How to Find Your Personal Style and Shop Smart
Finding your personal style is one of the most exciting yet challenging aspects of building a wardrobe. It’s about discovering the clothes and looks that make you feel confident, comfortable, and authentic, all while staying within your budget. Whether you’re just starting to build your wardrobe or are looking to refine your existing style, this guide will help you identify your personal fashion taste and give you tips on how to shop smart for a wardrobe that truly reflects you.
1. Understanding Personal Style
Personal style is a reflection of who you are. It’s about wearing clothing that speaks to your personality, enhances your confidence, and fits your lifestyle. Everyone has their own unique approach to style, and it’s important to embrace that individuality. Personal style is not about following every trend but rather curating a wardrobe that feels true to you.
Your style can evolve over time, influenced by many factors, including your age, life stage, environment, and exposure to new trends. But no matter how your style changes, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing.
2. Identify Your Style Preferences
Before you can start building a wardrobe that fits your personal style, it’s helpful to identify what you like and don’t like. This can be an introspective process, but it’s essential for guiding your shopping decisions.
a) Look for Inspiration
A great place to start is by looking for style inspiration. Pinterest, Instagram, and fashion blogs are excellent resources to explore different outfits and looks. As you scroll through, you’ll start noticing patterns in the types of outfits you gravitate towards. Is it minimalist fashion with clean lines and neutral colors? Do you love bohemian looks with flowing fabrics and earthy tones? Or are you drawn to edgy, street-style outfits that feature bold prints and oversized silhouettes?
Make a mood board or save your favorite looks. Over time, you’ll start to see what styles resonate with you the most.
b) Assess Your Lifestyle
Consider the practical aspects of your wardrobe. Are you in an office job that requires business casual or formal attire? Or are you in a more creative, laid-back profession where you can experiment with bold, artistic fashion choices? Your job, hobbies, and daily routine all impact the types of clothes you need. If you’re a parent, for example, comfort and practicality might be more important, while someone who works in fashion or the arts might have more freedom to experiment with fashion-forward looks.
Take note of the colors, fabrics, and cuts that make you feel comfortable and confident. Understanding how your lifestyle affects your clothing needs will help guide your wardrobe choices.
c) Analyze Your Current Wardrobe
Take a look at your current closet. Which items do you wear most often? Which pieces make you feel your best? Identify the clothes that are frequently worn versus those that just sit untouched. Are there any patterns in the types of clothes you’ve been avoiding? Perhaps you have several statement pieces that you love but don’t know how to incorporate into everyday outfits. This is an opportunity to see what works for you and what might need to be discarded or replaced.
3. Defining Your Personal Style Types
Once you’ve assessed your preferences and lifestyle, it’s time to narrow down your personal style type. While style can be fluid and unique to each individual, most people can find themselves within one or more of these general style categories.
a) Classic
Classic styles are timeless, elegant, and simple. Think of structured silhouettes, neutral colors, and wardrobe staples that can be worn year after year. A classic wardrobe often includes pieces like tailored blazers, button-down shirts, pencil skirts, and simple dresses. It’s all about investing in high-quality, well-fitted garments that never go out of style.
b) Casual/Relaxed
If you prefer comfort above all else, a casual or relaxed style might be your go-to. This style emphasizes ease and comfort, with pieces like t-shirts, denim, leggings, and casual dresses. Athleisure and cozy knitwear also fall into this category. Think laid-back, no-fuss looks that still manage to look stylish.
c) Bohemian
Bohemian style is free-spirited, often associated with earthy tones, flowing fabrics, and a mix of textures and patterns. Maxi skirts, wide-brimmed hats, fringe details, and ethnic-inspired prints are common in boho wardrobes. This style embraces individuality, and you’ll often see it combined with vintage elements or items with a handmade, artisanal feel.
d) Edgy
Edgy style often incorporates bold elements, such as leather jackets, distressed denim, graphic tees, and dark colors like black, gray, and deep reds. It’s all about rebellion, and the pieces you wear express strength, confidence, and a bit of an attitude. Accessories like studded bags, chunky boots, and chains can elevate an edgy look.
e) Chic/Minimalist
Minimalist style is clean, simple, and elegant. Think of monochromatic outfits, streamlined shapes, and a neutral color palette. This style emphasizes quality over quantity, and minimalist wardrobes often consist of high-quality basics, such as well-fitted blazers, silk blouses, and tailored trousers. Less is more when it comes to minimalist fashion.
f) Romantic
Romantic style features soft, feminine details such as lace, florals, ruffles, and pastel colors. Dresses are often flowy, and tops may have delicate details like bows or lace. This style is all about softening your look with feminine touches.
4. Building Your Wardrobe Smartly
Once you’ve defined your personal style, it’s time to start building your wardrobe in a way that aligns with it. Here are some tips on how to shop smart and make your wardrobe work for you:
a) Start with Wardrobe Staples
Every wardrobe needs a few key items that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits. These wardrobe staples should reflect your personal style and be versatile enough to wear for different occasions. For a classic wardrobe, think about items like a well-fitted blazer, a white shirt, dark jeans, and a pencil skirt. If you prefer a casual style, focus on comfortable jeans, t-shirts, and hoodies. Prioritize quality when selecting these staple items, as they will form the foundation of your wardrobe.
b) Add Statement Pieces
Once you have your basics covered, it’s time to have some fun with statement pieces. These can be bold items that represent your personality and allow you to express yourself. A statement piece could be a brightly colored jacket, a patterned scarf, or a pair of statement shoes. Be mindful of your budget here and avoid buying too many statement pieces that will be difficult to wear or match with the rest of your wardrobe.
c) Avoid Impulse Purchases
One of the easiest ways to overspend is by making impulse purchases. It’s tempting to grab an item just because it’s on sale or because you saw it in a store window, but shopping smart means buying only what you truly need or love. Stick to your shopping list and avoid unnecessary purchases that don’t align with your personal style.
d) Mix and Match
One of the smartest ways to make the most out of your wardrobe is by mixing and matching items in different ways. By thinking creatively, you can create multiple outfits from just a few key pieces. For example, you can pair a classic white shirt with jeans for a casual look or tuck it into a pencil skirt for a more polished office outfit.
5. Keep Evolving Your Style
Your personal style is not set in stone. It will evolve as you do. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. If you find that your current style no longer reflects your personality or lifestyle, it’s okay to make changes. Fashion is a fun way to express yourself, and your wardrobe should make you feel good.
Conclusion
Finding your personal style is a journey of self-discovery and creativity. By identifying what works for your lifestyle, experimenting with different looks, and making smart shopping choices, you can create a wardrobe that truly reflects who you are. Remember, personal style is not about perfection or adhering to trends—it’s about embracing what makes you feel confident and comfortable in your skin. Whether you’re a minimalist, a bohemian, or a classic dresser, style is all about owning your choices and wearing them with pride.