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40+ Types of Fashion Styles, which one defines you!?

40+ Types of Fashion Styles, which one defines you!?

What is your fashion style?! If you’re not already a fashion maven, then that is one of the first questions you should be asking yourself to further explore your style. 

Here is your ultimate list of types of fashion styles to help you begin to narrow your focus.  I will say, in todays society it is not necessary to pick just one* fashion style. The more you hone what you like, the more fluid your style can be.  

How do I find my fashion style?

When you are just starting out with developing your style, it can help to strategically go through fashion phases (like a less aggressive version of your angsty teen years).  So i suggest going through this list and writing down any fashion styles that pique your curiosity.
From there, evaluate your wardrobe and see what fashion style you can start with. I do not recommend going out and buying a whole new wardrobe just to try a new style.  If you want to try a style that you don’t have anything close to, start by asking yourself why you have never bought anything for that specific aesthetic style. 
If the answer to that question is you were intimidated to try it, start by borrowing or buying one item that fits that fashion style.  Slowly integrate it into your wardrobe and gradually shift more towards that style if you enjoy it and feel like it works for you.
If the style itself doesn’t work for your daily work/life balance you will need to consider how much of your wardrobe you are willing to dedicate to that specific style.  
For instance, if you work at a business casual office but identify as a gothic Lolita, you may have to make some compromises and develop two wardrobes/fashion styles.  One that works for your office (that has small hints to your personal style) and a wardrobe dedicated to your free time.  In the previous example, the person could wear business casual clothes but keep the tones dark, and add a few more gothic-style pieces of jewelry.  And on the weekends, they could fully embrace their fashion style. 

How many types of fashion styles are there?

Fashion styles seem to continue to grow and evolve.  Currently, this ultimate list of fashion styles has over 40 options to choose from.  However, if we were going to break them down even further or add some micro-fashion styles in there, it would easily be over 100.  

Ultimate list of types of fashion styles

NYC style

nyc fashion style, formula 1 blazer, split ankle leggings, heeled boots, and oversized tee on fashion blogger gabrielle arruda, types of fashion styles with pictures- NYC fashion style
turtleneck outfit with plaid coat, black sunglasses and dior bag across body. different types of fashion styles with pictures, this one depicts "nyc style"
style blogger gabrielle arruda waering the fashion style "nyc style" - belted tan blazer as dress with balenciaga logo tights and a pair of statement earrings. types of fashion styles with pictures

Maybe it’s just because I live in NYC, but NYC style deserves its own category.  This is a distinctly metropolitan style, that integrates trends but simultaneously requires functionality.  NYC style skews to darker shades (New York City is dirty ;)) and because it is such a walking-heavy city it requires shoes that can handle running to the train or walking a few miles a day.  

If you want to achieve this style, I would definitely follow my blog as I frequently talk about fashion trends that are popular in NYC.  I have a post on some NYC outfits that I’ve seen everywhere lately. 

For this fashion style think sleek, trendy, but also not too fussy. 

related: elevate your style with an oversized blazer

Vintage Lover

different types of fashion styles with pictures, a picture of several girls wearing vintage clothing. one girl has a graphic tee and flip clips, the other has a vintage blouse and 90's sunglasses and one has a bandana in her hair
vintage fashion style, types of fashion styles with pictures, girl in white tee with vintage gingham skirt and mary jane docs with socks

The vintage lover fashion aesthetic is technically different than the retro fashion lover.  The vintage lover buys mostly second-hand vintage pieces but pairs them in a modern way. 

They are not trying to recreate a look from a 50’s housewife or the disco era. Rather they take a great vintage dress and pair it with modern tennis shoes.  Or they opt for a pair of 70’s flares and pair them with a modern crop top.

This style is incredibly flexible and is a great place to start if you love sustainable fashion options or like to make pieces your own. 

related: thrift shop like a pro

Retro Fashion

types of fashion styles, retro style. woman who embodies 1950's decade. Fitted blouse, hair scarf in hair with retro swoop bangs and a high waist skirt
types of fashion styles, the retro style fashion. woman who embodies 1950's decade.  Retro hairstyle with red lipstick, striped tee and red a-line skirt.

Retro fashion is all about paying homage to women’s fashion styles of the past. Usually, people who pick this fashion style opt for a single decade to emulate. 

