Why it's worth experimenting with your personal style, according to an expert

Feb 13 2020, 5:35 pm

It can be a real struggle deciding what to wear at this stage of winter. We’re all guilty of throwing on the first thing we see in our wardrobes in the morning, without much consideration.

Broadcast host, producer, and on-air style expert, Mana Mansour, believes that weather makes us a little apprehensive about taking risks with our style.

Mansour, who regularly appears on The Marilyn Denis Show, etalk, CTV Morning Live Vancouver, and CP24 Breakfast Toronto in Canada admits that functionality is the priority when we have harsh weather conditions. However, she stresses that there are ways to be stylish at the same time.

“I think that sometimes we forget. We’re just so consumed with what will keep us dry and warm that we don’t really think about fashion. We need to realize that there are amazing brands out there designing fashion that’s both functional and stylish,” Mansour tells Daily Hive.

Mansour and models whom she styled on set/The Marilyn Denis Show

The style expert says that, in general, we’re slightly more conservative with our style in the Pacific Northwest. But there are, however, many amazing retailers opening up in local spaces and making the move online, offering product shipping to anyone, anywhere.

So, there has never been a better time to experiment with your personal style. With this in mind, here are Mansour’s tips to get started.

Find a style muse

Mansour wearing a vintage coat her mom bought in the 70s, turtleneck and skirt are from Zara, white bag is Chloé (bought at Winners designer sale), boots from ALDO/Image: Arshia Alexander

Is there anyone whom you look to for style inspiration? Mansour explains that one of the best ways to start changing up your look is to find a style muse. This can be a fashion blogger, maybe a friend, or even a family member whose style you really like. Ask them where they find their wardrobe staples and look out for pieces in-store or online that suit your body type.

Wondering where Mansour finds inspiration for her stylish outfits? “A lot of it comes from archival fashion,” she says. “I love the ’70s – that’s probably my favourite era of fashion. I often look at Perry Ellis, Chanel, and Jean Paul Gaultier fashion shows from the ’90s as inspiration. In terms of celebrities, I feel that Olivia Palermo’s style is very representative of what I put on myself.”

Test out a trendy item

“I follow trends, but sometimes I don’t follow trends,” explains Mansour.

The stylist says it all depends on finding something that’s suitable for your body type and also on-trend for the season. She suggests testing a trendy item and if you’re unsure of how it looks, you could ask someone else for their opinion.

“Push yourself out of your comfort zone and try one trendy item a season — see how it goes from there.”

Seek out a stylist

Mansour wearing a dress from Zara, polka dot hosiery From Rachel, and shoes are Gianvito Rossi from Consign TORONTO/The Marilyn Denis Show

Need someone to tell you the honest truth about your style choices? Mansour says if your budget allows for it, you could potentially hire a stylist for a consultation. “Most stylists charge an hourly rate, and it could even be someone who comes in to view your wardrobe to go through the items that are working for you and those that are not.”

If you don’t have the budget for a stylist, that’s no problem. There are plenty of free styling services available to the public, including those at stores like Nordstrom and Hudson’s Bay. “There’s no obligation to buy anything; you could make an appointment with their personal shopper and they can shop for you.”

Opt for a capsule wardrobe

If you’ve got a busy schedule and want to take the guesswork out of getting dressed in the morning while also reinventing your style, Mansour says having a capsule wardrobe is a great option. It also works those who have minimal space in their home or share a closet with their partner. “It works well for people who are looking for a sort of uniform; to have their fashion be an expression of who they are and really zero in on that,” Mansour concludes.

Mansour wearing a sweater and faux leather skirt from Winners, and heels from Saint Laurent/The Marilyn Denis Show

Discover even more styling tips by following Mana Mansour on Instagram, and searching the hashtag #stylebymana.

Catriona HughesCatriona Hughes

+ Fashion & Beauty
+ Curated
ADVERTISEMENT