defining your personal style
Personal style is an elusive concept even to a seasoned professional. Besides the fact that it’s an ever changing entity, you don’t want to pigeon-hole yourself into one style or another.
It doesn’t matter where you are along your style journey, there are certain actions you can take to really discover your own take on fashion. To help you out, I’ve broken down 7 ways to define your personal style.
#1: Focus on key pieces
An easy way to start figuring out your style identity is by focusing on some key pieces that you really love. Then you can use them as a basis for where you want your style to land.
Have a wardrobe full of white button downs? There’s a reason you’ve purchased an excess of that item, you like them and they make you feel comfortable. There’s no need to toss the baby out with the bathwater, if something is working for you and it’s flattering then lean into it
#2: Stick to a colour palette
A simple way to begin defining your style is to pick a few colours that you are drawn to. Not only will this make your closet way more wearable, it will also make your shopping a heck of a lot easier as you can eliminate options right off the bat.
Choose a palette based off of some of your current favourite pieces or what you know looks good on you.
Bonus Tip: Along with your standard palette, throw in one wildcard colour that you only wear occasionally (and might even clash with your regular palette). For example, if you’re sticking to a blue/green palette, choose orange. Buy a pair of tangerine pants and a peach coloured dress. Work these items into neutral outfits and use them as statement looks.
#3: Find a statement piece
Choose a signature piece that can become a part of your style identity. It can be something as simple as a unique necklace or as extra as a leopard print coat. Something that is unique and speaks to who you are.
Remember, just because it’s a statement item doesn’t mean it has to be flashy or even a bright colour. As long as it feels right for you - it is!
#4: Inspo, inspo, inspo
I can’t stress enough how much inspiration plays a role in style development.
With tools like Pinterest and Instagram it’s almost too easy to find style inspo. The likelihood that you’ll find one perfect account who you want to copy outfit for outfit is pretty low. Most people are a mix, so make sure you’re getting inspired across the board.
Having a prepared arsenal of style inspiration also comes in handy when you’re shopping, it can help act as a visual guide to what your ideal style looks like.
#5: Be flexible
You don’t have to have the same style every single day! Don’t force yourself into boxes, allow yourself to explore alternate avenues.
You might want to have a different approach to your work attire than you do to your going-out or street style looks and that’s totally ok.
This is where having a colour palette comes in handy. It can be a really good way to create a through-line in your wardrobe even if you’re jumping from boho to grunge.
#6: Slow & steady wins the race
The prospect of defining your personal style can be overwhelming at first, but it’s meant to be an enjoyable process where you become more yourself.
Take it slow and buy new pieces thoughtfully. Make sure you have a semblance of a plan when it comes to purchasing bigger ticket items so you don’t fall into the trap of impulse buys.
Spend money on good quality pieces that will last. Frequent local stores and thrift shops to find unique items.
#7: If it’s working, it’s working
Don’t get sucked into the ‘wear it once and never again’ mentality that exists online, that’s just a ploy to get you to buy more clothes. Remember, a lot of influencers get free product, access to PR lends or use companies like Rent the Runway that make it really easy to borrow clothing for content creation.
Repeat that ‘fit as many times as you want.