For instance, one could opt for a 60’s style woman and fall under the retro fashion style. This would be a fashion style composed of micro-shift dresses, mod dresses, and bold prints.  

Once you land on a decade that interests you most you can look at the different styles within that decade to play with. For instance, with 60’s fashion, you could try Beatnik, hippie, or mod styles.  After a bit of exploration, you will undoubtedly find which specific style speaks to you and can develop that more fully. 

Minimalist 

fashion style: minimalist.  style blogger gabrielle arruda wearing monochromatic black outfit. black cashmere sweater with wide leg trouser and simple silver necklace
types of fashion styles: minamlist. girl in black blazer with simple silver dangle earrings and slicked back bun.

The minimalist fashion style is simple and elegant.  The color palette often stays neutral and only introduces low saturation colors into the mix sparingly.  

Minimalism fashion is all about well-fitting, perfectly cut pieces.  A capsule wardrobe of high-quality pieces that are easily mixed together helps achieve this fashion style. 

Prints and embellishments do not work well with this style. 

Fashionista

different types of fashion styles, the fashionista. influencer Cara Daour wearing dior bag and mesh raf dress with beret, trendy outfit
creative lab/ shutterstock
style blogger gabrielle arruda in an dramatic ellery dress with bell sleeves. different types of fashion styles: this one is the fashionista

A fashionista is a person who is not afraid to try new trends and push the fashion boundaries.  Expect their style to change every season with the latest and greatest trend predictions.

They usually encompass many fashion styles based on what is trending and feel comfortable wearing over-the-top statement pieces or more “risky” fashion trends. 

You have to love changing your look, keeping up with fashion trends, and having a flexible closet to embrace this fashion style.  I would also suggest having confidence is a must, as not everyone will love every look you rock. 

related: Check out all my trend posts to master the “fashionista” style

Boho / Bohemian Chic

boho fashion style; woman in flowy white dress with natural bead necklace and woven belt

The boho fashion style has strong roots in 70’s fashion.  Long, tousled hair with free-flowing fabrics and colorful prints encompass this style.  However, take those pieces and make them modern for the boho fashion style. 

Handcrafted jewelry and natural elements (like turquoise/stones) are also a signature of this style.  If you want to try the boho look, I would start by embracing flowy, printed maxi dresses with your hair down.  

It is a relaxed style that is free-spirited and not overly fussy in any sense.  

Resort Style 

resort fashion style, woman on boat with pastel pink maxi dress with triangle top and loose waves

For the resort-style, you want to think about a luxury (yet relaxed) vacation.  This would be composed of items like easy maxi dresses, well-fitted tees with modern Bermuda shorts that create a polished easiness. 

For this look you want your overall vibe to look effortless. This can be accomplished by “finishing your outfit”.  So wear that maxi dress but make sure your hair is done neatly and you have a chic pair of sunglasses with you. 

Camp style

fashion styles: camp fashion. example from met gala exhibit gold jacket with puff sleeves and peplum
camp fashion style example, from met gala. rainbow heart piattes on black cape and skirt, rainbow furry cape in background

Camp is an over-the-top fashion statement that usually involves some irony.  It may also submerse modern interpretations of culture.  The Met Gala was dedicated to camp fashion, and you can read more about its important role in culture and the art exhibit, here.

This style can sometimes be slightly cheesy, and definitely always makes a statement/impression.  If you want to get started with camp fashion, try integrating some Moschino or  Thierry Mugler clothes into your wardrobe. 

Artsy Style

types of fashion styles: artsy fashion style. woman in loose linen blouse with mustard smock/jumper over
female artist in casual artsy outfit. loose jeans, black tee and light gray blouse layered over it working on drawings

Artistic style can have two separate subsets.  First, we have the quintessential art teacher uniform with quirky patterns, an array of colors (saturated and muted tones), and looser silhouettes.

Then we have the actual artist who has a simple style that works for the creation journey.

Both artistic styles focus on a comfortable aspect that allows them to create and has notes of self-expression through their style.  

Business Casual Fashion

business casual style, business casual tops silk blouse with black sweater layered over and wide leg trouser
example of types of fashion style: business casual. girl in blazer, turtleneck, and loose wide leg trousers

Business casual style is centered around a relaxed office environment and is usually more of a subset of one’s fashion identity.

