How to Find Your Personal Style Today

Do you wake up in the morning and stare at your closet in frustration because you just don’t know what to wear? Does shopping feel like a dreaded chore because you don’t know what to buy? Are you frustrated with the way you dress because you don’t look the way you want to? You’re not alone. More often than not, these problems stem from the fact that you don’t know your personal style. When that’s the case, you don’t know how you want to look, you don’t know what to buy, and you especially don’t know what to wear! This results in stress, disappointment, and frustration…and who wants that? It’s time to take those problems away by finding your personal style! Let’s discover what makes you, well, *you*, and say hello to a wardrobe you love.

Why Personal Style Matters

Why even bother taking the time and effort to find your personal style in the first place? Well, your personal style goes beyond just wearing clothes. Think about it – how you dress can elevate your mood, boost your confidence, and even impact how others perceive you (you are your own personal brand after all!).

Having your own personal style means embracing what makes you feel like yourself and showcasing your personality. Plus, when you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows. You stand a little taller, smile a little brighter, and carry yourself with an extra dose of confidence. Beyond the confidence benefits, there are even more reasons why you should find your personal style:

1. No More Frustration: Frustration be gone because no longer are you looking in your closet every morning and thinking, “I have nothing to wear” (even though your closet is jam-packed full of items). Because really, you do have things to wear. When women use that phrase what they’re really saying is, “I have nothing to wear that speaks to me today.”

2. Embrace Easy (and Fun!) Shopping: Once you discover your signature style, shopping just gets way easier. Instead of trying on a million different things and going to a million different stores playing a guessing game, you shop with confidence and excitement because you know the places you like to shop, you know what you like to buy, and you know what looks good on you. Not to mention, you’ll save money by cutting down on impulse purchases.

3. Organized Closet: Once you figure out your own unique style you will get rid of everything in your closet that doesn’t work (It’s not as scary as it sounds!). Not only will it be easier to get dressed in the morning, but you’ll feel a sense of calmness after purging – knowing that what you have left is what works. It’s similar to that amazing feeling you get when you deep clean your house. You know the one, when you end up feeling cleaner and lighter? Plus, with the things in your closet that you don’t like gone, you’ll be able to organize your closet better, easily accessing the things you actually want to wear!

So, are you ready to put in the effort? Let’s go!

Gather Inspiration

1. Get Inspired (Pinterest, Social Media Platforms, Style Icons, etc)

The biggest challenge about finding your personal style is not knowing what you even like, so now let’s dive into all that style inspiration!

One of the best ways to ignite your fashion creativity is by curating a Pinterest board. The first step is to pin outfits, colors, and aesthetics that make your heart sing and feel like a visual diary of your style dreams.

Already have a Pinterest board? It’s time to do a review and look over what you’ve already saved. Chances are your closet might be a mess, but you’re only going to pin something to your board if it is something you like. So go ahead and take a look. This is a great way to see what you already like, but don’t stop there – think about the style icons you admire.

Is it the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn, the bold choices of Rihanna, or the effortless chic of your favorite fashion content creator? Take a closer look at what you love about their style.

Is it their fearless use of color, their impeccable accessorizing, or perhaps their knack for mixing high and low fashion? By identifying these elements, you can start piecing together what truly resonates with your own sense of style. This exploration is a fun and creative way to discover the nuances that make up your personal style.

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If you don’t have a Pinterest board or prefer to do things old school, grab a magazine and circle everything that catches your eye. Don’t think about what you think you need to like or even try to match what’s already in your closet. Just save whatever catches your eye! Alternatively, you can also Google search “style icons” or “fashion” and save all the pictures you like to a folder on your computer.

Here are some sample style icons to gain inspiration from:
Edgy: Rihanna, Demi Lovato, Cara Delevingne
Bohemian: Vanessa Hudgens, Sienna Miller, Kate Moss
Retro/Vintage: Taylor Swift, Zooey Deschanel, Lana Del Rey
Feminine: Lauren Conrad, Rachel Bilson
Street: Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Serena Williams
Preppy: Blake Lively, Olivia Palermo, Reese Witherspoon
Casual Chic Streetstyle: Miranda Kerr, Selena Gomez
Chic/Classic: Audrey Hepburn, Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton
French: Jeanna Damas, Sabina Socol, Inès de La Fressange

Just remember, sometimes you don’t fit in a clothing box and that’s okay. Style is meant to be fun, so mix and match until you find what you’re most comfortable in. Maybe you’re casual chic? Preppy French?

