Style is truly, madly, deeply personal and we have discovered that finding and expressing your style is a very different journey for each of the 16 style types. Each of the 16 style types approaches their style journey differently. In this article we’re going to discuss the Eclectic Stylist, INFP: The Style Original.

Basics to Begin With

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 INFP with ENFP.

The Eclectic Stylist, INFP: The Style Original

For many INFPs, style is a a statement about who they are in the world, about color, shape, attitude—the whole style puzzle. It’s something that fits with the whole person. Style is continuity, linked with authenticity and comfort. The INFP knows when she’s wearing clothes she loves: clothes that speak to her are a bit different in some way, sometimes quirky.

“It doesn’t matter what others think even if they think you’re ridiculous. Who cares? You can put odd colors together, so long as it looks good on you. The colors I’m drawn to are the colors that suit me. Put your things together in the way that suits you. I never bothered about what the (dress) convention was. Even in work settings, I never worry about others. Dress how you feel because it brings out your best. Not to be rebellious but linked to the idea of allowing your best self to emerge”.

INFPs are often considered the most unique of all the style types because of their internal values. Because these values differ from person to person, the way each INFP shows up in the world varies. Idealistic, INFPs are often catalysts for change in their worlds, concerned with improving the experience that people have in the world around you. Accommodating, adaptable, thoughtful and principled, INFPs are often on a quest for meaning and truth.

Creative style solutions for INFPs finding their style

Here’s seven style solutions for INFPs on their style crusade.

Get in touch with the artist in you

For INFPs, finding their style often starts early in life, when she encounters something unusual, artistic or creative that speaks to her. She may not realize what is being sparked, but an interest has been piqued, and she is drawn to exploring more.

Values driven

With a strong sense of values driving them, style may be a form of self-expression with little thought to how she is coming across, what impression she is making. If in a creative industry or a work situation where dressing to fit a corporate standard is not required, her unusual style may not be an impediment; however, the INFP style can be a distraction in some environments.

If she learns how style works, and specifically, how to make style work for her so she can remain authentic and still express herself uniquely whilst also coloring within any corporate dress code lines, the INFP can find a key to opening style doors and help her to attain a serious standing in her chosen field.

Appreciating the different

INFPs often see something positive where others see only flaws. Withher highly attuned ability to focus on what’s good about a style item, INFPs can take things others may pass over, consider unwearable or ugly, and use them to create an original look that somehow works. When combined with a thrifty shopping approach, this can result in a “treasured” look that saves time and expresses a unique quality that simply cannot be replicated.

It’s not about fashion

Some INFPs confess that they actively eschew the fashion world, finding it uninspiring in its mass-market approach, and sometimes they may find it objectionable because of the values they hold about fashion production. They report they would feel highly uncomfortable in another style type’s clothing and know deep in their soul what their style is: they put the right outfit together, the right item on, and it feels YES.

Balancing beauty with functionality

INFPs in their idealist quest for loveliness, in whatever form that takes for them and however they define it, may miss the practical considerations that go into creating or maintaining a look. Taking a moment to balance utility and functionality will ensure that even the most original and eclectic ensembles have at least half a foot in practical reality.

Make style choices with maintenance in mind

INFPs can be seemingly paradoxical when it comes to their approach to style – they can be very invested in expressing an authentic look that tells the world something important about who they are, and they are often inattentive to the details of maintaining their style.  INFPs in general are less concerned about the mundane details of life, and this can extend to include their style.

Factoring this  into the style equation means that important style decisions won’t leave them spending important time in the laundry or precious money on dry cleaning.

Putting style in its proper place

The turning point is often realizing that her wardrobe is taking up too much time (and possibly, space) or realizing that her minimalist value around clothing is preventing people from seeing the other values she is upholding.

INFPs can benefit from the input of stylish friends or curated style advice, helping her navigate through the style maze so she can stay true to her style and to herself – and get her message across as effectively as possible.

The long and short of INFP style

The stylish INFP can have very high standards and lean toward perfectionism on issues that are precious to her. Knowing this tendency for idealism, or to be a dreamer, means the INFP can focus most of her style attention on expressing her beautiful unique self to the world and be seen for who she is at the same time. INFPs have an eclectic, often artistic, highly interpretive style when they are their stylish best.

In the style blueprint (part of the INFP Style Report which you receive when you discover your style type), we describe four stages an INFP is likely to go through as she explores and discovers for herself what style is, and means, to her – a fabulous handguide to the eclectic stylist, the INFP on her original style pathway.