Business casual generally consists of neutral colors and pieces that are flexible to mix and match.  They are functional and allow one to do their job.  

If you’re confused about what does and does not work for business casual, check out my ultimate guide on business casual fashion here.

Street Style

street style fashion example, influencer caroline daur in netted dress with dior bag and beret
shutterstock/ creative lab
how to look expensive on a budget
shutterstock

Street-style fashion can kind of be a catch-all term.  The first evolution of street style fashion was linked to limited edition pieces and skate culture.  

However, today street style fashion is heavily linked to fashion influencers and icons.  Literally, what are they being photographed wearing on the street?  

Usually, these pieces are well-styled, but not overly fussy.  The outfit should be wearable but also interesting enough to identify you. 

For instance, if we look at Kendal Jenner’s street style fashion, it is composed of lots of basics like jeans, tees, and jackets.  However, her unique styling or accessories make it successful or “photograph-worthy”. 

Usually, with this style, there is something special about the look, which could also be a more limited-edition item or introducing a new (wearable) trend.

Athleisure Style

Athleisure is not your old gym wear.  Instead, it consists of trendy sportswear that is comfortable but also very fashionable. Think chic sweatsuits, sweatshort outfits, or a great travel athlesiure outfit like these for this fashion style.

The main characteristic of style is a casual nature, that still looks put together. Legging outfits fall into this category, as well. 

Athleisure fashion can be easily incorporated into your main fashion styles by adding a few more leisure pieces to your wardrobe.  

In order to make athleisure not look sloppy, opt for adding accessories and/or jewelry and not having messy hair.  While you don’t need a blowout to look good wearing athleisure, because of the casual nature of this fashion style, clean, and simple hair can avoid it veering into the messy look.  

A pair of classic gold hoops is also your best friend with this style. These are my go-to’s and super affordable!

Classic Fashion Style

classic fashion style picture; girl in simple polka dot wrap dress with classic handbag and sunglasses and hair in bun
fashion style with pictures: classic style. fitted dress with leather detail and white heeled boots

Classic fashion focuses on fashion items that have stood the test of time.  Think turtlenecks, trench coats, and well-cut trousers.  Style icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Onassis are great examples of how to utilize classic fashion. 

via GIPHY

For the classic fashion style, you will want a strong foundational wardrobe of pieces that fit immaculately. 

You will also want the silhouettes of your wardrobe to be items that have stood the test of time. A classic fit and flare dress or a wrap dress with pumps is a good place to start.  You will also want to invest in great, structured layering pieces like a trench coat, a cape coat, and a Chanel/box-style jacket.  

Classic style requires simple, high-quality jewelry and polished makeup/hairstyle to complete the look. 

Classic Casual Fashion Style

Classic casual is an evolution of the classic style mentioned above but integrates more casual pieces.  So while we are still channeling the sophistication of Audrey or Grace Kelly, we are also integrating more modern fashion staples like jeans, sweatshirts, and even classic sneakers.

An example of a classic casual outfit would be boyfriend jeans, a white tee, a Chanel or box jacket, and ballet flats or classic sneakers.  This outfit maintains the integrity of classic fashion but it makes it more functional for the modern-day lifestyle. 

Elegant Style

elegant fashion style picture, woman in turtleneck, wide leg trousers and trench coat

Elegant fashion style is about a polished, and composed look.  It does not necessarily entail wearing a sophisticated gown every day, but rather it is about always looking appropriate and put-together. 

Elegant fashion veers away from fast fashion trends or sexier silhouettes and focuses on a more modest interpretation of fashion.  

The elegant fashion style might wear classic black slacks with a cashmere sweater and simple jewelry for a lunch out, or a chic pantsuit for a work meeting.  This has less to do with the actual pieces and more to do with the entire ensemble.  However, it does closely relate to the classic fashion style. 

Formal and Black tie

formal fashion style, woman in strapless formal red gown

This is the (second) highest dress category and consists of tuxedos, full-length dresses, gowns, and fancy cocktail dresses.  This isn’t so much of a fashion “style” but it is a major fashion category and should be in your vocabulary. 

Formal or black tie is often worn at large life events like weddings, or anniversary parties.  Heels, jewelry, and a polished makeup/hair look are all emphasized for this fashion category. 

