Defining Your Personal Style
Are you struggling to define your personal style?
Style is an art, and something that can be used as an expression to tell others what you love and who you are. Defining your style is helpful in navigating the process of creating an intentional wardrobe. But, it can be a difficult journey to figuring out what is your true personal style! Here are a few tips that I have thought through as I worked to really define my style over the past few years.
Here are are a few tips, as well as some style direction to help you work towards defining your own personal style!
First, I think it’s most important to consider your lifestyle when honing in on your personal style. How you dress is heavily influenced on the life you lead. For example, if you are a doctor who wears scrubs each day, you likely don’t need a wardrobe stocked full of slinky dresses; if you are a college student, your wardrobe likely lends itself to comfier, athleisure pieces. Knowing the occasions you are dressing for is important to keep in mind; it doesn’t mean as a doctor you cannot own a pretty slinky dress or two, but it just means your attention is better focused on other key pieces.
Next, I like to browse Pinterest and search for key style descriptions, looking through each ‘category’ to see what I am drawn to. You can also look at magazines or celebrities that you enjoy following and collect images that you are drawn to of styles you find appealing. For example, some key style categories include, classic, modern/chic, romantic/feminine, bold/edgy, eclectic, and natural/bohemian. Collect images you are drawn to on a Pinterest board for future inspiration. It’s also important to note, that you can definitely subscribe to multiple style influences. For example, I describe my current style as modern/minimal + western. I like simple, clean outfits with bohemian influences.
Here are some defining features of some of these main style influences:
Classic - some of the key elements of a classic style are clean silhouettes, tailoring, stripes, neutral colors, simple jewelry, and an air of simplicity. I think of old school J.Crew, Ann Taylor, etc. While some may also define this style as ‘preppy’ - I think classic is a more accurate description. Someone with classic style may not adhere to trends, yet they still have a stylish presence because their preferences are ones that do not ever go out of style, and they always look put together.
Modern/chic - this style nod is something that I feel combines elements of classic and romantic styles. When I think of this category, I think of smart looks, clean lines, tailoring, neutral colors (especially black), lace, and European influences. Another element of the modern or chic style is a nod to more masculine or menswear looks, such as blazers, tailored dress pants, plaid, etc.
Romantic/feminine - this style preferences takes notes from soft, flowing styles and silhouettes. It may have pretty, feminine details such as bows, ruffles, pleats, lace - and include fabrics such as chiffon or other airy textures. It likely includes a soft color palette as well, with hints of blush, nude, white, cream, and other pastels. Floral is also a big component of a romantic or feminine style.
Bold/edgy - A bold or edgy style is likely someone who is trend-focused and enjoys taking part in many trends that develop. Some key elements of this style preference include plaid, flannels, mom jeans, Doc Martens, graphic tees, and a dark color palette - elements of the 90s style that continue to be popular.
Eclectic - this style is one that many of you may subscribe to. When I think of someone who embodies an eclectic style, I think of someone who loves unique, vintage pieces, bold colors and funky prints, and isn’t necessarily influenced by trends. Different textures and fabrics, statement pieces, and artistic flares are all things I would use to describe this style preference.
Natural/bohemian - probably my favorite and very closely tied to my own personal style, this style preference is noted by easy going, flowy, and breezy outfits. I think of Free People, someone living on a beach or in the West - sometimes it is helpful to picture the person that would wear each of these styles. This style can also tie into the feminine style preference. Florals, earth-tones, gauzey and free flowing materials are all elements of this style.
It’s also important to note that your style influences can go beyond these categories - these are just a few of the most common style preferences! Regardless, there is great significance to this process. By truly defining your style and what makes you feel beautiful and confident, I have found that it eliminates the need to buy excessively or subscribe to each trend that I see. I can appreciate trends and recognize them, but I no longer need to personally wear each trend because I am working towards a personal style goal.
Once you have established the styles you feel good in and the ones that fit into your lifestyle, I begin to make a closet assessment. I will take inventory of what I have that matches to the style I am hoping to achieve, and what no longer fits my personal style. You can read my post about how I clean out my closet for my best tips and tricks to accomplishing a successful clean-out!
Lastly, I refer back to my inspiration boards and begin to make a conscious, budget-friendly and sustainable plan of what pieces are missing from my wardrobe, and those that would help me to attain the style goals I am striving for. For more details on this process, be sure to visit my post on Budgeting for Fashion - coming soon!
— Kenzie