So, do a quick review: After looking at your clothing Pinterest boards, what do you see? What are the reoccurring patterns?

After you’ve taken a look and formulated a mental answer, write down 3-5 words that all of your pins (ideas, images) have in common. It can be color, style, or theme.

When I did this exercise on myself, I came up with: black, white, brown, chic, neutrals

Try to come up with 1-2 sentences explaining what you see.

Does thinking of 5 words or a sentence sound like a lot? Then just try to pull one word out of what describes you: bohemian, edgy, casual, professional, modern, classic…? If you don’t think any of them do, just starting searching one and see if you like what pops up.

Related: In a Style Rut? Here Are 20 New Places To Get Fresh Outfit Inspiration

2. Draw Inspiration From Your Closet

It’s time to get up close and personal with your own closet! Start by pulling everything out of your closet and laying it out in front of you. Yes, everything.

Take a good look at your go-to pieces – the ones you reach for time and time again. What do you love about them? Is it the fit, the color, or how they make you feel? These favorite items are the cornerstone of your personal style.

Next, look in your closet to see if you have an excess amount of one item. For instance, I have around 6 striped shirts. This shows me that I love neutrals, classic prints, and chic items. Do you have a ton of button-downs, band tees, or flowy dresses? Whatever you keep buying is a key indicator of what you want your style to be.

Now, let’s flip the coin. Identify those pieces that have been collecting dust. If they no longer excite you or reflect who you are, set them aside for some future decluttering. As you do this, you’ll start seeing patterns in what you naturally gravitate towards. Whatever it is, these insights are golden nuggets that will guide you in shaping your own style. Embrace this process!

Once you’ve identifed your go-to pieces that you love wearing, ask yourself: Do these items match all the style words I picked out in step #1?

3. Know Your Skin Tone

A big thing that can impact your personal fashion style is knowing what colors look best on you (as well as the ones you should avoid). Figuring out your skin tone can take the guesswork out of shopping for new things and help you shine in your individual style!

When you know your skin tone – whether it’s cool, warm, or neutral – you can zero in on colors that naturally complement you. Cool skin tones usually rock clear and contrast colors like blues, purples, and jewel tones, while warm skin tones glow in earthy shades like red, orange, and brown. Neutrals can swing both ways, making them the lucky ducks of the color wheel!

Plus, it’s not just about clothes. Your skin tone can guide you in choosing the right makeup, hair color, and even accessories. Ever put on a red lipstick that somehow made your teeth look yellower? Yep, that’s a classic skin tone mismatch. The right shade can make all the difference.

And let’s not forget confidence. When you’re wearing colors that make your skin look radiant, you feel good. It’s like walking around as your own personal stylist!

Lastly, understanding your skin tone adds a personal touch to your style. Instead of following trends, styles, or colors that may or may not work, you’re curating a unique personal style that’s all yours.

4. Understand Your Body Shape and What Flatters Your Figure

We are getting closer! Understanding your body shape is a game-changer when it comes to nailing your personal style. Start by figuring out your body type – are you an hourglass, oval, rectangle, triangle, or inverted triangle? This knowledge is a secret weapon, helping you pick out clothes that enhance your natural features.

For instance, if you’re an hourglass, you might find that fitted dresses and belted waists beautifully highlight your curves. On the other hand, if you’re more shaped like a rectangle, clothes that define your waist and create curves can give your body a harmonious balance.

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5. Experiment with Different Styles to Discover What You Love

By now you have a pretty good idea about what you like, but experimenting with different styles is where the real fun begin! Dive into various styles and try out different looks – whether it’s the free-spirited vibe of bohemian, the sleek lines of minimalist chic, the bold flair of edgy looks, or the timeless elegance of classic fashion. This is the time to explore, so feel free to mix and match pieces you’ve never thought of combining before.

Try layering your clothes in unexpected ways, play with textures, and don’t shy away from different colors, unique prints, or bold accessories. Keep an open mind and remember, the goal is to discover what makes you feel amazing when wearing it. Document your outfits with selfies or keep a fashion journal to track what works and what doesn’t. Trust your instincts and pay attention to how each outfit makes you feel. Over time, you’ll start to see a pattern of what truly resonates with your sense of style.

6. Purge the Closet

Now that you know what you like and what you feel good in, it’s time to take out all the pieces in your closet that hinder your process of becoming the true you! Maybe you’d love to dress more bohemian but your closet is full of buttons downs, or you’d love to embrace your simple side, but your closet is packed with “loud” pieces. Even if a piece aligns with your style but you don’t feel good wearing it, it’s time to let it go.