Girly Fashion Style

girly fashion style, girl in pastel pink outfit, tulle skirt, pink backpack, pastel sweater and bow in hair
girly fashion style picture, girl with ruffle pink mini dress on and strappy heels

The girly fashion style is basically ALL things feminine, put-together.  You should think of feminine silhouettes, and body-conscious outfits (without being overtly sexy).  

This look emphasizes “done” hair and makeup, which both naturally enhance the girlyness of the look.  

Details like bows, a-line skirts, and pink shades are also common in this aesthetic.  I would avoid any silhouettes or outfits that veer too sexy, as that isn’t really in line with the girly aesthetic.

Flounces, ruffles, bows, and even some laces all work well with the girly fashion style. I would avoid all dark-hued outfits, and use dark neutrals sparingly.  

Tomboy Fashion Style

menswear fashion style, tomboy fashion style: image of woman wearing classic coat, vest, and shirt, trouser
tomboy fashion style, woman in muscle tank and baggy pants
tomboy fashion style : style blogger gabrielle arruda  wearing mens shirt and chinos

Tomboy fashion is the opposite of the girly fashion style we just went over.  Tomboy fashion focuses on more traditional menswear silhouettes, masculine styling techniques, loose-fitting clothing, and darker hues.  

NOTE: when I am describing these fashion styles and referring to them as masculine or feminine, I am referring to the most culturally stereotypical definitions and not focusing on gender or what gender norms I think should be changed and evolved for our current times. 

And if you want to integrate a bit more tomboy fashion into your style, check out this post on how to wear menswear as a female.  

Garconne 

garconne fashion style, woman in men's 3 piece suit and blue collared shirt

Garconne fashion is similar to tomboy but has its roots in French fashion.  The history of the style goes back to the 1920s when women rebelled against the idea of traditional “lady-like” fashion.  The style embraced looser fitting (yay no more corsets) silhouettes and even embraced trousers and suits. 

This is basically tomboy fashion, but add a bit of French sophistication to it.  The overall style should not be overly sexy or full of color.  This fashion style should include classic colors, loose silhouettes, and a more androgynous overall look.  

Girl Next door

girl next door fashion style, sweet look- cute girl wearing short wrap dress with yellow floral print and ruffle along skirt
girl next door casual fashion style, style blogger gabrielle arruda wearing black tee with bermuda denim shorts

Every teen rom-com has a “girl-next-door” character that is effortless and quintessentially sweet.  

This style is laid back and casual.  It should be composed of easy pieces like boyfriend jeans, white tees, or tanks, and a classic sweatshirt.  The no-makeup makeup look is also a great option.

This look should be a little* flirty, but not overtly.  Sundresses and classic sneakers are also popular choices.  Any outfit for the girl-next-door style should be simple in nature and highlight your best attributes. 


PLEASE NOTE:  Fashion styles are often very detailed and have multiple genres and subgenres attached to them.  This is a general overview that encompasses the overarching themes of each genre.  However, each fashion style can be much more thoroughly dissected.  If there is any style you feel is misrepresented, please leave a comment and I will absolutely follow up.  

Goth Fashion

via GIPHY

Goth fashion is one of the most complicated fashion styles out there as it has a ton of subgenera that should be noted. So I will say goth is more of a lifestyle and perspective than just* a fashion style.

While aesthetically it is marked with heavy makeup, black clothing, and that “death rock” look we have come to associate it with, there is usually a heavy focus on the philosophical education and literature within this style. 

“Traditional” death rock goth started with music and an overarching desire to subvert the beauty norms.  Evolving as a subculture following the lines of punk fashion (though they are NOT the same), goth fashion idolized darker hair, pale skin,  torn fishnets, mohawks, and a lot of black clothing 

For the classic or traditional goth, look for inspiration from Siouxsie Sioux, Joy Division, or movies like The Craft. 

goth fashion style classic; girl  with pink streak in hair, heavy eye makeup, black top, black plaid skirt and fishnet tights
goth fashion style, girl with long chain mail neckalce and leather jacket. elaborate eye makeup

There are a lot of subgenera for goth style and you can read more about them below:

Victorian/Romantic Goth :  Think corsets, lace, and Morticia Adams

romantic goth fashion style, woman with gray wig and fishnet veil with black corset

Steampunk:  close ties to goth culture but technically a futuristic style that incorporates Victorian era and Industrial Revolution elements.  This style has less black and more brown, ivory, and worn leather.  It also has corsets but includes goggles, bloomers, vests, and button-downs.  “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow” is a good reference point. 

