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.

Diane in black and gold outfit | 40plusstyle.com

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 wearing an asymmetrical sweater and statement accessories | 40plusstyle.com

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.

Tops for the architectural style personality | 40plusstyle.com

Theory Crushed Satin Cowl-Neck TopCOS Gathered Asymmetric TopCOS Draped Denim TopCaslon Multi Stripe Shirt

A capsule wardrobe and style guide for the ARCHITECTURAL style personality | 40plusstyle.com

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.

Architectural style personality jackets and coats | 40plusstyle.com

ANINE BING Quinn BlazerSophie Rue Crop Trench CoatCOS Wool-Blend CapeCOS Oversized Power-shoulder Wool Coat

Cape and jeans outfit | 40plusstyle.com

COS Wool-Blend CapeCOS Gathered Asymmetric TopWit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution High Waist Itty Bitty Bootcut JeansVince Camuto Finndaya Ankle BootCOS Leather Crescent BagCOS 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.

Architectural style personality pants | 40plusstyle.com

Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution High Waist Itty Bitty Bootcut JeansHommegirls Tuxedo PantsVERO MODA Olympia Mid Rise Straight Leg Faux Leather PantsDIARRABLU Jant Isla Noir Print Palazzo Pants

Sharryn in boat neck top, linen pants and sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

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.

Architectural style personality dresses and skirt | 40plusstyle.com

COS Asymmetric Wool Shirt DressCOS Flared Zip-Up Midi DressVince Wrap Tie-Waist Shirtdress Mango Belted Skirt

Blazer and dress | 40plusstyle.com

ANINE BING Quinn BlazerCOS Flared Zip-Up Midi DressFranco Sarto Lucy PumpCult Gaia Nia Acrylic Beaded ClutchBloomingdale’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.

Shoes for the architectural style personality | 40plusstyle.com

Franco Sarto Lucy PumpNaturalizer Primo Slingback FlatVince Camuto Finndaya Ankle BootTory Burch 75 mm Leather Ankle Boots

Cropped trench coat, shirt, wide pants and booties | 40plusstyle.com

Sophie Rue Crop Trench CoatCaslon Multi Stripe ShirtHommegirls Tuxedo PantsTory Burch 75 mm Leather Ankle BootsMassimo Dutti Vertical Nappa Leather Crossbody BagCOS 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.

Sylvia wearing an asymmetrical shirt and geometric jewelry | 40plusstyle.com

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.

Accessories for the architectural style personality | 40plusstyle.com

COS Leather Crescent BagMassimo Dutti Vertical Nappa Leather Crossbody BagCult Gaia Nia Acrylic Beaded ClutchCOS Organic-Shaped Silk-Ribbon ChokerBloomingdale’s Sterling Silver Crossover Sweep Drop EarringsCOS Wavy Hoop EarringsFINIZO Light Scarf

Lydia wearing a statement outerwear | 40plusstyle.com

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.

A capsule wardrobe for the architectural style personality | 40plusstyle.com

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.

A capsule wardrobe for the architectural style personality | 40plusstyle.com
A past season capsule wardrobe for the architectural style personality | 40plusstyle.com

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:

  1. How To Wear Asymmetrical Clothing – Asymmetric Dresses And Tops To Fall In Love With
  2. The Ultimate Guide To Creating A Capsule Wardrobe That Works For You
  3. A Capsule Wardrobe And Style Guide For The NATURAL Style Personality

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A capsule wardrobe and style guide for the ARCHITECTURAL style personality | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Deborah @deborahgates_

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