Finding Your Personal Style: A Guide to Defining Your Style
Trends are always evolving, but personal style? That’s timeless. If you’re tired of chasing microtrends and feel like you’ve lost your way in the fast fashion maze, it’s time to hit the reset button.
Finding your true personal style is all about curating a wardrobe that reflects you—without the pressure to follow the latest viral outfit challenge. Ready to step into a wardrobe that is truly yours? Let’s dive in!
What Is Personal Style?
Personal style is a term that gets tossed around a lot. But what does it really mean?
Personal style isn’t about keeping up with the latest microtrends or shopping based on what’s hot on Pinterest or TikTok. Instead, it’s about having a closet full of pieces that resonate with the real you. These pieces should be high-quality, comfortable, and practical.
Personal style reflects your personality, preferences, and lifestyle—your style tells a story, without you ever having to say a word.
When you love everything in your closet, getting dressed becomes a joy, not a chore.
The Problem with Microtrends and Fast Fashion
Microtrends are everywhere, popping up at lightning speed thanks to TikTok and Pinterest. One moment it’s all about Cottagecore, the next, it’s Barbiecore, and the cycle never ends. But here’s the catch: trends are fleeting, and this constant chase for the “next big thing” can quickly lead to an overflowing, unsustainable wardrobe.
Microtrends push us toward overconsumption, contributing to fashion’s massive environmental impact. The truth? You don’t need to follow every trend to look good or feel great in your clothes.
Finding Your Style in a Sea of Trends
It’s easy to get distracted by the endless supply of viral looks, but the key to finding your personal style is to look inward, not outward. Here’s a little guide to help you transform your wardrobe from drab to fab!
Step 1: Gather Inspiration from Street Style (Not your For You Page)
Look at real people—whether it’s street style on Pinterest or Instagram, or the casual day looks of celebrities you admire.
You’re not looking for “the latest thing,” but rather those effortlessly chic looks that speak to you.
Do you find yourself drawn to a particular celebrity’s style? Bonus points if you’ve ever been told you look like them. Sleek and casual celebrity street style is much less exaggerated than the looks you’ll see on microtrend TikTok.
These outfits are totally timeless! Aside from small details, there is no immediate noticeable adherence to specific trends.
These women look put-together and confident yet laid back. Their outfits have individuality, but not so much so that it’s distracting. If you’re intimidated by crazy, outside-of-the-box fashion, this is the perfect place to start.
Step 2: Analyze Your Closet to Identify Patterns
Don’t start buying new clothes right away! The secret to finding your personal style is already hanging in your closet.
Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve accumulated over time:
What colors do I gravitate towards?
Are there certain fabrics or materials I always wear?
What types of cuts or silhouettes do I feel most comfortable in?
Do I love patterns or prefer solid colors?
By answering these questions, you’ll uncover themes and preferences that make your wardrobe uniquely yours.
Step 3: Look Beyond Fashion—Explore Your Hobbies for Style Inspiration
Lynn Yager’s advice is golden: study everything except fashion to help develop your style.
Whether you’re into art, literature, history, or music, your hobbies are key to building a truly personal look. Fashion isn’t just about clothes—it’s an extension of who you are.
For example, if you love painting, why not incorporate art-inspired pieces into your wardrobe, like paint-splattered jeans or an artist’s palette color scheme?
Your hobbies are an incredible resource to fuel your fashion creativity.
The girl on the far right may be a big history buff showing off her knowledge in her oversized military jacket, while the girl in the middle may be a fan of embroidery and sew some of her colorful designs on a shirt! The girl on the far left might be a painter, wearing the jeans she wears in her art studio out for a casual day look.
Step 4: Embrace the Fun of Fashion—Experiment and Play!
Don’t be afraid to get a little adventurous.
Personal style isn’t about following rules—try mixing pieces that you wouldn’t normally pair together or play with bold accessories.
Fashion should be fun, a form of self-expression, especially when you’re “off the clock.” Your style is your personal art, and your body is your canvas.
So, get wild with it!
5 Tips to Help You Build Your Personal Style:
1. Fit Over Size
Fit is everything. Forget what the tag says—what matters is how the clothes make you feel. Don’t be afraid to get your clothes tailored, especially for pieces you wear often. A little cinch or alteration can make a huge difference. Choose clothing that flatters your natural shape, whether it’s a structured blazer or flowy dresses. Focus on comfort and confidence, not the number on the label.
2. Create a Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is like your style cheat sheet. Start with high-quality, versatile pieces you love, and make sure they work well together. Think tailored blazers, flattering trousers, silk blouses, and go-to dresses. With a capsule wardrobe, you’ll never struggle to find something stylish to wear, and everything will feel intentional.
3. Add Personality with Color and Prints
Who says you have to stick to neutrals? Adding vibrant hues or playful prints (like floral patterns or stripes) can bring an unexpected pop to your wardrobe. Jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, ruby) look amazing on all skin tones, while subtle prints like stripes or polka dots can elevate an outfit from basic to bold. Remember—if you're going all-in on a statement piece, balance it out with simpler counterparts.
4. Play with Accessories
Accessories are the finishing touch that can make your outfit feel like you. Think statement jewelry, belts that cinch the waist, or a cool bag that completes your look. Accessories can help you transform even the simplest outfit into something chic and personal. A bold necklace or a scarf in your favorite color can speak volumes without saying a word.
5. Experiment with Silhouettes
Don’t limit yourself to one silhouette. Mix and match different shapes and cuts to find what flatters your body best. Maybe you prefer a more structured, tailored look for work, but love the relaxed feel of oversized sweaters on weekends. The more you experiment, the more you’ll discover which shapes make you feel confident and comfortable.
Final Thoughts: Your Style is Unique to You
Young Jedi, I have given you all the tools you need to elevate your wardrobe, but all of it really boils down to one word… play!
Stay fluid in your persona and open to the world around you, take inspiration from anything and everything. By reflecting on your personal preferences, experimenting with different styles, and curating your closet with quality, timeless pieces, you’ll build a wardrobe that is truly a reflection of you.
Remember: Personal style isn’t about being trendy, it’s about being authentically yourself. So embrace your uniqueness, let your clothes be a creative outlet, and never be afraid to try something new.