Pastel (girly) goth:  Lolita goth can fit into this category but this fashion style is actually broader than just that look.  While a lot of the same elements can be found in pastel goth- studs, corsets, and fishnets, they are often worn in more girly ways and incorporate pastels and color.  Colorful hair, doll-like dresses, and thigh-highs are all markers of this style. For a good style inspiration think manga or Alice in Wonderland meets goth. 

Gothic lolita: a darker, more subversive version of the Lolita fashion style 

Fetish gothic: focus on latex and more sexually charged

As you can see there are TONS!! of gothic fashion styles and this just scratched the surface. 

Grunge

grunge fashion style, gabrielle arruda wearing oversized flannel, tank top and black mom jeans
grunge fashion style type; girl with red sunglasses, oversized band tee and converse sneakers

Grunge fashion first began in the 1980s but really took off by the early 2000s thanks to bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam.  Grunge fashion focused on a “dressing-down” aspect that was relaxed, easy, and often times baggy/oversized.  

Some key takeaways for the grunge aesthetic are layering (think flannels tied around your waist), Doc Martens, worn-out tees, slouchy pieces, 90’s sundresses, and ripped jeans.  

For girls, grunge fashion also included a focus on maxi skirts and tights as well as flower patterns that became popular in the 90s and carried through. 

A nonchalant attitude is optional but recommended. 

Kawaii Style

This is a popular Japanese fashion style that literally translates to “cute”.  It is especially popular amongst teenagers and plays on feminine and cartoon-like elements. 

It’s usually a bit over the top and incorporates things like Hello Kitty, a love of pastels and bows, and some more youthful accessories like teddy bear backpacks or heart-shaped sunglasses. 

Kawaii fashion is associated with a “softness” but is also a movement that goes past just one’s wardrobe. For more on this style, click here.

Cottagecore

cottagecore fashion style, types of fashion styles with pictures.  girl with broad straw hat, white puff sleeve cotton dress and black boots on
cottagecore fashion aesthetic gingham print puff sleeve dress with green cropped pants

Cottagecore has blown up recently, probably in part due to its popularity on Tiktok.  But it is defined as a “niche aesthetic based around the visual culture of an idealized life on a western farm”. (source)

Common elements to include in your look is sustainability, farms, natural living, and gardens.  It’s a nostalgic and dreamy version of what living in a  cottage would entail.  This post will give you some more information and exact pieces to incorporate.

Dark and Light Academia

Academia fashion has been a subculture for years but has recently had a renewed power behind it.  It is a sophisticated and scholarly fashion that usually includes tweed fabrics, neutral plaids, knits, and turtlenecks.  

Dark and light academia just refers to the most dominant color palette.  

Here are examples of light academia:

light academia fashion style, girl in white blouse and tan wide leg trouser
light academia fashion style, light tan knit sweater, plaid trouser and gucci loafers womens fashion flatlay

This fashion style consists more of beiges, tans, and light neutrals. It is also more closely linked to natural, and soft visuals. 

Here are some examples of dark academia:

dark academia fashion style, girl with black turtleneck, oversized brown plaid blazer and tan pants
dark academia fitted blouse modest look

This fashion type consists of moodier colors, darker hues, and a slightly more gothic influence. 

Preppy Fashion Style

preppy sweater vest outfit with collared shirt and tennis skirt for the preppy fashion style
preppy fashion style, girl in white blouse, plaid skirt and knee high socks

Preppy fashion style evolved from the classic university and prep school/private schools in North America.  It is commonly associated with a wealthy look that incorporates sweater vests, chinos, tennis skirts, and polos.  They often have small logos to denote their brand or school affiliate and inherent wealth.  


It is essentially a young, but classic fashion style. 

Punk Rock

Punk Fashion collage
funk fashion style picture, girl with edgy t-shirt, gauge earrings, and colored hair

Punk fashion was basically invented by the rebellious and creative fashion designer Vivienne Westwood who wanted to use her style to communicate rebellion and resistance towards standard culture. 

