Do you love shapes and structure in your outfits? Do you like unusual and bold geometrical jewelry? Do you admire the inimitable style of Narnia actress Tilda Swinton? If you are drawn to this type of architectural fashion, then you may well be an architectural style personality.
If you aren’t sure what your style personality is, you can take this fun quiz to find out.
You are likely to have one dominant style personality, and then a second style personality that you are drawn to. As an architectural style personality, you are likely to also find yourself attracted to elements of minimalist and classic dressing.
How to tell if you are an architectural style personality
1. You pay attention to the structure of clothing
You aren’t too keen on floaty, flowing fabrics. Instead you like your clothing to have structure. You are likely to opt for fabric which gives some shape to your look rather than a smock style, for example. You may also create shape with the patterns on your clothes.
Diana @dianagabrielnyc above (read her style interview here) adds circular shapes with her top and necklace, squares with her sunglasses and ring, and she creates structure with her jacket.
Check out this similar top, cape (another option here), pants, booties, necklace and sunglasses.
2. You choose heel shapes which are unusual
As an architectural style personality, one of the ways to show off your taste is in your shoes. You like heels which have architectural detailing such as a square or cone shape, twist or cut-out detailing.
Luckily, you’ll find plenty of choice this season, as architectural heels are one of the key shoe trends for summer 2023.
3. You like geometric jewelry
You aren’t a fan of whimsical jewelry featuring florals or soft shapes. Instead, you are likely to opt for contemporary pieces which have geometric shapes. Your bracelet of choice will be a cuff style
Dayle @artfulcitystyle above (read her style interview here)n chooses cuffed bracelets, a statement necklace and triangular earrings. She also opts for an asymmetric hemline and voluminous pants.
Steal her look with this similar sweater (another option here), pants, booties, necklace, bracelet and earrings.
4. You may also have architectural hair
If you have an architectural style personality, you are unlikely to have loose, flowing locks. Your hair is a reflection of your style, so you may opt for an asymmetric cut, a bob or blunt fringe. Or you may wear your hair back.
Celebrities with an architectural style personality
You’re in very stylish company when it comes to celebrities who have an architectural style personality. Tilda Swinton and Cate Blanchett are two famous examples.
Both women don’t tend to like wearing floaty, bohemian pieces. Instead, they opt for structured items and like to mix it up a bit on the red carpet. You are just as likely to see them wearing a tuxedo as a dress.
They are also drawn to minimalist and classic styling, but like to give their looks an architectural twist. So, you might see them wearing a dress with structured shoulders, an oversized collar, a funnel neck, a cape or a dress with an unusual neckline.
Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.
Architectural style personality tops
The architectural style personality will usually have a white or striped shirt in their closet because of its versatility. You can wear with a tuxedo, or under a dress.
You will also want to look out for tops with structured necklines such as a funnel neck and asymmetric detailing.
Theory Crushed Satin Cowl-Neck Top – COS Gathered Asymmetric Top – COS Draped Denim Top – Caslon Multi Stripe Shirt
Interestingly, Deborah @deborahgates_ above (read her style interview here) mixes architectural style here with elements of the bohemian style personality, by choosing a high-low top and wearing with a boho skirt.
Get her look with this similar high low shirt, skirt, boots, necklace (another option here) and earrings.
Architectural style personality jackets and coats
You are likely to want to keep your coat in a neutral shade. But, having said that, you won’t rule out any color provided that it suits your style. A primary color such as red will go beautifully with your monochrome pieces or you could look at a more unusual, unexpected shade.
Boyfriend blazers, tuxedo styles, trenches and moto jackets with zips and asymmetry will appeal to you.
ANINE BING Quinn Blazer – Sophie Rue Crop Trench Coat – COS Wool-Blend Cape – COS Oversized Power-shoulder Wool Coat
COS Wool-Blend Cape – COS Gathered Asymmetric Top – Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution High Waist Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans – Vince Camuto Finndaya Ankle Boot – COS Leather Crescent Bag – COS Wavy Hoop Earrings
Architectural style personality pants
The architectural style personality is often more likely to wear pants than skirts and dresses.
Look out for wide-legged pants, tuxedo styles with stripes on the side of the legs and pants with geometric patterns. Striped pants are particularly on trend this summer. Graphic prints will also go well with your style personality.
Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution High Waist Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans – Hommegirls Tuxedo Pants – VERO MODA Olympia Mid Rise Straight Leg Faux Leather Pants – DIARRABLU Jant Isla Noir Print Palazzo Pants
Sharryn @thestylishwoman above (read her style interview here) creates shape and structure while mixing elements of the bohemian style personality and natural style personality for her look.
Steal her look with similar top, pants, sneakers, necklace, earrings and beret.
Architectural style personality dresses and skirts
You are also drawn to skirts and dresses which have some structure and elements of asymmetry. When it comes to skirts, you may also be drawn to the structure of a pencil skirt.
