How to Develop a Personal Style That Actually Feels Like You
People hear the word personal style and think they are Zendaya, and they need Law Roach to dress them up iconically anytime they leave the house. This myth of buying the right shoes, wearing the right jacket, and following the latest trends has been set in motion for too long, and through this blog, we are going to break it. Personal style actually begins with describing yourself with three adjectives, as Allison Bornstein puts it. This means understanding what you naturally go for when picking clothes and then making it recognizable, making it distinctly yours.
Start With What You Already Repeat
This is about something that you love, and that is sometimes in style; sometimes it’s not. Maybe you love bandanas or scarves and add them to every outfit. Maybe you like denim jackets. Maybe you are in love with polka dots or puffed sleeves. Wide-legged trousers are your thing, or gold jewellery is something you look forward to. This loved item or detail is your starting point. This is going to be your defining point, and this is something that you’ll build your style around. Your personal preference is going to be your distinctive feature even when you are going to follow a trend.
Separate Admiration From Compatibility
This is a crucial distinction to make. The things you admire and the things that you actually want to wear are two different things. For instance, I personally love a Schiaparelli haute couture statement piece or a bright Carolina Herrera piece. But that does not mean that I am able to carry any of those. Every dramatically tailored or extremely minimal outfit that you see online does not belong in your wardrobe.
That does not in any way mean limiting your appreciation. It’s just that before buying something, imagine yourself wearing it on a random Tuesday. Can you meet a friend in that? Can you go to work in that? Can you run errands wearing this? If not, that is not your personal style. You are just a person of taste and appreciate beauty when you see it.
Create Three Style Words
As mentioned in the beginning, describe yourself in three words. For example:
- relaxed, sharp, and understated
- feminine, playful, and polished
- minimal, dark, and structured
This is going to be far more helpful than choosing a single style. When buying your clothes, try looking for at least two of your descriptors. Your wardrobe won’t look like a uniform, yet it will still be connected. It is also important to understand that your three words might change over time, which is okay. Because personal style is reflective of you as a person, it grows when you do.
Pay Attention to Proportions
I understand loving specific pieces of your clothes so much that you want to pair them with everything. But they might make your outfit go out of proportion, and you may end up not liking the final look. If you figure out initially what kind of silhouette you prefer, you might not get this problem. For instance, if you feel better in oversized layers, pairing them with straight bottoms will keep you relaxed yet sharp all while wearing your preferred clothing.
Build Around a Few Reliable Formulas
Trust me, it is fine to repeat an outfit several times. That is what people with strong personal styles do. They figure out what suits them and then repeat it formulaically. The key is to make it feel intentional instead of lazy. Pick what works for you. Like trousers, a fitted top, and a lightweight jacket. Or jeans, a button-down shirt, and loafers. Now create variations in textures, colors, fabric, and accessories. Repetition is not your enemy. It can work as a building block for your personal style when done right.
Let Style Extend Beyond Clothing
Your personal style is not established with just your outfit. Hair, accessories, grooming, posture, and even fragrance complement and enhance your personal style. Make sure you choose them with the same intention you chose your outfit. The gist of it is that you don’t have to build a character. You just have to project yourself. Now maybe it’s your favorite ring or your neroli scent you consistently return to; incorporate them in your outfit in a way that feels most natural and convincing.
