Juggling the needs of a workplace with the need for personal expression is just one way that style is such 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 Resourceful Stylist, ESTP: The Style Explorer.

Foundations 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 might be.

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 ESTP with ISTP.

The Resourceful Stylist, ESTP: The Style Explorer

For many ESTPs, style is feeling comfortable in the way they dress. In all situations – work, social – they want to feel and look good. The ESTP wants her wardrobe, jewellery and makeup to all work to help her look and feel the best that she can. The ESTP knows that style has an impact, and so everything must coordinate and match.

“When I get a new item, I’ll try it with several things, so I can see how it will work. I had to learn about style, I didn’t just know “This looks good.” I like looking nice, I like having people notice; I want that to be part of interaction. When I wear the great colors and people comment, I’m already feeling good and feel even better in the interactions”.

ESTPs are laid-back, up-beat people who have excellent abilities to problem solve and persuade in the moment. Thriving when in motion, they are usually in a state of momentum, and often enjoy many (and sometimes) varied pursuits. Pragmatic doers, they are unconstrained by rules and past ways of doing things and are often at the center of the action. They savour life in its many forms and are often drawn to adventurous behavior others may consider risky.

Keys for ESTPs to find their style

Seven keys for ESTPs to mobilize their style journey.

Quick grasp of the role style plays

For ESTPs, their style journey may start quite early as they tune in quite quickly to how their style impacts their interactions and activities. ESTPs have a strong pragmatic bent, and often move quickly through life, grasping things swiftly and moving into action when they see the need.

Looking good is important

Looking good is important to the ESTP, who will identify the style data she needs (a color system, flattering silhouettes for her body shape, the right make-up, and so on) and then apply it, adapting it as required to suit her specific circumstances.

Jump into action

ESTPs are at their best when they’re in motion, taking action, in this moment. Not too concerned or enthralled with  forward planning (why plan for something that may never happen? There’s too much going on right now in this very moment!) ESTPs love to be hands-on, solving practical problems that exist right at this moment in time.

When an ESTP jumps right into the thick of the action, they get in flow and wonderful things can happen. Balancing in-the-moment action-taking with a little bit of style education will mean any style decisions, particularly major ones, will always serve the ESTP well.

Showcase your talents

Many ESTPs may be on a style quest, looking for a signature style that showcases their talents. With a natural talent for living in the moment, being in motion and taking action, the ESTP won’t ever get bogged down in ‘analysis paralysis’ when it comes to making style decisions and taking style action.

ESTPs are encouraged to balance taking joy in this off-the-cuff way of being with ensuring any major style decisions are sustainable. In their efforts to fully explore and savour all the style experiences available, they may be susceptible to extremes or overdoing a look.

You don’t use style rules like some others

The pragmatic part of the ESTP way of being is focused in the present moment – not looking back at how things have been done by others in the past. Combined with their natural talent for improvisation, ESTPs can view style rules more as guidelines or broad suggestions rather than mandates – or they simply by-pass style rules altogether in favor of a customized approach to style.

Even if they go against the wisdom of the day, the stylish ESTP will have faith in her own style ideas and approaches.

What enthuses you?

ESTPs are unique in emphasizing style only in the areas of their life that they’re most enthusiastic about, or where it would hurt them not to. For example, if they are an avid dancer in their spare time, they may have as much if not more dance attire than they do casual, or even work, attire.

This can also be the point they can become a little style stuck, grasping a style formula that works in some aspects of their lives, but not in all areas.  If such a style formula is never or rarely reviewed and updated, the ESTP can slip into a style stuck zone – not ideal. The ESTP is always at her best when her look is fresh and current.

Don’t let style let you down

The turning point is often receiving direct feedback that her style is letting her down, and a desire to use her style as a tool to maximise her impact. ESTPs want to experience and improvise their style in a high-energy, hands-on way that gives plenty of room for flexibility.

ESTP in a nutshell

Stylish ESTPs are at their best when their logical ability to make decisions quickly based on the facts at hand can shine. ESTPs have a resourceful, exploratory style when they are their stylish best.

In the style blueprint (part of the ESTP Style Report which you receive when you discover your style type), we describe four stages an ESTP is likely to go through as she explores and discovers for herself what style is, and means, to her – helping the resourceful stylist, the ESTP exploring her style to create the best style journey for herself.