What if I told you that developing your signature style isn’t just about looking good, it’s actually a spiritual practice?
Your signature style journey isn’t just about how to dress, it’s about the real you. The definition of essence is that quality without which a thing would not be what it is. So your signature style journey is about discovering the essence of you and who you’re meant to be in the world.
Why Would I Fear Signature Style?
I was journaling recently, and I asked myself a question that inspired this episode. The question was “what is that fear?” and the answer was I have this tendency to think that if I don’t conform, I will be cut off from the pack or somehow lose some benefit that I could have by conforming to the expectations of others.
But here’s what hit me: this fear is completely backwards.
• When we abandon our authentic selves to conform, we actually cut ourselves off from the life we’re meant to live. In my personal belief structure, this comes from:
- Romans 12:2, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect, and
- John 15:5, I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.
• Conformity in style choices often represents a deeper conformity that stifles our unique contribution
• The very thing we think will connect us to others actually disconnects us from our true purpose, and ironically, from genuine connection with others too.
• Our signature style emerges when we honor what’s natural and inherent to us, not what’s expected.
I believe each of us is a masterpiece. The life that flows through us is meant to be unique, unrepeatable, and necessary for the world. But when we try to be like everyone else, we block that flow.
The Spiritual Nature of Self-Discovery
Since I’ve been on this self-discovery journey, I’ve noticed something beautiful: the more I understand myself, the closer I feel to God. So the work of self-discovery isn’t a distraction from spiritual growth, it’s part of it.
• Your aesthetic preferences reveal something true about who you are at the deepest level
• Learning to trust your internal compass teaches you to distinguish between your voice and the world’s expectations
• Expressing your authentic self becomes a form of worship. Because God made you the way he did and is 100% for you, when you stand with yourself in this way, you stand with him.
When you discover the aesthetic that truly resonates with your essence, it can be a genuinely spiritual experience. There’s recognition, relief, and a sense of coming home to yourself. It’s like a place inside you that only you and God can really experience.
And to the degree that you are able to share it with the world, you give the rest of us a gift!
Your Signature Style as Your Unique Gift
My vision is that when every human is respected for their unique contribution, we can solve our world’s most pressing problems. Being yourself is part of that contribution.
Think about what happens when you see someone who’s truly expressing their essential self through signature style.
• They give you permission to honor your own preferences
• They demonstrate that there’s room for everyone’s unique expression
• They remind you that conformity isn’t actually required for belonging
Discovering and developing a signature style isn’t selfish, it’s generous. When you show up as who you actually are, you create space for others to do the same. You become part of universal flourishing rather than universal conformity.
The Framework for Signature Style Discovery
Just because of how my brain works, I use systems for self-discovery. Here’s what’s beautiful about understanding the principles behind what works for you.
• Systems help you distinguish between what you really like and conditioning
• Frameworks give you language for what you’re experiencing internally
• Understanding helps you take strategic action rather than staying stuck in analysis
For example, the Body Design Basics in the free guide aren’t just about flattering your figure, they’re about understanding how your physical form wants to be honored and expressed. And, typically, when you then go on to discover your aesthetic in the Essential Signature Style Guide, we see most of the technical design concepts that show up in your favorite visual images, also show up on your body.
Putting It All Together: Your Path Forward
Here’s what I’ve learned about the spiritual journey of finding your signature style: it requires the courage to honor your own interests and styles, even when they don’t match what’s trending or expected.
This journey connects you to something larger than yourself while simultaneously connecting you more deeply to yourself. The more authentically you express who you are, the more you contribute to the collective good.
Abandoning your authentic self to conform is the most effective way to cut yourself off from the life you’re meant to live. But choosing to discover and express your signature style? That’s choosing to let life flow through you the way it’s meant to.
Here’s something simple you can do this week to integrate these principles into your wardrobe: Set aside time for a style meditation. Ask yourself “what do I fear?” Then spend some time journaling about it.
If you’re ready to begin the deeper work of discovering your signature style as a spiritual practice, I invite you to explore my Essential Signature Style Guide. This is where you’ll discover the aesthetic that truly resonates with your essence.