Despite spending a staggering £43.8 billion annually on clothing, footwear, and accessories, half of Brits still struggle to find their personal style. A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that finding fashionable items that align with individual tastes is a significant challenge.
The main sources of fashion inspiration are observing what others wear, retail store displays, and Instagram. However, the difficulty in defining personal style often stems from a lack of confidence to try new trends and uncertainty about where to begin.
Some believe they simply don’t have the time to keep up with the latest styles. The study was conducted by FIAT, who partnered with fashion stylist Sofia Lazzari to provide top style tips for the spring and summer seasons.
This initiative is part of FIAT’s ‘La Dolce Vita’ campaign, which features Italian culture experts sharing their insights on living the ‘sweet life.’ Sofia commented: “What we wear impacts how we feel about ourselves and how others see us too – so it’s perhaps no wonder UK adults spend so much on clothing.”
She further added: “Our clothes choices are a chance to express who we are or who we want to be – and can reveal a great deal about us. Which explains why so many of those polled feel pressure to wear the ‘right’ things – a pressure which comes from many places.”
Interestingly, the study found that 53% of the respondents don’t perceive themselves as trendy. Instead, many have crafted a distinct personal style that goes beyond simply following the latest trends.
For over a third of the participants, their fashion sense is a direct reflection of their personality, while 17% use it as a means to connect with others. However, developing one’s signature style doesn’t happen overnight. Based on the survey, people typically discover their fashion identity around the age of 27.
According to the poll conducted by OnePoll, 44% of respondents believe the UK is either ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ stylish, with London being regarded as the top fashion destination in the region. On a global scale, Italy took the crown as the most stylish country, with France ranking second.
A representative from FIAT shared their thoughts: “It’s no surprise that Italy was named the most stylish country – Italian culture and way of life is effortless and authentic.
“While some in Britain may struggle with their style, ultimately, the spirit of fashion is that it should showcase your individuality and at FIAT, we celebrate that same spirit. Just like our cars, including the iconic Fiat 500 and the soon to be launched Grande Panda, we embrace bold colours, timeless design and inspired detailing.
“We’ve done this for decades because we believe ultimately fashion is about showcasing individuality, authenticity, and having fun with style. Whether it’s through what you wear or what you drive, true style is based on feeling confident, and unmistakably yourself.”
SOFIA LAZZARI’S TOP STYLE TIPS:
EMBRACE PASTEL TONES AND BRIGHTER COLOURS
As we come into Spring, start incorporating lighter colours into your wardrobe – powder pink, buttery yellows and soft lavenders can bring a fresh and refined elegance.
INCORPORATE SHEER FABRICS
To add some ethereal quality or texture to your outfit, consider layering sheer fabrics such as mesh, organza or lace – this can easily help you create more depth, a technique often used in Italian fashion to suggest allure without over exposure.
OPT FOR SCULPTURAL MINIMALISM
Classic Italian style is always built on quality tailoring and form – – pieces that are more structured ooze minimalism and will allow you to be able to achieve a timeless wardrobe.
THE ART OF TAILORING
Italian sophistication touches on many different style elements, two being strength and elegance – a simple way to incorporate this into your wardrobe is to embrace more masculine tailoring.
For men and women, invest in well fitted button ups or smart blazers with shoulders to bring in more structure to your outfit.
ADD FLORAL ELEMENTS
Floral motifs are making a significant comeback, appearing in tapestry-style prints and fabric appliques this summer.
They’re a simple way to add romantic and Italian-inspired charm to your outfit – consider floral motifs for special occasions like weddings and outdoor gatherings.
INCORPORATE UTILITY ELEMENTS
Utility-inspired pieces in khaki and olive tones can add a modern twist to classic Italian ensembles – it’s the perfect blend of Italian flair on British style and integrates functionality with a fashionable twist.
FOCUS ON QUALITY ACCESSORIES
Staple accessories to add that finishing touch to any outfit such as watches, rings, heirloom jewellery, structured bags or generally higher quality accessories will elevate your look and help tie it all together – opt for consistency where possible, aiming for all gold or all silver, and adding a touch of other colours if needed.