Ripped or worn t-shirts with provocative sayings, leather jackets, fishnets, and studded black boots all embody this fashion style. 

This is more than just* a fashion style and really embodies a movement of culture.  Some other common visual aesthetics linked to punk are dark eyeliner, tattoos, and body piercings.  

Punk fashion has continued to grow and other variations of its central form have evolved over the years.  For more info on punk fashion genres, click here.

E-girl 

E-girl fashion has seen a huge resurgence lately.  I see it as a loose evolution from the emo-girls of the 2010’s.  From winged eyeliner to striped black t-shirts, band shirts, and an effortless attitude, the e-girl has found its new place in fashion. 

Some common items seen on an e-girl are: plaid skirts, oversized tees, crop tops, platform sneakers/boots, beanies, butterfly hair clips, chokers, belt chains, grommet belts, and heart shapes under eyes.  

It has elements of anime (especially the beauty and bleached/colored hair) and roots in skater culture with some of the accessories and fashion pieces. 

Lolita style

Lolita’s fashion style is very in-depth to explain and has many subgenera. The goal of this dress style is not to look like a child and is really only in name linked to the Nabokov book itself.  

Lolita fashion first took its roots in Japan and while there is a heavy emphasis on the “cuteness” of the style, it is influenced more heavily by the Rococo and Victorian eras of clothing.  This fashion style is often characterized by a skirt with volume using a petticoat or crinoline. This is usually paired with a blouse or fitted jacket. 

Despite the roots of the book itself, Lolita fashion has a focus on modesty and often incorporates bloomers, stockings, and skirts that hit at the knee. Lace is also a big trend. 

A lot of Lolita looks start with a black-and-white base and use color minimally. 

Lolita fashion style has many diversions including gothic lolita, classic lolita, sweet lolita, sailor lolita, princess (or hime) lolita, and more.  

Lagenlook 

The Lagenlook fashion style began in Germany and focuses on layering clothes of different lengths.  It plays with traditional fashion proportions and usually consists of loose clothing. 

Casual Chic Style

I think casual chic fashion has evolved into a catch-all term for women to describe their styles. So understand that this specific fashion style has a unique definition depending on who you ask, where they live, and other lifestyle preferences.

Generally speaking, casual-chic style focuses on smart elegance and a style that looks polished and functions for their daily life.  

An excellent example of a casual chic style would be a well-balanced, sophisticated look composed of fitted (not skinny) jeans, a simple but well-styled blouse, a pair of medium (or small) gold hoops, and a pair of simple flats or midi heels. 

This fashion style can also specify that you mix items from two categories- for instance, a casual piece like jeans with a more tailored blouse.  Or a pair of tailored slacks with a casual tee. 

Geeky Chic

Have you seen “She’s all that?” Because her pre-transformation is geeky chic.  It’s comfortable, slouchy, but still stylish. 

via GIPHY

This style usually highlights glasses, your hair in a messy bun, loose trousers or jeans, and a casual top.  

It can also be a bit more preppy and integrate plaid skirts and graphic tees into the mix. 

It’s more casual and less scholarly than the academia style fashion mentioned above. It also has a slightly more youthful style than academia fashion. 

It highlights conventionally “nerdy” things like Star Wars, Star Trek, comic books, and video games, and embraces a passion for a specific interest. (which is AWESOME, in my opinion).  

geeky chic fashion style, girl reading book with glasses and loose shirt and trousers with classic sneakers
geeky chic, girl with braids with blue colored tip hair and thick black frame glasses

Biker Style

biker fashion style, girl in moto leather jacket, skinny black jeans and combat boots
types of fashion styles: biker style. girl in leather moto jacket and black tee

Biker fashion is first and foremost a means of protection for people who actually ride motorcycles.  Because of the dangerous nature of motorcycles, leather, and heavy denims are a signature of their style (to protect their skin in case of crash). 

So opt for leather pants, leather jackets, and a pair of sturdy boots.  Bandanas seem to be a popular accessory (possibly rooting from denoting certain biker clubs or just keeping their hair back when wearing a helmet.

If you want to get the biker look but functionality is less of a factor here, you could opt for distressed denim and leather jackets.  Biker jackets typically have patches on them but I would not put an actual biker patch on your jacket unless you in fact belong to that club.

