Quirky style is a unique expression of your being in the world, through the clothing, shoes, and accessories that you wear. Hair styles and makeup can express your quirky style too.
This appealing woman I spotted on my last trip to Paris is expressing her unique style through her:
- Hat
- Jewelry
- Color choices
- Shoes
- Scarf
Each separate element combines into a cohesive whole. She looks joyful, and she makes everyone around her feel joyful.
Unlike actions, which express your unique being over time, your style is an instant snapshot that tells people something about you.
Do You Belong to the Herd?
Many people dress like others to show they belong to a particular group. For example, business people in suits show each other they share a common education, values, or understanding of a subject matter area—such as law or banking. Runners and yoga practitioners also have recognizable gear, and these choices are practical, using form to assist function.
Sometimes we need to dress to fit in, but there are times when we can all step out and show our quirky style.
The Bling of Being
The bling of being is the sparkle and light of being that radiates from the essence of life within each one of us. Fashion and style give us a venue for displaying the bling of being to the world by expressing our unique quirky style.
We are all unique souls on this planet, and some of us are not afraid to show it. Including the pizzazz of quirky in your style helps to elevate the mundane world to wonder and awe.
People with quirky style stand out from the herd.
- Zebras with spots
- Leopards with sparkly tiaras
- The unexpected!
Quirky style catches people’s eyes, and often brings a smile. At least in New York it does!
Bring the shine of your soul out in visible form, and the people around you might feel relieved and happy. It gives a little more space for everyone else to be themselves too.
Rocking the Quirky in Gender-Bending Vintage
Nowadays androgyny is no big deal. Back in the day when David Bowie was performing as Ziggy Stardust, it was so daring that he has inspired generations of youth to embrace clothing from the entire spectrum of possibilities. Vintage is a great way to find the clothes from earlier eras that were part of that society-changing movement.
Karen Rempel conducting the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at a David Bowie tribute concert in 2016
Where Does Quirky Come From?
Quirky is an adjective meaning unconventional, eccentric, idiosyncratic, or unexpected.
Quirky was used in the early 16th century as a verb (of unknown origin). The early sense of the noun was ‘subtle verbal twist, quibble,’ and later ‘unexpected twist.’
Quirkiness in the Village
In the Village (of Manhattan!), where everyone expresses their unique style, quirkiness abounds on the street every day. To feel the Village vibe, you might add an extra dollop of color or an unusual pairing of clothes of different eras or styles.
My friend Linda Zagaria, a native New Yorker, has dressed in clothes from the 1930s and 1940s her whole life! Now that’s Advanced Style! Linda Zagaria dresses with the elegant taste of another era. From hat to hairstyle to pearls to shoes, and everything in between, each touch contributes to the whole impression of her unique soul’s expression.
Quirky Can Be a Noun! Or a Verb!
The more you add quirky to your vocabulary, the more fun your life will be.
Why not think outside the box, with what you say and how you say it.
“There’s a quirky!”
Think about it. No more needs to be said. Short and to the point. To verb it, you could say “I’m going to quirky up this jacket with this vintage pin.” Try it, you’ll like it.
Say it, do it, be it!
The Quirky Way!