What does it mean to express individuality through what you wear and how easy is it to do? We asked influencers Nicole Ocran, Zeena Shah and Alexis Foreman when they discovered their personal style
‘FASHION SHOULD BE A CELEBRATION OF WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON – it’s about individuality, and what you want to say through your clothes,’ says Erica Davies, stylist and curator of our Style With Purpose collection, where 15% of sales goes to domestic abuse charity Refuge.
To continue the conversation around what ‘style with purpose’ means, we turn our attention to the notion of individual style – how you develop it and, ultimately, feel confident and comfortable. To help unpick the topic, Erica chose three women to make their own edits from the collection and talk to us about their personal style.
‘These three women know exactly who they are and what they want to say with their clothes,’ she says. ‘Zeena Shah brightens up my timeline with her bold, colourful fashion choices and happy vibes. Alexis Foreman’s chic, minimal take on style adds a uniquely sophisticated, pared-back energy. And Nicole Ocran’s sunshine smile, mixed with her cool outfits and authentic chat, is incredibly inspiring.’
How would you sum up your personal style?
My personal style is joyful and playful. I love mixing colour, prints and patterns – I like making fashion feel as fun and as welcoming as possible and I aim to emulate that in every outfit I put on.
What are the pieces you always reach for?
I love a midi dress. They are so easy to throw on and go, and perfect to dress up and down. I have a range of favourites in a variety of colours. Jeans are always a fail-safe option, especially for London. At the moment I’m into wide-leg jeans and anything with a bit of a 1970s flare. Then a layering piece (jacket, blazer or coat) – I love autumn/winter layering because it’s the perfect excuse to add interest and elevation to any outfit.
Would you say you had a time in your life where you finally felt comfortable in your style?
Entering my thirties really has been the most rewarding for me in terms of finding confidence and feeling comfortable in my style. I wouldn’t particularly say I’ve nailed ‘my look’ because I’ve never been too into the idea of having a uniform and I really enjoy experimenting with trends. Getting older has just meant that I’m not afraid to have fun with getting dressed every day.
How do you express your individuality through what you wear?
It can vary from day to day depending on what I’m trying to express – sometimes I might be having a bit of a down day, but I know that colour will cheer me up and that’s the message that I’m trying to put out that day. Or other times I’ll want to feel chic or powerful so it will be a blazer and heels. Most of all, an outfit that makes me feel like me is anything with a print, pattern or interesting detail.
What items did you pick from the Style With Purpose collection?
I picked a gorgeous blue maxi dress to dress down with trainers and the cosiest grey teddy coat to layer over the top when it’s cold. I felt like this is the perfect everyday look for when you want to feel put together but still casual.
On a day when you need a mood pick-me-up, what do you wear?
Something bright! Pink, yellow or lilac are the colours that make me feel the happiest so anything incorporating one of those colours.
How would you sum up your personal style?
It’s pretty eclectic – not trend-led, but about what makes me happy. I’m someone that curates their outfits much like I would my home or my art direction work. I find so much joy in putting pieces together.
What are the pieces you always reach for?
I tend to have a bit of a uniform with my wardrobe, which is a great way to style pieces for everyday quickly and stylishly. I love shirts, big collars, long cuffs, button details. It’s the attention to detail that I really love and as someone who sews her own clothing, I understand the time involved in these processes. Dresses are my go-to – I’m always dashing around, so I like the throw-on ease of a dress. Also a good pair of jeans is a wardrobe staple for me. Find a pair that fit you perfectly and you’ll wear them to death.
Would you say you had a time in your life where you finally felt comfortable in your style?
It definitely comes with age. I spent my twenties experimenting with my style, thrifting and being very creative with what I wore. I went to art school so there was a phase where I had pink hair and wore the craziest patterns. It was a form of self-expression. I slowly found my style by the time I hit my thirties and remember being more comfortable in myself and caring less about what other people thought. I’ve always had such compliments about my style and outfits – it really does help boost confidence so I always make a point to compliment someone I might not know when I see a great look.
How do you express your individuality through what you wear?
For me it’s through my sense of colour and layering. I love mixing textures with pattern and colour. As a textile designer fabric is in my bones, it’s part of my design background and my set of rules to live by. I know what I like and only like what I do, so that really is the truest form of individuality.
What items did you pick from the Style With Purpose collection?
I carefully chose pieces I’ll wear forever. A red quilted French Connection coat, fabulous and bright for those darker grey days ahead, but practical and warm too. I’ll pair it with some classic Levi’s and a Mother of Pearl white shirt made from recycled fabrics, or a denim dress from Toast with some tights and chunky boots.
On a day when you need a mood pick-me-up, what do you wear?
The brightest item in my wardrobe. The power of colour positivity is my mood booster!
How would you sum up your personal style?
Minimal, muted, comfortable, practical.
What are the pieces you always reach for?
Cashmere sweater, white jeans, trenchcoat. Not a day goes by when I don’t feel like wearing cashmere (apart from during the height of summer!). I love how comfortable I feel in a cashmere sweater, and find they work well dressed up or down. I also reach for white jeans a lot. They’re my go-to when I’m not sure what to wear as I always feel good in them and they’re easy to style. I think a trench coat is probably my most worn piece of outerwear. They’re practical and chic so always a good option.
Would you say you had a time in your life where you finally felt comfortable in your style?
I think my style has gradually been honed over the years, but there was a moment about a year ago during Paris Fashion Week – amid the pressure of dressing to impress – when I had a moment of clarity. I decided to only wear what I feel comfortable in. From that moment I began to edit my wardrobe down to reflect that – a neutral palette, pure fabrics, sleek but functional pieces. I’ve found the result so freeing. Putting outfits together is easy because I know everything works together and each piece makes me happy. I also think that my forties are the right time to refine my style and really know what makes me feel comfortable and chic. Having a more muted and minimal wardrobe has really helped with that.
How do you express your individuality through what you wear?
By being consistent. Keeping to an edit of colours, fabrics and cuts of clothing that I know suit me and I feel good in has become a signature style for me. There are lots of trends that I like the look of, but I can express myself best by staying focused on what I know works for me.
What items did you pick from the Style With Purpose collection?
I chose the Modern Rarity sweater, Reiss track pants and John Lewis & Partners cashmere socks because they’re just so cosy! Plus of course they’re grey, which is one of the few colours I’ll wear. The Hobbs sweater and Levi’s jeans are true staples that would work in anyone’s capsule wardrobe. I always feel smart in a turtle neck. Then there’s the Mother of Pearl white shirt. I’m a big fan of the white shirt in general and love the cuff detailing on this one. It complements the gold Dinny Hall hoops perfectly.
On a day when you need a mood pick-me-up, what do you wear?
Depends why my mood needs picking up… If it’s because I’m tired I’ll reach for a cashmere set that brings comfort. If it’s because I need kicking into action I always feel good in a tailored suit.
