While fashion trends come and go quickly, your sense of style is something more lasting. You could think of it as an expression of your personality, which makes a statement about your tastes and values. Like your personality; your style can be multi-faceted, and highlight different aspects to suit various social situations. But how do you go about finding your style?
To begin with, it’s important to remember that finding your style is not the same thing as following trends. While you should certainly add trends that you like – whether they’re elegant, quirky or even loud – to your wardrobe, they shouldn’t take over. Your aim is to make the trends your own. That said, you can have a lot of fun putting together your style for various occasions and situations. Here are some useful tips here that will help you find your way.
Look for inspiration
To identify your style, one way to start is to look at what the style icons are wearing. These could be celebrities, royalty, or any other people you admire. There are also plenty of style blogs and sites on Pinterest and Instagram. You don’t have to copy their looks, but use them as inspiration to develop your own style. Also keep in mind that you don’t have to go with just one look – depending on the occasion, your outfit can be dressy, hipster-chic, romantic and bohemian or classically elegant. What matters is how you pull it all together and carry it off.
Do a wardrobe audit
Once you have an idea of the kinds of looks you want to achieve, check out your closet. You may already have many of the basic pieces to build a complete wardrobe. These will include some or all of the following: tee-shirts for the summer and for layering, dress pants in neutral colors, jeans, a button-down shirt or two, a basic toned skirt, and the classic little black dress. A couple of cardigans are a must, one in black though the other can be either neutral or a soft shade like blue or mauve. You will need shoes for all the seasons, including ballet flats, sandals, booties and snow boots, and a versatile winter coat.
Identify your needs
Once you have the basics in your wardrobe, you can build on it, adding one or two trendy items for each season. As we said above, you don’t have to stick to just one style. After all, you wouldn’t wear the same clothes to work that you would to an evening out or a brunch with friends. So this is the time to indulge yourself with a soft dress in the colors of the season, or some bohemian prints and flounces.
Add a few pieces at a time
In other words, it’s time to go shopping! Depending on what you need, you can shop online, at the mall, at specialty stores or the local charity thrift store. It’s a good idea to know exactly what you’re looking for, but also to keep an eye open for unexpected finds. Don’t go overboard with the shopping at this stage, but buy one or two items at a time and integrate them into your wardrobe. This will give you a better idea of what you need next.
Remember to accessorize
Accessories are crucial to pulling together an outfit; and the right piece of jewelry, scarf or bag can transform a simple outfit. Shoes are likewise an important part of your wardrobe, and can create a look all by themselves. Many women also like to have a signature scent, which could vary by time or day and occasion.
Own it
The best thing about finding your own style is that when it works, you’ll know. And so will the whole world, because you’ll wear it with confidence. You’ll be on trend without letting the trend take over your style. In other words, you’ll own it.
There are some simple (and fun) ways to find your own style in clothes. This is an important step in defining yourself, in your own eyes and to the world. It helps you gain confidence in yourself and your goals, and to communicate this confidence to others.
