Why do we call it personal style? Because it defines you, it communicates to the world what you want them to see. You can create a brand simply by the way of dressing because your style will introduce you even before you speak. But this is easier said than done, it’s really hard to put words to something so innate and even harder to describe when it’s about you. The greatest thing about understanding your personal style is that from there on, you can push yourself to step outside of your comfort zone once in a while. It’s not set in stone and is bound to change with your age and personal evolution as well.
The reason there is an emphasis on fashion is that style can empower us and boost our confidence. Our deepest feelings and traits can surface through clothes as a form of expression. This is non-verbal communication at its best. Finding one’s personal style goes beyond what we choose to wear and what we don’t, it is a tool to empower you and enhance your uniqueness. This is the way I best address my style as well. I used to be very confused for a very long time because of what society expects a woman to look like. I’m happy to say that I am in a comfortable space simply because I allowed myself the freedom to express who I want to be.
Here are a few helpful tips when trying to identify your personal style:
Step 1: Cull Your Wardrobe.
Human beings are constantly evolving, this means your taste is also changing. What you might have liked in school or college may not be relevant to you as an adult. Always find the time to clean out your cloest and de-clutter your space to make way for more. Not necessarily more clothes, but just to be able to get more out of the wardrobe you are choosing to create. Track how many times you haven’t worn a garment in the last one year. If it is less than 3 times, it is time to say goodbye to that item. Cleaning out your wardrobe will also shed light on styles and things you don’t like anymore. This will help you get a small idea about your personal style. Maybe even one adjective if not more.
Step 2: Define Your Personal Style.
After you clean out your wardrobe, start by describing yourself or your personality. This really is the hardest step because it means you’ll need to be self-aware on some level. Look for adjectives that describe your style and words that really resonate with you? This will be a good starting point when trying to discover your personal style.
Step 3: Actively Seek Out Inspiration.
If you’ve chanced upon a new adjective to define your evolved style, do a little digging. Research the word and the fashion associated with that term. Collect outfit inspiration, keep cut outs from magazines, take screenshots on your phone or just make a Pinterest board like me. Some days when I’m scrolling through Instagram I find outfits I love and might like to experiment with in the future. I save those posts for my reference. What I’m suggesting here is getting a visual staring point to aid you in the journey. One’s personal style is sure to change with the effort one approaches it with.
Step 4: Focus On Your Body Type.
Understand your body type so you know what might suit your shape best. While you will be beautiful at any size and in any shape. Find items that you feel most comfortable in. Nothing is more attractive than a confident woman.
Step 5: Does Your Current Closet Support Who You Are Becoming.
After you go through all of the questions above try and figure out what the rest of your closet communicates about you. You should track how many times you wear a particular item and if there are different ways you can style it in going forward. Would you still feel comfortable if you stepped out of your comfort zone with different styling? You want to build a closet that will support who you are in the present and who you are growing towards becoming.
Step 6: Does Your Lifestyle Pose To Be A Hindrance.
You need to analyse your lifestyle and the activities you need to accommodate. Look at your job, your hobbies and your day-to-day life. Do you live a more active lifestyle? Does your work-place require you to show up in office attire? This will help you categorise your requirements. You should try and make a list of the things you wish to invest in. Set a timeline in place for when you would like to have a somewhat full closet. Frankly, my time line never ends, but I spread out my needs. Once I buy what I really need, I don’t think of shopping too much.
Step 7: Create your style guidelines.
The next step is to put it into words: Describe your style with a few keywords—consider mood, themes, trends and silhouettes. What is one trend you’ve seen recently that you love and want to try? or what trends do you not feel comfortable and confident in? This will give you a more clear sense of what you really should invest in going forward.
Step 8: Make It Visual.
The best thing to do is create a mood board for your inspiration. Print it all out and put it on the wall. Make sure it’s in a place you see everyday. If you keep looking at these images the styling will be burned in your brain and somewhere along the way you won’t need visual references.
Step 9: Experimentation is key when it comes to personal style.
You don’t need to hit the ground running when it comes to changing up your personal style. Take small steps in that direction, you do not need to overwhelm yourself. This entire list you can spread out through a year and address them at your own pace. Play around with your personal style. Experiment with a new hairstyle and a new makeup trend, these also influence one’s style heavily. Try everything and anything when you feel ready, it’s the only way to self-discovery.
Step 10: Choose Your Essentials.
I could give you a list of wardrobe must-haves but none of those items may appeal to you. Go with your guy and invest in items that feel like essentials to you and your personality. When you go shopping what section/pieces do you gravitate towards most? Keep that in mind and expand from there.
Step 11: Select A Colour Palette To Suit Your Personal Style.
This is a hard one for me, all my life I’ve been bright and cheery with the colours I would wear. And then somewhere along the way a more muted palette with gloomy colours and dark tones began to appeal to me. That is totally fine, wear what you like. There are no rules here, nor is there any right or wrong.
Step 12: Maintenance.
We often forget that we need to go all the way to point number 1 and begin all over again every year. It is important to maintain what you’ve worked so hard towards building. Don’t clutter your space because it’s too hard to sift through. Which is why we women experience the perrenial problem of, ‘ I have so many clothes but nothing to wear’. It’s a mistake we make because we don’t focus on cleaning out and settling our closets to reflects our mood and changes.
What are some of the steps you follow to define your personal style? Let me know in the comments below.
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