Respect the function of the biker style, and emulate it without being inauthentic to the culture. 

Psychedelic fashion

Psychedelic fashion was popularized in the 1960s and focused on colorful, mottled patterns.  These patterns are originally inspired by African and Indonesian prints.  

Reminiscent of an “acid trip” these trippy fabrics were put on everything from shift dresses to pants, and even coats. It was an evolution after the mod fashion craze and was meant to symbolize freedom from the traditional societal norms and the embracing of the self and exploration of the mind. 

Tie-dye and paisley prints also popped up during this fashion era. 

Hippie Fashion

hippie fashion girl, girl with round sunglasses, 70's style print blouse, feathers in hair, and jeans
modern hippie fashion style, two girls in flower crowns, and denim dress over long sleeve shirt

Hippie fashion is rooted in a rejection of mainstream society and capitalism.  It was a hodge podge of ethnic pieces, bell bottoms, tie-dye, and fringe.  It was all about embracing a free-love mindset and not being attached to material objects. 

The hippie fashion style is about easiness. Think of un-done natural hair and little makeup.  

Signature clothes of this fashion trend include bell bottoms, headscarves, fringed vests, t-shirts, and flowy dresses.  Thrifting (including military surplus stores (despite the anti-war feelings)) was a big part of their ethos. 

Burning Man fashion

So, generally speaking burning man fashion is not a fashion style you adopt for everyday life. It is very specific to one event, burning man (duh).

The fashion is meant to be a self-expression of creativity and pushing boundaries and could almost be considered “costume” like. 

Common items include bikinis, harnesses, tutus, masks, headdresses or crowns, and body paint.  Metallics and colored leathers seem to be popular as well.  The more embellished or over the top the better. 

Flamboyant style

Flamboyant fashion focuses on attention and flashiness. It can be similar to the fashionista, as the outfits are not “everyday” looks.  

This style is often full of saturated hues, bold silhouettes, and prints or embellishments that command attention. 

There is not one outfit formula for the flamboyant fashion style. Incorporate some dramatic pieces and an outfit that commands attention and you will have it mastered in no time.

Parisian / French-girl 

french girl summer wardrobe simple floral dress, part of a list of types of fashion styles- under parisian style
types of fashion styles, french fashion style, woman in a black coat with fur lining, red lipstick and red beret
the white mens button down on style blogger Gabrielle Arruda with a leopard coat and black straight leg jeans to display the french girl fashion style

French girl fashion is all about embracing the Parisian ethos of minimalist sophistication.  Typically they have a smaller, more refined wardrobe that is filled with classic items like a great blazer, well-cut denim, and midi block heels or ankle boots. 

Typically Parisian fashion is composed of neutrals and a few strategic prints like a muted floral or stripe.  

French fashion focuses on basics and elevates their look with style tips and sophisticated accessories.  Minimal jewelry works best for this fashion style.

For more outfit ideas and Parisian style tips check out these posts:

Spring Summer French Fashion 

Ultimate how to dress like a Parisian girl in fall

How to wear a blazer: American vs. French Girl Edition 

Gamine Style

gamine fashion style

Popularized by the original Gamine herself, Audrey Hepburn. The gamine style is composed of shorter and crisper silhouettes that have a playful feel. They often have unique details and an overall youthful feel to their looks.

The gamine style also exists in popular style systems like Kibbe and Kitchener. And If you’re curious I have a full video on the Kitchener gamine essence, here.

Ingenue Fashion Style

ingenue fashion style

The Ingenue fashion style also had a trademark youthful quality, like the gamines. However, they lean more toward the softer, delicate, and at times more girly side of the style spectrum

I have a video on the Kitchener Ingenue Essence, here. Its trademark quality is small-scale yin and they do well with delicate fabrics, small ruffles and details, and light colors.

Angelic/ Ethereal Fashion Style

angelic ethereal fashion styel

Kitchener definitely popularized/created the beloved angelic/ethereal essence and fashion style, and you can watch my deep dive into it here.

Ultimately, it has an other-worldly quality to it. It focuses on an elongated S-shape in silhouettes, diagonals, movement, and long soft pieces. There is a uniqueness to their style and they often resemble angels, and goddesses, and can have a timeless quality to their looks.

Even if you don’t technically have this essence, you can certainly adopt this fashion style if it suits your personal style goals.

