Have you ever looked at other people in your life who seem to have their own personal sense of style? No one dresses quite like them, and they are confident in everything they wear. Have you ever wanted to be just like that?
Whether you have one friend who just knows how to pull off any type of hat or another that lives in retro clothes, finding your own sense of style should be just that – while you can find inspiration from others, you need to discover what works for you.
With that in mind, let’s go over five tips that can help you to discover your style and upgrade your wardrobe to fit your personality, your interests, and your love of fashion.
- Look At What You Already Have
Take a look inside your closet at your existing wardrobe. Obviously, you picked out most of the things in there because you liked them. Something about each piece spoke to you at one time. Maybe your sense of style has changed over the years. But, as you look through your clothes, you’re bound to see some patterns and similarities in the things you own.
Starting in your own wardrobe is a great place to find inspiration for your style. Think of it as a “springboard” to learn more about what you really like, what you’d like to change, and trends you’ve grown out of.
Try pulling out a few of your favorite pieces to study. What makes you like them so much? The more you can learn about what you like and why you like it, the easier it will be to build a sense of style around those answers.
- Get Inspiration From Others
Those friends with the sense of style you love? Talk to them! Ask them about the things you’re interested in and about their style. You don’t need to copy their look. But, you can ask them where they find their inspiration in order to start digging deeper into yours.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to do some research on social media. Who are some celebrities with a fashion sense you love? Are there any designers you’re particularly fond of? It’s a good idea to look for inspiration and organize it as much as possible. That brings us to our next point.
- Create a Fashion Board
Having multiple pieces of inspiration in one place will make it so much easier to put ideas together, whether that means piecing together an outfit or just creating a “mood”. When you keep all of your inspirations and ideas on one board, you will start to see patterns in the things you like.
That will make it so much easier to update your wardrobe, because you’ll have everything laid out in front of you. Your “mood board” can change over time, of course. But, use it as a way to see where you currently are in your fashion journey, or where you want to be in the future. It’s a great way to declutter your own thoughts when it comes to the fashion game and help you to bring your personal style to life.
- Collect the Basics
Have you ever heard of a capsule wardrobe? If not, the concept is simple. A capsule wardrobe consists of a few basic pieces that are worn differently or accessorized differently. Most people change their capsule based on the season, but it’s a fantastic way to save money and be innovative with your clothes.
For example, your winter capsule might include two or three pairs of pants, several tops, a few pairs of boots, and accessories. Even with very few items, you can mix and match to create something new and different each time. Capsule wardrobes can help to spark your creativity. They require you to do a little extra thinking to consider which pieces will go together on any given day.
They’re also better for the environment since you don’t have to go out and buy new clothes all the time. With 14 million tons of textile waste produced in the U.S. alone each year, using the basics you have and not buying new clothes is a more sustainable practice.
- Think Outside the Box
That person who has a fashion sense you admire? Think about what makes them stand out in your mind. Chances are, they aren’t afraid to take risks or be unique with their fashion choices. They might not be into what is considered “trendy” or normal for the time, and that’s exactly what makes them so unforgettable.
If you really want to find your personal style, you can’t have any fear. Your style might include clothes from vintage thrift stores. Or, maybe you’ll even consider purchasing custom clothing that no one else has in order to truly stand out. After all, who wouldn’t want people to ask them where they got their outfit, only to find out it’s completely custom and 100% unique?
Whatever the case, the reason someone wearing unique clothes looks so trendy is that they aren’t afraid to stand out. If you want to find your personal style, you have to drop that fear, too.
Your Style is Waiting
At the end of the day, finding your personal style can’t be something that is forced. If you feel like you’re trying too hard, chances are you’re just trying to copy someone else. While imitation can be flattering, it isn’t unique.
So, gain inspiration from the people in your life, the people you look up to, the trends of today, and the styles of the past, and you just might find your personal tastes coming forward quickly. You don’t have to spend a lot of time or money to create your personal style, and there is always room for it to change and evolve over time.
Keep these tips in mind if you’re looking for a change in your wardrobe, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through the things you wear every day.