COS Asymmetric Wool Shirt Dress – COS Flared Zip-Up Midi Dress – Vince Wrap Tie-Waist Shirtdress – Mango Belted Skirt
ANINE BING Quinn Blazer – COS Flared Zip-Up Midi Dress – Franco Sarto Lucy Pump – Cult Gaia Nia Acrylic Beaded Clutch – Bloomingdale’s Sterling Silver Crossover Sweep Drop Earrings
Architectural style personality shoes
Shoes are another great way to show off your style personality. Look out for shoes which come in a beautiful metallic color such as a burnished bronze, or in crisp neutrals.
Also, shoes which have unusual style detailing will appeal to you. Look out for heels which have a cone shape, or are circular, transparent or have a shape that is different from the norm. Peep-toe booties and D’Orsay styles, where the side is partially cut out, will also look good on you.
Franco Sarto Lucy Pump – Naturalizer Primo Slingback Flat – Vince Camuto Finndaya Ankle Boot – Tory Burch 75 mm Leather Ankle Boots
Sophie Rue Crop Trench Coat – Caslon Multi Stripe Shirt – Hommegirls Tuxedo Pants – Tory Burch 75 mm Leather Ankle Boots – Massimo Dutti Vertical Nappa Leather Crossbody Bag – COS Wavy Hoop Earrings
Architectural style personality accessories
The old saying goes that the devil is in the detail. That’s definitely true when it comes to adding accessories.
A classic architectural style combination would be a white shirt and contemporary, geometric jewelry like in my outfit above.
similar tunic, pants, booties, necklace, ring and earrings
I consider myself a mix of architectural, Eurochic and a natural style personality. I love geometric and architectural pieces but I also need comfort and natural materials.
One of my favorite ways to add a bit of architecture to my looks is contemporary jewelry and asymmetry.
While other style personalities might opt for classic styles of teardrop-shaped drop earrings or jewelry and scarves featuring florals, you will prefer geometric, contemporary shapes.
You will also like some structure in your bags. While you like to carry a tote, you opt for pieces with contemporary styling, or some stitching which adds shape.
COS Leather Crescent Bag – Massimo Dutti Vertical Nappa Leather Crossbody Bag – Cult Gaia Nia Acrylic Beaded Clutch – COS Organic-Shaped Silk-Ribbon Choker – Bloomingdale’s Sterling Silver Crossover Sweep Drop Earrings – COS Wavy Hoop Earrings – FINIZO Light Scarf
Lydia @birabiro above (read her style interview here) adds a statement coat to her look.
Check out this topper (another option here) that you can wear with this similar tee, pants, sneakers, handbag, earrings and ring.
Here are 9 outfits for the ARCHITECTURAL style personality using clothes and accessories from above
Below, you can see the clothes, shoes and accessories from above together in one capsule to give you inspiration on how you can put the outfits together. You can mix and match to create countless outfits this season.
You can wear any of the tops with any of the bottoms, and swap the jackets around to create different looks.
shop the items for the architectural style personality here:
More architectural style inspiration
Below you can see some previous season architectural capsules, demonstrating how timeless this way of dressing is.
Stores to try if you have an architectural style personality
Reader Vilma had some great recommendations for architectural clothing on Etsy
How would you describe your style personality? Does this style for the architectural style personality resonate with you?
Continue reading:
- How To Wear Asymmetrical Clothing – Asymmetric Dresses And Tops To Fall In Love With
- The Ultimate Guide To Creating A Capsule Wardrobe That Works For You
- A Capsule Wardrobe And Style Guide For The NATURAL Style Personality
Like this article on how to dress the architectural style personality? Share it on Pinterest!
Feature image by Deborah @deborahgates_
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!
This contemporary, geometrically friendly style I enjoy a lot. Particularly the accessories. I love bold, unique looking jewelry. But honestly I’m a little more of a bohemian.
This style describes my style preferences very well, much better than what I was saying (creative and dramatic). Oftentimes just finding the right word to fit my thoughts is key. I’m trying to do it without much black though, as it is too harsh on me. Thanks for this post!
Styles for an apple shape that I have become since menopause!!
Dear Sylvia, I love the Architectural styles. I have never liked floral prints and wear pant instead of dresss. i always look for a hard edge in accessories and my hair styles.
Thanks for this presentation, it will help me find my true personality style without apology. Please provide additional sites with this type of clothing! You’re a great resource for any age woman. Sincerely FT
Thank you so much for this post. I finally have words to describe my style. I totally get it now why some things to me are good colouring but a bit meh! Structure, geometric, quirky, bold, detail – all feel great. I’ve tried for many years to be more, feminine, relaxed and softer in my style but today I’m confident to be just me
Fabulous Em!
Oh wow, you call me an architectural style personality. Never found myself to be that. Especially not my hair style, which I think is far too classic, but I cannot do anything with it but this.
Thank you. And thank you for guiding me down the path of contemporary jewellery.
Greetje
You have elements of the architectural personality. Your hair is classic but also has a lot of shape. You like classic and street style but also like to add architectural elements with your voluminous tops and contemporary jewelry.