to check out
- The May Dress (BASTET NOIR)
- Shirt Mysen Love Is Love (Dedicated)
- Vegan Ankle Boots (Good Guys)
- Vegan Leather Leggings (Malaika New York)
- Lyle Chrome Free Leather Biker (Baukjen)
- Adelinda Leather Bomber (Baukjen)
- Recycled Jeans (Fanfare)
- Forever Black Jeans (Kuyichi)
- Easy Crew Tee (Kotn)
4. Romantic
Romantic style is feminine, whimsical, and dreamy. The key elements of romantic style are femininity, softness, and nostalgia. Key garments include lace dresses, floral blouses, ruffled skirts, and ballet flats. Accessories such as headbands, scarves, and delicate jewellery are also popular in this style.
Romantic styles to check out
- The Bea Dress (BASTET NOIR)
- Imken Top (Baukjen)
- Ariella Pink Dress (Mother of Pearl)
- Merino Wool Jumper (Baukjen)
- Vegan Creme Bag (Mashu)
- Zora Maxi Dress (TAMGA Designs)
Colour types
Colour is a powerful tool in fashion, and it can greatly affect the way we look and feel. There are four main colour types—Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring—and each type is associated with a certain set of colours that are most flattering to that particular skin tone. Each of the colour types can be also traced to your personality type. Pretty cool, right?
1. Summer
Summer type is all about cool, soft, and muted colours that are inspired by nature during the summer months. People with a summer colour type tend to have cool undertones in their skin, and their hair and eye colours are usually light and muted. The summer colour type is often associated with the phlegmatic personality because the soft and muted colours of this colour type reflect the calming and peaceful nature of the phlegmatic personality.
Fashion that fits the summer colour type best includes soft and muted colours such as pastels, pinks, blues, and lavenders. Clothing made from light and airy fabrics such as cotton, linen, and silk are also ideal for the summer colour type. Experiment with soft floral prints, delicate lace detailing, and throw in natural textures like woven straw or raffia.
Summer styles to check out
- Recycled Jumper (Afends)
- Alicia Organic Dress (Baukjen)
- Ashley Organic Cotton Top (Baukjen)
- Sweatshirt Ystad Raglan Base (Dedicated)
- Boat Neck Shirt (LANIUS)
- Lilac Linen Pants (LANIUS)
2. Autumn
Autumn colour type is associated with warm, earthy, and rich colours that are inspired by the beautiful changing leaves during the autumn months. People with an autumn colour type tend to have warm undertones in their skin, and their hair and eye colours are usually rich and deep. The autumn colour type is often associated with the choleric personality—confident, assertive, and ambitious people who enjoy taking charge and being in control. They are strong and vibrant in nature—just like autumn.
Fashion that fits the autumn colour type best? Warm and rich colours—oranges, rusts, browns, and greens. These colours complement the warm undertones in the skin of the autumn colour type and create a harmonious and natural look. Clothing made from warm and textured fabrics such as wool, tweed, and corduroy are also ideal for the autumn colour type. Try animal prints, bold patterns, and natural textures like vegan or recycled leather. Statement jewellery, bold handbags, and patterned scarves are also great choices for an autumn colour type.
Autumn styles to check out
- Wrap Dress (Whimsy + Row)
- Sweatshirt Ystad Raglan Small Flowers (Dedicated)
- V&A Glendale Top (People Tree)
- Bobbie Cotton Sweater (Näz)
- Iggy Corduroy Trousers (Näz)
- The Ramani Dress (Luna + Sun)
3. Winter
Winter colour type is about cool, bright, and vivid colours that are inspired by the crisp winter snow. People with this type have cool undertones in their skin, and their hair and eye colours are usually dark and contrasting. The winter colour type is often linked to the melancholic personality—thoughtful, introspective, reserved people who tend to have a sensitive and emotional approach to life. They value authenticity and depth in their relationships and tend to be drawn to art and beauty.
Winter colours are deep blues, emerald greens, dark purples and cold magentas, and striking reds. Clothing made from structured and luxurious fabrics such as silk, satin, and velvet is flattering for the winter colour type. Experiment with old prints, sharp tailoring, and edgy textures like vegan leather. Pair them with statement jewellery, bold handbags, and patterned scarves.
Winter styles to check out
- Vintage Painted Jacket (Fanfare)
- Amaryllis Black (Mashu)
- Organic Cotton Cardigan (LANIUS)
- Sima Blouse (Baukjen)
- Hanisha Dress (Jyoti – Fair Works)
- Amelie Plum Skirt (Mother of Pearl)
4. Spring
If you have warm undertones in your skin and your hair and eye colours are light and bright, you are most likely the spring colour type. It comes in warm, bright, and fresh colours that are inspired by the new growth of spring—green leaves and blooming red flowers. Oftentimes the spring colour type is associated with the sanguine personality, reflecting their playful and optimistic nature. Sanguine personalities are outgoing, enthusiastic, and energetic for whom life is a journey of joy. They enjoy talking to people and are open to trying new things.
This colour type looks beautiful in warm and bright colours—coral, peach, yellow, and turquoise. These colours complement the warm undertones in the skin of the spring colour type and create a fresh and playful look. Clothing made from light and flowing fabrics such as organic or recycled cotton, silk, and recycled chiffon are also ideal for the spring colour type. Spring is a kingdom of floral prints, ruffles, delicate textures, and lace. Experiment with delicate jewellery, playful handbags, and colourful scarves to celebrate life.
Spring styles to check out
- Signature Hoodie (PANGAIA)
- Sweatshirt Ystad Raglan Base (Dedicated)
- The Three-Quarter Boat (Citizen Wolf)
- Print Skirt (Elk)
- Vicky Vegan Flats (VEERAH)
We hope you loved our curated eco-fashion picks. Join us on our sustainable fashion journey by following and supporting Sparkpick. With your support, we can continue to promote ethical and environmentally conscious fashion. Together, we can make a positive impact on the planet and fashion industry.
