Pharrell

Pharrell embodies the idea that a signature style can be fluid. ‘Experimentation’ is the thread that runs through everything he’s ever worn, from the head-to-toe Chanel you’ll find him in now to the Japanese streetwear he brought to mainstream attention with N.E.R.D.

Often, he’ll let a particular piece define a style period – the Vivienne Westwood buffalo hat, say, or his BAPE hoodies – but this more-is-more approach allows him to discover new brands and pieces in a way that feels like he’s the one wearing them, rather than the other way around.

Ralph Lauren

The master of Americana dresses like the man his brand represents. And like his brand, it’s an aesthetic that adapts and evolves over time, but feels like it’s coming from a single set of references. “He hasn’t changed markedly from the ’70s, but he wears things like big running shoes with his tuxedo jacket and jeans,” says McDonald.

This is the power of a signature style – you can try new things, add new pieces and even dabble in trends, but know that they won’t overwhelm the rest of your outfit. “There are these consistent fits and markers, but the difference between signature style and a uniform is that you can dress by mood.”

Five Key Pieces For Creating A Signature Style

White T-Shirt

If you think something as everyday as a white T-shirt can’t be distinctive, you’d best let Marlon Brando know. Quality and fit are the differences between any old tee and one that becomes a signature. Pick a point between trim and boxy and stick to it. Then pick trousers that work with that shape, not against it.

Fragrance

We’re all for matching your fragrance to your mood, but there are benefits to loyalty. Smell is a remarkably powerful sense – we’ve all caught a whiff of something in a crowded train and been transported back to our first kiss. Try either citrus or floral notes, which tend to work everywhere and in any season.