Daring to be DIFFERENT

Deni Todorovic wants you to find your signature style!

Whether it’s “mutton dressed as lamb” or the idea that men can’t wear skirts outside of Scotland, there are so many limiting beliefs about how we should dress. However, stylist, author and podcaster Deni Todorovic (@stylebydeni) wants you to break free from these beliefs.

Ahead of Todorovic’s latest collaboration with Magnum, which remixes a range of ’90s fashion looks to break down gender stereotypes, the non-binary powerhouse stresses the importance of dressing to honour your true self.

“Often, I find myself wearing things that people might not be used to but then, what I find is, three months later, you know, these trends start to make their way down,” Todorovic says.

The fashion influencer recalls the moment they started wearing pearl necklaces in 2020. “While that’s typically a feminine accessory, months later I saw Harry Styles, ASAP Rocky and even the boys at my local nightclub wearing them.” Sometimes all it takes is self-assurance. “I like this, other people will either love it or loathe it,” Todorovic explains, “but I like it and that’s all that matters.”

Here are Todorovic’s tips for breaking down barriers to find your signature style.

POWER UP

Todorovic says power words are a stylist’s – and in this case, your – best friend. “Forget about clothes for a second, ask, ‘Who am I as a person?’ or ‘Who do I want to be?’”

“For example, for me right now, two of my words are strength and power. I’m going through a transitional phase in my life and finding my feet again so I want to be strong, and I want to look powerful.”

SET THE MOOD

Once you have your power words set, the next step is to create a mood board based on those words.

“When I think about the word power or the word strength, bold colours, sharp silhouettes and tailoring come to mind,” Todorovic says.

“Then straight away, the images and the references and the overall aesthetic starts to come into play for my mood board.”

BRING IN THE ICONS

“There are so many people that just lean into their authentic style, regardless of age, and power to them,” Todorovic says.

Todorovic’s fashion icons range from Carrie Bradshaw to The Real Housewives of New York City’s Jenna Lyons, however, it’s 101-year-old businesswoman Iris Apfel who sets the bar for older women.

“Iris has always marched to the beat of her own drum. She’s always covered in prints and jewellery. Even at 101, she just does it.”

START SMALL

Breaking down barriers isn’t always an easy feat; for this reason, Todorovic says finding a small means of self-expression can get the ball rolling.

For those assigned male at birth, it could be as simple as painting one of your fingernails, while Todorovic says older women could opt for a bright accessory before transitioning to loud wardrobe looks.

“Once you’re comfortable enough to pose that to the world, do it. Life is not a dress rehearsal, and you only get one shot to stand in your own power and be who you are.”