If you have a love-hate relationship with your personal style, you are not alone.
The truth is: there will never be an exact definition of your style and chances are that your taste will change many times throughout the course of your life.
You’ve likely found yourself realizing that you appreciate and associate with multiple styles, which is a beautiful thing… but can also leave you wondering what your fashion identity really is.
Don’t fret, just take it one step at a time. We are here to help with some tips for defining your personal style.
Related reading: How to Glow Up Your Life, Inside and Out
Table of Contents
Who Do You Admire?
While on your fashion journey, it is important you take the time to sit and really think about what fashion icons or celebrities – past or present – you truly admire.
Is there a famous personality that has always served unforgettable looks? Have you ever favorited or bookmarked a celeb street style piece? Identify these styles, as that’s the key first step.
If you’re having trouble finding your style icon, scroll through Pinterest or Instagram and see what catches your eye.
Expert Tips:
- Create a Pinterest board or a saved folder on Instagram entirely dedicated to your journey.
- Check out this list of our favorite classic fashion icons every girl should know, plus our list of celebrity style icons for young women.
Find Style Patterns
There is a high chance when you identify your style inspiration, you’ll find patterns within the photos.
This could be as obvious as the theme of items worn, colors, or even statement pieces that stand out individually from the outfits.
You could find that you are in love with vibrant, statement jewelry or flowy, summer dresses. Finding these small patterns might take time, but it’s worth it.
In the long run, it will help you narrow the key pieces to look for the next time you go shopping.
Expert Tips:
- Print out some pictures and keep a journal entirely dedicated to hunting down those essential patterns.
- Jot down your thoughts and discoveries right away, that way you don’t forget and have a reference sheet.
Determine Your Colors
I know this tip may remind you of women in the ’70s asking each other, “I’m an autumn, what are you?” but I’ve noticed that having a personal color scheme is a hallmark of all truly stylish women.
To determine your colors, you need to assess your hair, skin and eye color as well as what colors you feel you look the best in. Determining your “season” can introduce you to a whole new palette of colors!
The point of doing this is to use these colors as a guide while shopping so that you can select the pieces that will look best on you.
Clean Out That Closet
This might seem a little extreme, but what’s the point of having pieces in your closet that just don’t make you happy?
Clear it out, donate, or toss any unwanted pieces. Use that space to fill your closet with items that speak to you.
During this process, it’s important to try everything on before you stick it back in your closet. If it no longer feels right and you can’t see yourself wearing it again, then it might be best to let it go.
Don’t overlook this step. It is a key part of finding your style. Out with the old, in with the new.
Expert Tips:
- Refer to our closet organization tips post to discover the most effective ways of de-cluttering and organizing your new wardrobe.
Experiment On A Budget
Now that you’ve cleared out your closet, you’re left with space and a yearning for new, fresh items to fill up your wardrobe.
You may want to run, Pinterest boards in hand, and start spending, but it’s important to note we’re fashionable queens… on a student budget.
Even if you are willing to spend a pretty penny on new pieces, it might be a good idea to start small.
Pick up some trendy items at discount places and splurge on any staple pieces you know for a fact you’ll love.
Expert Tips:
- Keep a budget for yourself when you begin building your wardrobe.
- Have a list handy of your essential pieces that you know you won’t mind spending a few extra dollars on, just be sure to do your research first and make sure they’re worth it!
Photograph The Faves
Feeling fabulous in your #OOTD? Don’t hesitate to take a quick picture of your look. This will help you find your true, authentic style.
Even if you are going out solo, snap a quick mirror pic so you can always reference back and style similar looks in the future.
Now you have a great picture for those groggy mornings when you can’t figure out what in the world to wear.
Expert Tips:
- If you’re out and about and want a picture of your fierce outfit, use the timer on your phone.
- Practice posing before you leave your house if you know you’ll want your picture taken. This way, you can get your perfect shot faster and the whole thing will seem much more professional.
Find Your Signature Style Pieces
Is there a skirt or dress in your closet that you can easily call your favorite?Your favorites are the key to your style journey.
Ask yourself what you really love about the piece and why. Does it reflect your persona? Does it make you feel outgoing, fun, comfortable?
Whatever it is, pick out the parts of it that you really like and explore other pieces that keep with the same tones and vibes.
Stay True To YOU
The most important thing when trying to find your own style is making sure you are staying true to yourself. You should never try to imitate another person’s style.
Trust your instincts and wear the pieces that make you feel the most like yourself.
Even if there are items not “in” that season or went “out” of style years ago, it’s important to wear what makes you happy.
Chances are, you will feel a lot more confident in your clothes and a great attitude is enough to make any outfit pop.
Expert Tips:
- If you haven’t already, take time for yourself.
- Meditate on the things that really matter to you and the way you want to be reflected to the world. After that, everything else will fall into place!
How will you find your personal style?
I hope you enjoyed my list and now find it easier to navigate your fashion journey. Let me know what you thought of these tips in the comments below!