In today’s world, where information is constantly flowing and the pace is fast, personal style is no longer just about picking a few clothes. It’s a reflection of your personality, attitude, and lifestyle. It’s a way of expressing your unique charm through the clothes you wear. I believe that everyone has their own personal style, but the process of finding it and shaping it can sometimes feel a bit confusing. Today, I want to share some insights with you on how to discover and create your own personal style.
1. Choose Your Sources of Inspiration
The first step in finding and building your personal style is to choose the right sources of inspiration. We are constantly surrounded by countless fashion bloggers, celebrities, and trending styles, which can sometimes lead us to imitate others. However, this can result in dissatisfaction when the clothes we choose don’t fit us the way we expected. This happens because we haven’t considered the differences between ourselves and others. Everyone has different body shapes, personalities, preferences, and lifestyles, so it’s important to pick information sources that are right for you.
First, understand what kind of style you’re after. You can get inspiration from fashion magazines, social media influencers, or even from classic fashion films and TV shows, but make sure that these sources align with your daily life and personal attitude. For example, if you like minimalist and elegant styles, French-inspired or Scandinavian designer brands might be the perfect inspiration. If you’re more into street style, Instagram influencers with trendy street looks may be a better fit.
Next, it’s important to filter the information. Not every style works for everyone, so it’s essential to choose sources that match your own taste and personality. If a blogger’s style attracts you, but you find it doesn’t work for you, don’t worry! Rather than copying everything, take elements from their style that resonate with you and start experimenting to find what suits your own unique personality.
2. Analyze Your Wardrobe
To build your personal style, analyzing your current wardrobe is an essential step. Often, our closets are filled with all sorts of clothes, but we may not have any item that we truly love or feel comfortable in. By analyzing your wardrobe, you can identify what you wear most frequently, what items are basic essentials, and what pieces you rarely wear.
First, clear out your wardrobe. Look at the clothes that you truly love to wear. Ask yourself a few questions: Which clothes make me feel confident? Which pieces do I find myself wearing over and over? Which clothes do I have trouble parting with? These are usually the items that reflect your style direction. For example, if you notice that you wear simple blouses, pants, and skirts most often, you may lean toward a minimalist style. If you prefer clothing with unique designs or bold patterns, you may be drawn to a more individualistic or artistic style.
Next, analyze which clothes you seldom wear. These might have caught your attention when you bought them, but now they just sit in your closet. Is it because their color, design, or fit doesn’t match with your other clothes? These pieces can offer insight into how your taste in fashion has evolved, helping you understand which elements you prefer more.
By analyzing your wardrobe in this way, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of your fashion preferences and be able to establish a more defined style direction.
3. Seek Inspiration
If you’ve already identified some clues about your personal style from analyzing your wardrobe, the next step is to enrich your style by seeking further inspiration. Inspiration can come from many different places. Besides the aforementioned social media, fashion magazines, and blogs, you can find ideas from things around you.
One of my favorite sources of inspiration is travel. Every time I visit a new country, I pay close attention to the way locals dress, soaking in the fashion atmosphere influenced by their culture. For example, in Paris, you’ll notice women wearing outfits that are both simple and elegant, while in Tokyo, there’s a unique and avant-garde street style vibe. These cultural differences in fashion offer plenty of new styling ideas that can help you refine your personal style.
Movies and art are also important sources of inspiration for me. Many classic films feature costume designs that have become iconic in the fashion world. For example, in American Beauty, Annette Bening’s character wearing a simple white dress left a lasting impression. Similarly, Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City became known for her ability to blend quirky, bold pieces with classic elegance. These iconic movie looks can spark new ideas and help you figure out how to incorporate similar elements into your style.
If you’re into natural, laid-back looks, the everyday outfits of fashion bloggers are also a great source of inspiration. Many influencers now showcase highly wearable outfits that are practical yet stylish, making even simple basics appear chic and unique.
4. Be Fearless
One of the biggest challenges in creating your personal style is breaking out of your comfort zone. Many people are afraid to experiment with new styles because they’re worried that it won’t look natural or won’t suit them, or they fear judgment from others. But in fact, style is something that evolves through experimentation and trying out new things. Being fearless and open to trying new ideas is essential for developing your own style.
Sometimes, we hesitate to try bold combinations or unconventional looks. I remember trying some color pairings I’d never worn before—bright red and blue together. At first, it didn’t feel quite right, but gradually, I realized that this combination helped express my personality. Once I embraced the process, style stopped being a limitation and became a way of expressing myself.
Remember, style is yours to define. If you dare to experiment and push the boundaries, you’ll be able to create a unique style that truly reflects who you are. Don’t feel pressured to follow trends or worry about what others think; the most important thing is to wear what makes you feel confident and expresses your individuality.
5. Money Can’t Buy Style
In the process of discovering your personal style, one common misconception is that owning expensive items or luxury brands equals having style. However, true style isn’t determined by money—it’s shaped by your personality, attitude, and how you combine pieces.
I have many friends who don’t own luxury brands, but they always look stylish and put together. This is because they know how to make the most of basic items and add little touches that make their outfits stand out. For example, a unique necklace, a special pair of shoes, or a custom-made jacket can all elevate a simple outfit and express your individuality.
Rather than chasing expensive brands, invest time and energy into understanding your style. Choose clothing that suits your body and personality, and focus on creating looks that feel natural and comfortable. That’s the style that will truly stand out.
Two Fashion Brands to Recommend
When building your personal style, choosing the right brands and items is crucial. Today, I’d like to recommend two brands that are worth paying attention to. These brands not only offer excellent designs but also prioritize quality and comfort.
1. Everlane
Everlane is a minimalist brand known for its high-quality, simple, and elegant designs. Their clothing is practical and comfortable, making it ideal for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. Everlane’s pieces are easy to mix and match, allowing you to create chic and comfortable everyday outfits with ease.
2. Reformation
Reformation is a brand that embodies feminine charm, with designs that combine vintage elements and modern fashion. If you love eco-friendly fashion and unique cuts, Reformation offers a perfect blend of stylish, sustainable, and flattering pieces. Their designs are perfect for those who want to create an individualistic look while staying fashionable.
Finding and building your personal style is not an overnight process—it takes time, patience, and continuous experimentation. By choosing the right sources of inspiration, analyzing your wardrobe, seeking fresh ideas, being fearless in trying new things, and understanding that money can’t buy style, you can develop a unique and confident personal style. I hope today’s tips will help you in your journey to discovering your true self through fashion!
