You can’t get what you want in your wardrobe—or in your style—if you don’t know what you want. That’s the big idea behind today’s post. If you’re still struggling to define your personal style, if you don’t know what your “style words” are or you’re tired of shopping aimlessly, this is for you. We’re going to look at your personal style from a completely fresh perspective.
A Better Way to Define Your Style
Over the years, I’ve worked with hundreds of women trying to find the right words to describe their personal style—like “classic,” “boho,” “feminine,” or “edgy.” And while those words can be helpful, they don’t always get you across the finish line. Why? Because if you don’t know where to find clothes that match those words, the words themselves won’t help you get dressed.
That’s why I created my Personal Style Brands Catalog. It’s a curated resource that connects your style words to actual brands and stores. Because let’s be honest: if your style is creative and feminine, but you’re shopping at Brooks Brothers, there’s going to be a disconnect.
But recently, I’ve taken that idea even further—with something I call Brand Clusters.
What’s a Brand Cluster?
A brand cluster is a group of fashion brands that share a similar style personality or “vibe.” Instead of starting with adjectives, we start with actual places you love to shop—or would love to shop if you knew they existed! Then, we reverse engineer your style from there.
Brand Clusters help eliminate overwhelm. Instead of sifting through endless racks or scrolling through every online store, you can focus on 3–5 brands that represent your unique aesthetic. Think of them as your style anchors.
Take the Quiz to Find Your Cluster
Question 1: Which outfit makes you feel most like yourself?
Question 2: Your ideal shopping day includes…
- A. Quality staples with timeless appeal.
- B. Exploring edgy boutiques with clean, high-end pieces
C. Browsing markets or artful brands for standout looks
D. Prioritizing comfort—but with beauty and shape
E. Scouting for elevated basics and soft structure
F. Touching fabrics, noticing quality, and trying fewer—but finer—pieces
G. Grabbing well-made staples that mix easily and layer well
H. Playing with color, print, and pretty shapes
When someone compliments your outfit, you’d love them to say:
- A. You always look so classic and polished.” (list them in order and keep them all up)”
- B. That’s so chic—it’s simple but bold.”
- C. You have the most interesting, artistic style!”
- D. You look effortlessly beautiful and comfortable.”
- E. You always look put-together, but relaxed.”
- F. You dress so elegantly—but never overdone.”
- G. You make basics look amazing.”
- H. You look so feminine and fun!”
Which Pinterest board feels most like your dream wardrobe?
What’s Your Brand Cluster
Here are some sample brands for each cluster. Yours do not have to be on this list. It’s more the general mood than it is the specific stores.
- Tailored Classic – Think Talbots, Brooks Brothers, J.McLaughlin
- Refined Rebel – Veronica Beard, Anine Bing, Iro
- Creative Contemporary – Anthropologie, Farm Rio, Johnny Was
- Soft Sophisticate – Eileen Fisher, Nic + Zoe, Cabi
- Modern Classic – J.Crew, Quince, Everlane
- Luxe Minimalist – Vince, Theory, Jenni Kayne
- Elevated Essentials – AYR, Spanx, Lou & Grey
- Creative Feminine – Sézane, Zimmerman, LoveShackFancy
If you’re a mix of three A’s and one H? That’s perfect. We’ll build a custom cluster around you. And you can even name it yourself. Maybe you’re “Soft Feminine” or “Creative Classic.” There are no wrong answers here—this is all about discovering what feels most you.
Why This Works
When you shop based on your brand cluster, you eliminate style mismatches—the things you buy because they look great on someone else but never quite feel right on you. It also keeps your wardrobe cohesive. You’ll build a closet full of pieces that work together, fit your lifestyle, and reflect your personality.
Your Next Step
Once you identify your brand cluster, I recommend choosing one anchor brand—a go-to source that reflects your aesthetic and helps guide your seasonal updates. You don’t have to shop there exclusively, but it gives you a strong starting point. Then, as the season changes, you can check what’s new at that brand first and supplement your wardrobe with special pieces from your other go-to stores.
It simplifies shopping, curbs impulse buys, and keeps your closet aligned with your personal style.
Want More Help?
If you’re ready to take this deeper, I’d love for you to join us in the Style Confidence Club. We have a virtual closet edit session this week (May 17), where we’ll go through your actual wardrobe and help turn it into the wardrobe of your dreams—without overspending or overthinking.
Inside the club, we do weekly workshops, style deep-dives, and so much more. It’s a small group, highly interactive, and incredibly supportive. You’ll also get access to my Personal Style Brands Catalog and a full breakdown of all the brand clusters.
Let me know in the comments:
👉 What’s your brand cluster?
👉 Are you a mix? Did you come up with your own name?
👉 Which brands make you feel most like you?
As always, I love our conversations. Thank you for being here with me. If you found this helpful, please give it a like and subscribe so we can keep hanging out.
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