Bold Dramatic Style Type

bold dramatic style type

The bold dramatic fashion style can also be seen in systems like Kibbe and Kitchener, albeit in slightly different iterations. Kibbe considers the Dramatic Image Identity to be a “regal lady” and Kitchener focuses more on the long, sharp, bold, and intense qualities.

I have a video on the Kitchener Dramatic Essence, here. But, how you interpret this fashion style can be flexible. Ultimately, you want intensity to your looks, and long/sharp lines can help you achieve that energy.

Don’t be afraid to be bold!

Sensual Romantic

sensual romantic

The Sensual Romantic fashion style is loosely based on “The Senusal” fashion archetype by Vincent Roppatte. And if you’d like an article all about his style archetypes, let me know in the comments below.

Ultimately the Sensual Romantic loves rounded edges, seductive fabrics and colors, and lace. There is a liquid quality to the fabrics they choose and they shine in deep, strong colors. She can also lean a bit vampy with her style but in an elegant way.

The Delicate Romantic

delicate romantic fashion style

The Delicate Romantic Fashion Style has been popularized lately by pop culture and social media platforms like TikTok. There is a romantic and feminine quality to the looks overall, but the color palettes are lighter, the prints and details can lean slightly Victorian or antique, and there is an overall softness to the makeup and hairstyles.

They are romantic-leaning, but don’t have the more overt sensuality style of the Sensual Romantic.

Colorful Fashion Style

colorful fashion style

What you choose as your fashion priority when getting dressed can also be your fashion style. For instance, your use of color. If every time you get dressed or shop for an item you prioritize the color combinations and the color effect, then the colorful fashion style might be a good place to start.

Color can be in itself a defining style trait, so don’t shy away from it if this is where you are drawn!

Natural / Earthy Fashion Style

natural earthy fashion style

The natural, earthy, or outdoorsy fashion style can be wildly different depending on how you define it or if you are examining it through the lens of a style system.

Kitchener’s natural essence has a relaxed and slightly outdoorsy vibe to it. Whereas the Kibbe Natural is a bit more All-American Glamour.

But, you can also just examine this fashion style for the overarching qualities. If you like natural textures like denim or wool and would look at home outdoors, or prefer more utilitarian elements to your style, then a natural or outdoorsy style might be a good fit.

As I mentioned previously, this is a broad-stroke overview to get you started on defining your style.  Each fashion style has details and subgenera that should be investigated more in-depth if you choose to pursue it. 

Fashion is about identity, and communication and shouldn’t ever be seen as frivolous.  If you feel any category is missing or is incorrect, leave a comment below (respectfully please), and I will do everything to update it.  

Now, go explore what fashion style defines you.  

Pin the below image because there is a lot to digest in this post!

40+ types of fashion styles with pictures to help you define your style

md shamim miya

Sunday 26th of November 2023

Such a delightful blend of past and present! The distinction between vintage and retro fashion lovers is fascinating. The vintage lover's penchant for second-hand treasures combined with a modern twist showcases a unique and sustainable approach to style. It's a celebration of fashion's timeless pieces, creatively woven into the contemporary wardrobe. A perfect marriage of nostalgia and modernity! πŸŒŸπŸ‘— #VintageChic #FashionBlend

md shamim miya

Saturday 18th of November 2023

This statement highlights the diversity within the natural, earthy, or outdoorsy fashion style. It acknowledges the subjective nature of defining this style and suggests that interpretations may vary depending on individual perspectives or style systems. The text encourages an appreciation for the unique and versatile expressions that fall under the umbrella of natural or outdoorsy fashion, creating a positive and inclusive sentiment.

Devry Ross

Monday 4th of September 2023

I absolutely adore all your articles! You're incredibly helpful, especially when it comes to the 'femme fatale.' It's a must-have on this list

Margarete

Sunday 30th of October 2022

Hi, thank you for all this ideas. What after all the reading of your articles can not bring together is how these different fashion styles relate to the the Kibbe IDs.

Fabienne

Friday 15th of October 2021

Love all your articles, youre so helpful! The femme fatale!! I need the femme fatale in this listπŸ”₯πŸ”₯

Gabrielle Arruda

Friday 15th of October 2021

Thank you! And that's such a great idea, I will add it to the article!!