I talk about the nuts and bolts of style a lot, and that stuff is important. But at the end of the day, if you don’t love what you wear, or you feel like a fraud in your clothes, then it’s time to stop looking around you and start looking within you.
Who knew style could be so deep?
Seriously, though, finding your personal style can feel like an endless journey, especially when you open your closet and feel uninspired by what’s inside. But don’t worry! With a few simple exercises, you can define your unique style, making every outfit in your wardrobe a piece you love and feel comfortable wearing. L
I believe we can have better days through style, and the best days are spent wearing something that feels like you. In today’s video, I share 11 simple exercises designed to help you discover your personal style now.
Finding Your Unique Style: Classic vs. Creative
Personal style can be broken down into two broad categories: classic and creative. Each of these is equally beautiful, with endless options for making the look your own.
- Creative Style: These are the “rule-breakers,” favoring eclectic mixes over traditional matching. Creative dressers often experiment with unique looks that reflect their individuality.
- Classic Style: These individuals appreciate structure and balance in their wardrobes. Their look is polished, and they prefer styles that are cohesive and timeless.
Where do you fall on this spectrum? You might be 30% classic and 70% creative, or vice versa. The key is finding a balance that feels authentic to you.
Blend In or Stand Out?
Another consideration in personal style is deciding whether you prefer to blend in or stand out. Blending in doesn’t mean dressing to be unnoticed; it means coordinating with your environment in a way that feels natural. On the other hand, standing out involves confidently embracing attention through unique choices that reflect your personality.
Are you someone who loves blending harmoniously into your surroundings, or do you thrive when your style is a bit bolder and becomes a conversation starter? Both approaches are valid; they simply represent different facets of personal style.
Clothing vs. Costumes
One of the fastest ways to feel uncomfortable in your outfit is to feel like you’re in a “costume.” True confidence comes from wearing pieces that feel like clothing for you rather than something you’re “supposed” to wear. This distinction helps you explore your style without feeling like you’re pretending to be someone else. If you’re constantly adjusting or fussing with an outfit, it’s usually a sign that it doesn’t fully align with your personal style.
Trusting Your Inner Style Compass
Exploring your personal style requires looking inward rather than outward. It’s common to feel influenced by the styles around you or the trends of the area where you live. But dressing for yourself is the only way to truly discover your unique style. Don’t be afraid to dress up, even in a casual environment. Wear the clothes that make you feel like yourself, regardless of what others around you might be wearing.
Steps to Discovering Your Style
- Shop Your Closet: To start, go through your wardrobe and ask, “Would I buy this again?” Separate the pieces that still feel like “you” from the ones that no longer resonate. Make these items visible and accessible. When you can easily see and reach the clothes you love, you’re more likely to wear them regularly.
- Use Style Descriptors: As you identify items you love, try assigning style words to each, like “classic,” “polished,” or “timeless.” Over time, these descriptors will help you shape a clearer vision of your personal style.
- Consider Fashion Rental Services: Exploring new styles can get expensive. Fashion rental services offer a low-risk way to try different styles without a permanent commitment. This approach allows you to experiment with pieces you might not usually buy and helps you determine whether they feel authentic or like a costume.
- Embrace What You Love: Give yourself permission to wear only the pieces you genuinely love. Let go of items you feel obligated to wear and focus on those that bring you joy. Even if it’s only five pieces, wearing what you love is more valuable than owning a full closet of clothes that don’t excite you.
- Identify Style Mismatches: Start by taking inventory of your closet. Pull out items you thought you’d love but rarely wear. Ask yourself: What about these pieces doesn’t feel right? Create a list of words describing these items. Are they too “edgy,” “sporty,” or “feminine” for your taste? This process will reveal clues about what doesn’t resonate with your style and guide you toward what does.
- Establish Your Personal Style Words: Define words that capture the clothes you do love and feel great wearing. Think of words that make you want to wear an item, like “comfortable,” “classic,” or “elegant.” This list will act as a filter, allowing only the items that match your authentic style into your wardrobe.
- Discover Your ‘Personality Outfit’: Look for an outfit that feels like “you” from head to toe. It could be a look you wore once and loved, a current piece in your closet, or even something you spotted online. If this outfit truly resonates, consider buying it or keeping a picture for reference. This becomes a visual reminder of your style, helping you stay focused as you shop and dress.
- Identify Your Go-To Brands: Find brands that consistently match your style words. These could be your favorites that align with your taste and serve as style inspiration. For example, if your style is a blend of “romantic” and “chic,” maybe Anthropologie or Veronica Beard suits you. Having a go-to brand saves you time and brings clarity to your shopping process.
- Pick Your Uniform: Having a “uniform” simplifies getting dressed. This doesn’t mean wearing the same thing every day but rather finding a formula that works for you. Maybe it’s a smart-casual combination like jeans, a blouse, and a blazer, which can be dressed up or down. The idea is to have a reliable look that fits most occasions.
- Define Your Signature: A signature could be a specific piece you wear often, like statement earrings, or a consistent style choice like a red lip or sleek hairstyle. It could also be a go-to color. Embracing these signature elements adds personality to your style and ensures your look is uniquely you. Choose pieces that resonate with your personality and make you feel confident.
- Find Your Signature Color: A signature color is a fantastic way to unify your wardrobe. Look for a shade that excites you and that you can imagine wearing often, year-round. Whether it’s a bold red or a soft pastel, let this color be a common theme in your outfits.
Embrace Your Style with Confidence!
Each of these steps is designed to bring you closer to an authentic style that suits your current lifestyle and personality. The goal is to create a wardrobe that feels like “you” every time you open it, with pieces that are not only stylish but also practical and inspiring.
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