Do We REALLY Have The Same Style?
We tried Alison Bornstein's Three-Word Method to find out.
Now that we FINALLY live in the same city, we go to a lot of meetings and events together… and one of the things that we hear a lot from friends and people we work with is that they think we have a very similar style.
I guess it doesn’t help that more often than not, we turn up at events wearing the same brands or similar silhouettes — usually without any prior coordination at all! But when it comes down to it, if anyone were to ask us if we really think that we have the same style, we’d both say NO.
Our personal style is more than the coincidence of picking out the same t-shirt and jeans. It also comes down to the subtle differences in our styling choices, whether we opt for a fitter or looser silhouettes, heels or sneakers, statement or minimal jewelry… and the list goes on.
Since we’re speaking about personal style from the perspective of sisters, the Olsen twins is a GREAT example of similar-yet-very-different personal style: They both love and wear a lot of the same things, but you always know a Mary Kate outfit if it has an undone, bohemian twist, while a typical Ashley outfit tends leans towards a more classic, clean-cut vibe.
We love watching Alison Bornstein’s videos on Tiktok, where she talks about succinctly defining your personal style via the Three Word Method… so we thought it’d be fun to do this exercise on ourselves, to see how our personal styles differ!
Kaye’s Style in 3 Words : Refined, Sophisticated, Cool
» REFINED
Since I moved from Los Angeles to New York City recently, I’ve noticed that my overall style is changing quite a bit. I now find it important to look put together and wear full outfits, since I am no longer in a car 90% of the time. It’s been fun to be doing steady closet clean outs. I have noticed that I am focusing more on holding on to my more refined pieces. A comfortable blouse that I can tuck in and belt or leave untucked with a couple of buttons unbuttoned.
When I think of the word “refined” I think of putting together outfits that are polished and effortlessly chic. Quality pieces over quantity, opting for timeless styles that flatter my figure and suit my lifestyle. Think cinched waist blazers, well-fitted jeans, and classic dresses—always in colors and patterns that compliment my skin tone and body proportions. A style inspiration that I turn to is Catherine Bassett Kennedy – I like her easy, monochromatic outfits for everyday. Very understated but quite polished.
» SOPHISTICATED
I will forever love a woman with sophisticated personal style who has a way of dressing that feels intentional, elegant and put-together without being overly flashy. Do you feel the same way? What defines the word to me is choosing classic pieces—think a-line midi dresses, high-quality fabrics, and well-fitted blazers—that are versatile and timeless.
My color palette often leans toward muted or neutral tones, which adds to that polished vibe. Accessories are carefully chosen, like a statement watch (I have been wearing this one a lot lately), a bold or classic belt (Dehanche has become a love of mine and I am collecting them until I feel satisfied) or a sleek handbag that compliments my outfit. I really love a very long straight legged trouser that fits my waist. I love this pair from Aritzia for airport travel - they are comfortable and help elevate any in-flight look.
» COOL
This word is quite broad… but what I love most about picking the three words is that it’s about what the three words mean to you. For me the word “cool” helps to take my style from being so stuffy, contrived, ultra- feminine to being more relaxed, lived in and kind of like I just threw it together and it really worked out nicely.
I love wearing a cardigan with a few buttons randomly undone. Or to sometimes go without wearing a full face of makeup - maybe just some blush and lipgloss. I love a refined, sophisticated look that feels cool and undone. Or even a look that could be very classic but then is spruced up with a really interesting bag (like this Bvlgari Serpenti bag that I’ve been wearing on repeat).
» CELEBRITY STYLE CRUSH : Jasmine Tookes
Coco’s Style in 3 Words : Tailored, Casual, Alluring
» TAILORED
The first thing I notice when I look through my wardrobe? I love my tailored layers. Blazers, coats, vests, button-up shirts, pleated pants and shorts… keep them coming! I definitely feel like my best self whenever I have one of these elements included in an outfit, and it’s always a bonus if I have the time take them to a tailor to get them fitted perfectly for my body. I just think any outfit looks good with an extra layer or two, so if you haven’t already guessed it : yes, I LOVE Fall dressing.
» CASUAL
Another thing about me, is that while I value high-quality items in my closet, comfort is always top of mind. From the five photos I picked above, you can probably tell that I love my legs and how they look in stilettos, but on a real off-duty day, I will always opt for a kitten heel, ballerina flat or loafers instead.
I also find that the word “casual” covers my love for exaggerated, oversized silhouettes: for any outfit to feel like “me” there has to be something I’m wearing that’s a size or two too big, and I rarely ever opt for a head-to-toe fitted look e.g. baggy jeans with a fitted top, an oversized blazer with a bodycon dress, or a chunky knit with a mini-skirt.
I think the word “effortless” is what I’m always going for, but I don’t just want to look it… I want to feel it too!
» ALLURING
I know that tailored and casual might sound really boring and unsexy, but I think that’s where my third word comes in and it’s my secret sauce to putting a dressed-up spin on even my most comfortable outfits! To me, adding allure to an outfit gives it a touch of femininity, and sensuality without “doing too much.”
e.g. — It’s no secret that I love gold statement jewelry, so I love using metallic accents in my belts, hair accessories and/or earrings to add a finishing touch. I love the ease of a slip dress, but I also love that it’s one of those wardrobe items that look like I put so much effort into my look. If I’m dressing up for a night out, I’m down to throw a sparkly mini-skirt on… but going back to my casual element, the outfit wouldn’t be me if it wasn’t paired with an oversized button-up shirt (that’s not buttoned up all the way, of course, to show some skin).
» CELEBRITY STYLE INSPO : Laura Harrier
So there we have it, our Three Words! What do you think?
We’re thinking of turning this exercise into a fun content series here, where we’ll pull one basic wardrobe item from our closet, and each style it in our own unique way, so stay tuned for our next joint post, coming soon!
In the meantime, we’re curious… what are YOUR three style words?
i’d describe my personal style the same as my writing style: bold, beguiling, & a bit off-kilter. ✨😭🫨🌚
I love the idea of styling the same thing multiple ways! My style is alluring, classic, and edgy. I’m working on making my closet reflect that. I’ve neglected dressing intentionally for too long but I’m changing that!