It’s true that some women are more interested in style than others. Each of the 16 style types approaches their style journey differently. In this article we’re going to discuss the Harmonious Stylist, ISFJ: The Style Friend.

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 necessarily 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 ISFJ with ESFJ.

The Harmonious Stylist, ISFJ: The Style Friend

For many ISFJs, style is the way you get to define yourself to the people around you. Style is communicating yourself in a visual way to people who don’t know you and even if they do know you, it’s a way to express yourself.

“I do not want to be the centre of attention because of what I wear around people I do not know. If they are friends or family that is different, I’m okay with standing out more with people I know. It’s very important to dress appropriately for the occasion… I would never wear runners when wearing work clothing, for instance. I want to feel that I look ‘right’ and ‘fit in’ so I don’t stand out and am noticed (for negative reasons, I’m easily embarrassed)”.

ISFJs are practical, realistic, dependable and gentle. They believe in the best of people, are aware of the feelings of others and are sensitive souls. With an acute personal memory for details, they are reliable and embrace rules, procedures and tradition that they believe in. Often very social, they are paradoxically quite hard to get to really know, often more interested in listening to others than talking themselves.

A plan for ISFJs finding their style

Here are seven steps the ISFJ can confidently take in her style journey.

Take your cue from others – but define your own style

For ISFJs, her early introduction to style may have come from noticing what others were wearing, either family members or what she saw in fashion magazines, TV, people on the street, friends she considers stylish.

It’s important for her to remember that this is useful information and needs to be discerned and applied to herself – not just followed because others have successfully defined their style in that way.

The stylish ISFJ knows how important it is to make sure her own desires and needs are included in her style statement. She will be well served to incorporate colors and styles that really make her happy, rather than deferring to fashion trends and the way others are dressing.

Put your sensitivity into your style picture

ISFJs are sensitive souls and are often aware of their own feelings in almost any situation, even if they don’t express it. As a style tool, this is a helpful touchstone – to remember to always connect in with herrself before making any major style decisions, and to use this sensitivity-to-self in even the smaller style decisions such as getting dressed every day.

Style is interesting

Finding style interesting, the ISFJ will be drawn to observing style trends either in stores, online or at events she regularly attends.

Not wanting to stand out but preferring to blend in, she will take any style information and adapt it for herself, so it creates a quiet, unobtrusive style that is always appropriate.

Overdressing rather than under dressing

Many ISFJs report they would rather be overdressed than under dressed. They enjoy clothes and getting dressed each morning. They want to feel good in their clothes – both comfortable and stylish.

ISFJs often report that they enjoy it when other people like what they are wearing, they never want to look like they haven’t put in an effort.

Preparation is your friend

ISFJs will often pick things out the night before to streamline getting ready the next day, and they like things to match. Subtle beauty is often a great touchstone for the ISFJ who wants to look good but never draw undue attention to herself.

Put your faith in the style rules

ISFJs often have a clear view of how things should be and believe in rules, procedures and traditions. The stylish ISFJ will find herself flourishing when she takes the time up-front to discover her personal style rules (colors that flatter, styles that suit, personality dressing that brings out her best – to name a few) and then relies on them.

Add flair – don’t just follow the rules

Often highly creative but not necessarily cognizant of it, the ISFJ can have a hidden, vague, ambiguous or unmanifested desire to add panache and subtle flair to an otherwise acceptable but slightly dull and predictable look.

Making sure to add some flourish and flair to every outfit will give the ISFJ confidence her look is both appropriate and stylish, supporting her to contribute to important areas of her life.

The sweet and lowdown on ISFJ style

The stylish ISFJ has a refined sense of details and uses her drive for cooperation and harmony to create a friendly warm style that encourages inclusion. ISFJs have a harmonious, friendly style when they are their stylish best.

In the style blueprint (part of the ISFJ Style Report which you receive when you discover your style type), we describe four stages an ISFJ is likely to go through as she explores and discovers for herself what style is, and means, to her – a confidence-boosting tool for the harmonious stylist, the ISFJ clarifying her friendly style pathway.