From Nothing to Wear? A 5-Step Cure for the Common Closet
by Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo

After working with hundreds of people from coast to coast, we have come to the conclusion that each of us belongs to one or a combination of the following five style types:

1. Classic
2. Chic
3. Whimsical
4. Bohemian
5. Avant-garde

Define Your Style

Read each question carefully. There are no right or wrong responses. Simply take an honest impression of yourself. Be straight with yourself as you consider your answers, but don’t think too hard or overanalyze. Trust your first impulse. Your first inclination is the one that will most honestly and accurately reflect your psychological and emotional fashion personality—i.e., your “internal” style, or the real you.

For accuracy in scoring, be sure to answer every question. Don’t ignore any, or skip over one with the idea of coming back to it later after weighing your response some more. You may forget to come back to it and throw your score out of whack.

When you’re done with the quiz, check the answer key to see how you scored; then find out what the results mean.

THE VISUAL THERAPY STYLE QUIZ

This quiz is designed to point out your dominant style identity, the real you. Circle your response.

1. If we opened your closet, what color palette would we mostly see?

1. black and neutrals
2. basics, such as navy, white, khaki, charcoal, or brown
3. earth tones
4. a rainbow of colors
5. black with touches of bold color

2. How would your friends describe you?

1. playful and spirited
2. relaxed and liberal
3. sharp and direct
4. traditional and proper
5. innovative and forward-thinking

3. Given a choice, which would you rather do?

1. throw on a pair of jeans, T-shirt with funky accessories
2. step out in a fun floral dress or bright mixed prints
3. put on a sleek V-neck top and modern-cut pants
4. grab your favorite jacket with interesting and unusual details to wear with a black pant
5. get comfortable in khakis, a collared shirt, and your cutest loafers

4. If someone gave you $200 for clothes, how would you use it?

1. spend it on a cashmere wrap
2. buy a couple of outfits at J. Crew or Banana Republic
3. add to your accessories collection with a slouchy suede bag
4. buy a dress that makes you feel smart and unique
5. splurge on anything that catches your eye

5. When you walk into a crowded room, what would you prefer to do?

1. stand out
2. blend in
3. be in control, exude power
4. seem natural and easygoing
5. be zany and animated

6. When you have the urge (or need) to go shopping, you are more likely to do which of the following?

1. purchase practical basics for all seasons
2. head to the flea market for some great “lived-in” and funky finds
3. get something with a splash of color to brighten your day
4. find that unusual piece to add to your wardrobe that no one else will have
5. buy high-quality, smart pieces that are sure to be in style

7. When you flip through the pages of fashion magazines, what is most likely to catch your eye?

1. that little black dress in the “special occasion” section
2. peasant blouses and denim
3. multicolored bangles for spring
4. a story on the new designers from Tokyo and Belgium
5. a Ralph Lauren lifestyle ad

8. Which of the following best describes the décor of your home?

1. minimalist, architectural, and sculptural (think the Jetsons)
2. comfortable and traditional (think the Cleavers)
3. fun, kitschy, and unorthodox (think Alice in Wonderland)
4. lots of rugs, earth tones, and floral prints (think 70s)
5. streamlined, tonal, with clean surfaces (think Tom Ford)

ANSWER KEY

How’d you do? The letter you circled reflects your dominant style identity as revealed by your answer to that question. Tally the number of times your response reflected Classic, Chic, Whimsical, Bohemian or Avant-garde. The high score represents your dominant style identity, your true fashion personality; the second highest score could indicate your combination style.

1. a) Chic   b) Classic   c) Bohemian   d) Whimsical   e) Avant-garde
2. a) Whimsical   b) Bohemian   c) Chic   d) Classic   e) Avant-garde
3. a) Bohemian   b) Whimsical   c) Chic   d) Avant-garde   e) Classic
4. a) Chic   b) Classic   c) Bohemian   d) Avant-garde   e) Whimsical
5. a) Avant-garde   b) Classic   c) Chic   d) Bohemian   e) Whimsical
6. a) Classic   b) Bohemian   c) Whimsical   d) Avant-garde   e) Chic
7. a) Chic   b) Bohemian   c) Whimsical   d) Avant-garde   e) Classic
8. a) Avant-garde   b) Classic   c) Whimsical   d) Bohemian   e) Chic

YOUR DOMINANT STYLE AT A GLANCE       

CLASSIC. Simple, clean, and traditional; a timeless look because the silhouette and colors rarely change. Always ladylike, classic garments are often tailored.

CHIC. This style is defined by a powerful look and sharp lines that seem to come together in an effortless way. It is often monochromatic and combined with bold accessories.

WHIMSICAL. This playful style appears to be “thrown together” but is actually a thoughtful combination of colors and patterns. The wearer is often young at heart and the look is sometimes ethereal and romantic.

BOHEMIAN. Relaxed, lived-in, hippy or funky, incorporating offbeat accessories and usually lots of denim and suede. A relaxed look with an emphasis on natural fabrics and earth tones, this style evolved from the hippie look of the 1960s and early 1970s.

AVANT-GARDE. This is an ultramodern style that uses fashion as an extension of the wearer’s creativity. It often seeks to make a dramatic statement. Typically, the foundation for this wardrobe is black.

Before you edit your closet—and especially before you hit the stores and spend money—it is important to have complete clarity on your defined style.