How to perfect your personal style – by the women who know

With our increasingly busy lifestyles and so much choice out there, more and more of us are putting together our own ‘fashion uniforms’ – capsule wardrobes full of staple pieces we can rely on time and time again. Whether you’re into bright colours or you love ladylike shapes, finding what works for you is the key to discovering your personal style and making the most of your clothes. We asked three chic women to open their wardrobes and share the secrets behind their signature looks.

Funmi Fetto: author, contributing beauty editor for Vogue and columnist for The Observer.

‘I love print. I’d say 70% of my clothes are patterned. I’ve even been known to buy upholstery fabric and have it made into a dress. I like to wear a mishmash of prints and layer them with accessories. 

‘I’ve always been quite independent, with my own sense of style. Over the years, I’ve learned which shapes I feel good in. If I’m really dressing up, I gravitate towards a slash neckline and three-quarter length sleeves. I discovered it’s a shape that suits me so I’ve bought multiple pieces in this cut. I choose my clothes on instinct.

‘A lot of my clothes are vintage. I travelled the States and Europe seeking out vintage gems, and you develop an art for it. I have a gut feeling of what I’ll feel comfortable in and if I feel comfortable, I’m confident in any situation. It’s not in my DNA to drop the kids off in my pyjamas. I remember bumping into my aunt once when I’d popped to the shops. She looked at what I was wearing and said, horrified: “Where are your earrings?” It’s the African way to dress up and make an effort.

‘A printed dress is my everyday go-to. I never have to think: ‘What will I wear it with?’ Sometimes, I layer jeans underneath. I love the juxtaposition of them with my Dr Martens boots, and I wear my gold Gucci flats with everything. I love the Marni necklace I’m wearing here – it’s quite old but I like to clash it over things – and earrings are my favourite piece of jewellery. I have lots of piercings and like styles that are a little bit different. I’m not a delicate jewellery person.’

Camilla Rowe: Partner & Head of Women’s Accessories

‘My style has been honed over time. I always make an effort as I don’t want to look boring. My repeat buys are wide-leg trousers – I find them really adaptable and they work from season to season – and high-waisted skirts and trousers. Last year, I didn’t buy anything for six months and that helped me realise what I loved wearing and also what I didn’t need any more of. 

‘It made me realise that it’s worth buying designer shoes. Even if you wear pretty much the same outfit, your shoes will update it. I always choose flat shoes, so interesting loafers and trainers work for me. I bought this vintage shirt (pictured) as I love the beautiful blue shade and I really like tie-neck blouses. I like to wear feminine tops with masculine bottoms and I tend to go for bigger sizes, too, as I think the fit is better – they look more elegant.

‘If I’m going to an event, I love to plan. The first time I went to Glastonbury, my husband told me it was like camping, so when I got there in the wrong clothes I couldn’t relax until I’d been to the nearest Oxfam and found a green leather/vinyl coat. Once I put that on with some bright lipstick, I could relax. I felt like me again. If I’m going to a black-tie do, I go for something a bit different, such as a dress with an asymmetric neckline. I’ll wear it with a vintage belt and a cool clutch and do my hair. I’ll wear trainers, too, as I love to dance and want to be comfortable. I do buy a lot of clothes, many of them second-hand. I’m always looking for pieces – it’s part of my job. I like people who are brave with their style.’

Katherine Ormerod: journalist, author and influencer

‘My style is classic and feminine. I like to look like a lady, not a girl, with nice nails and my hair done. My mum’s very glamorous and I’ve always looked up to her. I love proper glamour – think Diane von Furstenberg in the 1970s. A dress and heel combo is my signature look and I’m into a belt. My figure is quite straight, so I cinch things in to look more feminine. I have a massive belt collection and am happy to spend money on them –they’re worth the investment.

‘I think spending time with your clothes, trying things on, is so important. That way you know what your wardrobe is missing and the little updates you need to make it more relevant. If I’m packing for a trip, I’ll try on every outfit and make sure every accessory is there. I like to plan ahead. I get lots of joy from putting clothes together.

‘For me, real style isn’t about buying new things all the time. I think you can create amazing looks by playing with tonal palettes. It’s an interesting way of communicating an attitude for the day. My flat is tiny and I don’t have much space for clothes, just one rail and a chest of drawers, which means I have to love each piece for it to stay. Everything is grouped on the rail. I keep my heels on shelves in a broom cupboard and store bags in size order under the bed. All my knits are folded – never hang a knit! – so it’s all very Marie Kondo.

‘I’ve been collecting cashmere since university. It’s worth looking after it by washing carefully and storing it with moth guards. I hope I’ll still be wearing mine in my sixties. I wear jeans a lot. I’m small – 5´ 2˝ – so I cut off the hems myself and turn them up. I love a kick flare, especially showing a bit of ankle, and I still wear skinny jeans with a high rise as it suits my proportions. I think coats are so important in a wardrobe. Team them with a long boot and you instantly look done.

‘I don’t change my jewellery very much. I choose a lot of yellow gold as it suits my skin tone. I always wear my G necklace – it’s old Céline and my boyfriend bought it for me. G is for Grey, my little boy. I love to pile on my earrings. I don’t believe that less is more. In my book, more is more. 

Photography: David Titlow. Hair: Funke Afolabi (for Funmi); Choccy at One Represents (for Camilla and Katherine)