Each of the 16 Style Types seeks something quite different when developing and expressing their sense of style. In this article we’re going to discuss the Expressive Stylist, ENFJ: The Style Connector.

Let’s set the stage

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 necessarily 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 ENFJ with INFJ.

The Expressive Stylist, ENFJ: The Style Connector

For many ENFJs, style is an expression of their personality. It’s PR. Style is about how they hold themselves, how they express themselves. They know that people make judgments on it. Style is what all around them and whilst it is only one component of success and making an impression, it’s an important one that makes a big difference.

“We are our own shop window. Your brand is you, you are your own shop window. Your credibility is decided. People decide whether to go in or out, so if you look dodgy people will pass by. I can’t speak for the rest of the species but “you’re your own shop window” works for me, it’s a major theme for my style. It’s not about you want to look, it’s how you want to be perceived. Maybe some don’t want to compromise themselves, but I think it’s essential for ENFJs. You can flex it”.

ENFJs are expressive and idealistic people-people. Magically in tune with how the group is feeling, ENFJs excel at taking the temperature in any room and at adapting themselves and the environment to achieve what needs to be achieved. Often both a bit bossy and compassionate, ENFJs can make great mentors – inspiring with clear insight with a little bit of spicy drama into the mix, founded on a driving need for connection and harmony.

Guidelines for ENFJs to find their style

Here are seven guidelines ENFJs getting in charge of their style journey.

Start by paying more attention

ENFJs may have great success finding their style when they encounter something in the external world that prompts them to start paying attention to their style. They may have a wardrobe full of clothes but feel they have nothing to wear, because their wardrobe has been put together in a disparate way, driven by ‘mood’ choices rather than an understanding of what really works for them.

Remember it’s about connection

With a strong need to connect with others and often a highly attuned acuity to how they are being perceived, style may be used to connect quickly with others, and to achieve an outcome with a particular audience.

Apply and use it – it’s not just theory

When the ENFJ learns how to make style work for her she is given keys to a world of ideas, possibilities and connection that she didn’t know existed, let alone could get such easy access to.  But this only happens when style is taken beyond ideas and concepts into the realm of reality and practicality.  You gotta do it – not just know about it.

Get the right help

ENFJs perhaps more than many other Style Types will benefit from getting some quality professional help in identifying and expressing their style. Being so in tune with others and their feelings, ENFJs can find themselves making style decisions that aren’t quite right for them because the relationship is what is paramount, later regretting style choices that it’s become obvious don’t really work for them.

This is especially – but not exclusively – true when shopping but can also apply to wardrobe audits and organization and other style processes.

Recognize the connection between how you look and how you feel

Some ENFJs confess that how they feel every day influences how they believe they look. If they feel good, they look good and that boosts their confidence. If they feel bad, they believe they look bad, and that has a diminishing impact. This isn’t exclusively about what the ENFJ is wearing but something internal in how she feels.

Style impacts ENFJs very deeply – it’s not something they can shrug off if it isn’t right.  This is where remembering and recognizing how strong the connection is between how she looks and how she feels comes into play.  It’s a self-fulfilling circle.  The ENFJ often feels most happy with her style and clothes when they fit her, look good and reflect who she wants to be on that day.

A strong foundation as a platform for change

ENFJs often like variety and versatility in their life and work, and the style arena is no exception – they may desire regular change (or at least the feeling of change) in their style space and processes. Stylish ENFJs are encouraged to embrace this need for change as a style asset.

One way of achieving this is to have a strong and solid style foundation on which any number of style improvisations can be made, such as changing up accessories to a relatively plain or neutral outfit, mix and match pieces that give maximum versatility and outfit options, and/or a signature style that allows the ENFJ to purchase new pieces within that signature statement easily and inexpensively.

Widen your aperture and use style as a form of self-expression

The turning point for many ENFJs can be realizing they have been sticking too closely to a narrow definition of style and set of style rules, relying on harmonious relationships to guide important style decisions when they also need more objective data, and that style can be used as a form of self-expression – not only to connect with others and influence outcomes.

Summing Up

The stylish ENFJ often has many interests and passions and a generous and expansive outlook. ENFJs have an expressive, connecting style when they are their stylish best.

In the style blueprint (part of the ENFJ Style Report which you receive when you discover your style type), we describe four stages an ENFJ is likely to go through as she explores and discovers for herself what style is, and means, to her – inspiring reading for the expressive stylist, the ENFJ who connects so beautifully and effortlessly with others.