Related: Ready To Get Organized? Here’s How To Get Past the Mental Hurdles of Decluttering Your Wardrobe

7. Build a Versatile Wardrobe with Essential Pieces

Here is the next step – and the fun part! Now that you know your style (or at least what you want it to be) and purged your closet, it’s time to fill it up with good, quality pieces that reflect who you are or who you want to be.

The most important thing when building a wardrobe (and new style) is to start with essential pieces that are the unsung heroes of any closet – think of a crisp white shirt, a little black dress, or those perfect jeans that fit just right. These items are your wardrobe staples, effortlessly transitioning from casual to chic with just a few tweaks.

Next, add in some timeless classics like a blazer or a cozy knit sweater. These pieces are the backbone of your wardrobe, allowing you to mix and match with ease and for different seasons.

Don’t forget the power of layering! Having a variety of tops, cardigans, and jackets gives you endless outfit possibilities. And of course, shoes and accessories! A pair of versatile flats, classic pumps, and stylish sneakers will cover all your bases. Finish off with a few key accessories, like a statement necklace or a versatile tote, to elevate any look. The goal is to have a curated selection of items that you love and can wear in different ways.

As you shop, it’s important to know that shopping smart is all about being mindful of your purchases and investing in pieces that will elevate your wardrobe for years to come. It’s easy to get swept up in the allure of the latest trends, but focusing on quality over quantity will always serve you better in the long run.

Look for well-crafted items with excellent materials and attention to detail. These pieces not only look better but also last longer, saving you money over time. When shopping, consider your lifestyle and daily activities.

Are you often attending formal events, or is your day-to-day more casual? Choose items that fit seamlessly into your life while still reflecting your personal style. Don’t shy away from spending a little more on those staples like a perfect-fitting blazer, a versatile pair of jeans, or a timeless handbag.

These timeless pieces become the foundation of your wardrobe, offering countless styling possibilities. Always remember, it’s not about having a closet bursting with clothes (this is part of what got you here in the first place); it’s about having carefully chosen items that make you feel fabulous every time you wear them. By being strategic with your purchases, you’ll curate a wardrobe that’s both stylish and functional, perfectly tailored to your unique sense of style.

Did you need help knowing what else should be in a wardrobe? I have an eBook that will help you build the wardrobe of your dreams!

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8. Add in the Items That Suit Your Personal Style

Now that you’ve built a wardrobe with staples, it’s time to personalize your wardrobe with new items that truly resonate with you. Think about the signature pieces that make you feel excited and confident – these are your personal style essentials. Whether it’s a vibrant scarf that adds a pop of color, a pair of statement earrings, or a chic leather jacket that gives any outfit an edge, these elements are what make your style distinctly yours.

Add pieces that align with your lifestyle and personality. Love a bit of drama? Go for bold prints and eye-catching accessories. Prefer a laid-back vibe? Embrace cozy knits and easygoing silhouettes. Your wardrobe should be a reflection of you, so don’t hesitate to include quirky or unconventional items that speak to your individual taste.

Also, keep an eye out for those special pieces that feel like they were made just for you. Maybe it’s a vintage find that tells a story, or a handcrafted item that adds a unique touch to your look. By curating your wardrobe with pieces that suit your personal style, you’ll create a collection that not only looks fantastic but also feels authentically you.

9. Own Your Style with Confidence

Congrats! You’ve done all the hard work. The final step? It’s time to embrace it. Owning your style with confidence is about trusting your instincts. Start by wearing outfits that make you feel amazing, because when you feel good, it shows.

Don’t shy away from mixing in a few of the latest trends; they can add a fresh twist to your signature look. The key is to adapt these trends in a way that feels true to you and don’t buy so many that they take over your wardrobe. By owning your style and embracing (select) trends that resonate with you, you’ll create a wardrobe that’s not only stylish but authentically you.

How to Find Your Personal Style: Finally Found

Each step in this post brings you closer to a wardrobe that feels authentically you. Though you can find your personal and authentic style today, refining it is a wonderful process that comes with time. So enjoy the personal style journey and the joy that comes with discovering a style you love! With these tips, you’re well on your way to building a versatile, stylish wardrobe that makes you feel fantastic every day.

Want to know the wardrobe staples you should have in your closet? Up Next: How to Build a Wardrobe from Scratch

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