Balancing the needs of a workplace with personal expression is just one way that style is a personal journey for each woman. Each of the 16 style types approaches their style journey differently. In this article we’re going to discuss the Individualistic Stylist, ISTP: The Style Maverick.

Some Fundamentals First

Here at 16 Style Types we differentiate between style essence and style expression, and our focus is on style essence. Which is why you won’t find any specific style advice on your style expression in this article such as which colors, silhouettes, styles of clothing, brands and so on will suit you – and that’s because your style essence doesn’t determine or even indicate what those elements of style expression are.

Women with the same Style Type, for a variety of important reasons, may not find the same kinds of clothing suit them. What they will have in common, though, are similar ways of acquiring trusted information, evaluating options, making choices, and experiencing style in significant ways, which are the concepts we focus on in this article.

Any images in this post are to act solely as possible interpretations of the spirit of this Style Type, (not as a literal example of what this Style Type may wear, might suit them or what they may choose to wear, and certainly not as a recommendation of what they should be wearing). The images exist only to illustrate and illuminate, not mandate or dictate.

The articles are also published in their Style Type pairs showcasing images which may serve to illustrate the differences (again in essence) in those pairs – so here that means ISTP with ESTP.

The Individualistic Stylist, ISTP: The Style Maverick

For many ISTPs, style is fitting into the context and being ready for the elements. They recognise the importance of quality clothing – good gear is important. For some ISTPs, style is not an especially interesting or prioritized activity, it may be a low 2, 3 or 4 on the priority scale out of 10.

“Same old same old is boring, I don’t want to be bored or boring. I wish someone had taught me how to get dressed, what the basics are, why it’s important, what’s behind it all, what the implications are of style, clothing and image. I really had no idea, I didn’t realise you had to shop. I would go into stores and sales clerks were not comfortable asking my questions. I was asking things I “should” have known: When would I wear this? What does this go with? Is it really supposed to fit this way? Why does it cost that much? I used to watch “What Not to Wear” but I had no idea of how to put things together.”

ISTP’s excel at logical analysis and applying their logic to pragmatic problems. Their strong reasoning powers, adaptability, and sense of details often leads to developing excellent technical skills. They are individualists who make their own decisions based on the impartial facts at hand. Often at their best when in motion, they enjoy action and adventure. Generally laid-back individuals, they don’t plan too much in advance and will avoid situations which restrict and confine.

Actions to find ISTP style

Here are seven actions for ISTPs when charting their true style course.

Use logic

ISTPs excel at analysis and logical thinking and are in their element when they can apply it to pragmatic problems rather than abstract concepts. ISTPs can use this reasoning power as tool in identifying and creating their personal style.

Good question areas for the ISTP on her true style quest include: Think about your life, your environment, where you spend your time, and what takes your fancy when it comes to how you dress. Use these pieces of data as key pieces of your style puzzle.

Perception matters

For ISTPs, their style journey often starts once they recognize how important style is, and how their personal presentation impacts how they are perceived and their success. This can be a hard sell for many ISTPs who rely on their competence, intelligence and wits to get them through many if not most situations.

Once style is embraced as a worthy pursuit, the ISTP will draw on the specific information she needs to knock her style into shape, then turn her attention and time to something else.

Physical fit with a little bit of novelty

Many ISTPs report being happiest when their clothing fits and they physically feel comfortable, some ISTPs simply cannot wear fibres if they feel scratchy or uncomfortable on the body, or if the fit isn’t right in some other individual yet important way.

In addition to physical comfort, the stylish ISTP often wants pieces that meet her psychological needs, too – items that are a little novel, perhaps found in off-mall boutiques or markets often fit the bill.

Question the rules

Not overly concerned with rules and regulations, the stylish ISTP often takes a maverick approach – she needs freedom to make her own choices, and this can often mean questioning style rules and bending or breaking them.

The ISTP style should reflect her perfectly even if the rules, or some experts, tell her that’s not the “right way” to do it.  A style journey navigating entirely by someone else’s ideas will never lead the ISTP to her true style north – she’ll always feel off-kilter and off-course in some significant way.

In store shopping may be best

ISTPs are often tactile so will benefit when items they are considering purchasing can be touched, seen, smelled, tried on and put to the test before deciding if they make the great.

ISTPs with their great sense of detail and being so in tune with their physicality, will likely be able to judge the overall fit, in all the ways an item must fit, much better in person than online.

Embrace change

ISTPs enjoy being out and about, they are usually in motion, and are often attracted to adventurous pursuits. Stylish ISTPs are encouraged to take this fearless attitude and use it to create the perfect style journey – one that is true for her (it may not resemble any body else’s true style journey, including other ISTPs).

ISTPs are likely to become bored quickly so should take proactive steps to ensure this doesn’t happen. Change things up – pair unusual items together, add in playful accessories, mix expensive with cheap, borrow from all the personality dressing styles.

From no style to personal pizzazz

The turning point on the ISTP style journey is often coming face to face with the fact that she has no discernible style or what style there is, is lacking in some significant way, and this lack of style (or poor style) is getting in the way.

This situation can be quickly remedied by the ISTP who seeks input from trusted friends or experienced style professionals who take the time to walk them through what style is, how it impacts, and how they can use style to their advantage, giving them specific strategies they can use as they need.

Style doesn’t need to be a box, it can liberate.

The sweet and lowdown on ISTP style

The stylish ISTP will thrive when she finds a style approach that allows her spontaneity, need for freedom, and hands-on approach to everything in her life to shine through.

ISTPs have an individualistic, maverick style when they are their stylish best. In the style blueprint (part of the ISTP Style Report which you receive when you discover your style type), we describe four stages an ISTP is likely to go through as she explores and discovers for herself what style is, and means, to her – giving pragmatic guidance to the individualistic stylist, the ISTP defining her unique and maverick style pathway.