Someone said personal style? Let me help you out
What does it mean to have a personal style?
For me, personal style is all about expressing who we are and how we present ourselves to the world. It’s that unique way we make an impression. Take my friend, for example: her style was unforgettable. There was always this sweet vanilla scent that would follow her around, her hair was short and messy in the most effortless way, and she loved wearing soft pastel colours. That was her vibe. When someone has a personal style, you just know it’s theirs. It’s something that’s a part of their essence, you know? Your style should reflect who you are for real, not just the ideal version of yourself, but the real you, the one going to work, enjoying hobbies, and the everyday routine.
Why Is It So Hard to Find Your Personal Style?
1-Confusion from trends
There’s just so many trends out there these days. It feels like every week there’s a new one! I used to feel so much pressure to keep up, especially since I always thought of myself as being fashionable. But here's a thing: we can enjoy trends without following them blindly. Trying to fit into trends that don’t align with your personal style can be exhausting, both mentally and financially. A closet full of clothes you never wear? Yeah, it’ll make you feel guilty every time you open it.
2-The need to label yourself
The whole “core” trend thing? Don’t even get me started. The need to fit into these super specific categories, like "cottagecore" or "fisherman-core" (seriously, what even is that?), can be confusing. And honestly, it’s hard to know where you belong if you haven’t fully explored your tastes. I mean, you don’t need to stick a label on yourself to be stylish.
3- FOMO and overconsumption combo
Fashion has somehow become this thing where people measure their worth by the clothes they wear. But that’s a dangerous game. It can mess with your self-esteem and lead you to build a style that’s more about fitting in than about expressing who you truly are. I mean, yeah, those "perfect" Pinterest fits might look cute, but is that really you? Don’t let the pressure to buy into every trend distract you from your authentic style. Trust me, girl, I’m working on this one too (it's hard x_X).
Where to start when finding your own style
1- Investigate yourself
Start paying attention to the small things in your life that bring you joy, like the mug you always reach for, the colours you love around your home, or little objects that catch your eye. Inspiration can come from everywhere, even from the most unexpected places. Ever seen an old woman with a coat you can’t stop staring at? Or someone’s outfit that’s totally offbeat but so them? Those details can spark creativity and give you hints about what you actually like. Try to take photos of things that inspire you, so you can look back on them when you need a boost.
2- Rediscover your past and learn from kids
Looking back at old photos of how you dressed as a kid, or remembering your favorite toys and drawings, might help you tap into the style you had before the world told you what was “cool.” Kids are great for style inspo too, they have such a natural swag. No shame in getting inspired by their fearlessness when it comes to fashion.
3- Reorganize your closet
Cleaning out your closet can be a total game changer. Separate your clothes into three piles: stuff you love, stuff you don’t wear anymore, and stuff you’re emotionally attached to but will never wear again…try on the pieces and decide is you should declutter, keep, sell/donate or keep in a box for memories. This is a great way to really get a feel for what you like and start fresh.
4- Conscious shopping
After decluttering, take note of the gaps in your wardrobe and make a list. When you go shopping, make sure you're being mindful and buying things that truly speak to you and that you need. The biggest tip? Don’t buy anything that doesn’t give you 100% good vibes. One big lesson I’ve learned is that if you fall in love with something that’s not available second-hand or vintage, just get it new. Otherwise, you might end up wasting time buying multiple alternatives that don’t really feel right, and before you know it, none of them will actually satisfy you. Trust me, it’s better to invest in one piece you truly want, rather than settling for things that don’t quite hit the spot and that you’ll never use.
5- Reality vs Online
Your personal style is not about the ideal version of yourself, but about realness. So don’t force a look that doesn’t fit you. I see so many girls trying to pull off “balletcore,” but have you ever seen a real ballerina? They walk into class with busted UGGs, random layers of clothes that somehow work, and perfectly styled hair. The point is, imitating a lifestyle you don’t live can end up feeling fake. Stick to what feels true to you.
A few more things to keep in mind
Don’t undervalue the impact of your posture!
Okay, I know you’ve heard this a million times, but seriously how you carry yourself is half the battle when it comes to looking good. A killer outfit is nothing if you don’t own it with confidence. Think Rihanna: that posture, that confidence, she makes every outfit look fire.
Feed your mind:
If you don’t know where to start in terms of inspiration, you’ve gotta expand your mind. Try new things, take a dance class, join a club, or just go for a walk in a new area. Getting out of your bubble can really help you generate fresh ideas.
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