We evolve throughout the different parts of our lives and our personal style should reflect who we are in those moments too. “Figuring out your personal style can feel like a scary science experiment, but it doesn’t have to be,” says stylist Nicole Gordon. So, keep on reading for the 7 stylist’s tips for finding your personal style.
1. Identify your personal goals.
Your personal style is a reflection of you, so think of the image you want to project. You may start dressing for the life or job you want and take time to think about your life goals. By envisioning the person you want to become, you’ll get a clearer understanding of how your personal style should evolve to reflect that image. While a woman looking for a promotion at her office job will consider investing in more polished pieces, if you aspire to be a fashion blogger like Ania Boniecka, start investing on a few trendy items that look unique and personal to you.
2. Consider the demands of your lifestyle.
A great way to start developing your personal style is to first pay attention to the demands of your daily life. If you work an office job like fashion blogger Mary Orton, think of feminine colored tops and skirts that will give you a chic style while keeping your outfits work appropriate. On the other hand, if you’re constantly traveling for work, seek out the most stylish but comfortable attire.
3. Think about your budget.
You don’t have to go for designer brands just to achieve the style you want. “Even if a particularly coveted item is out of reach, there are a variety of styles and price points that can offer a similar look, so you can be thoughtful about where you invest,” says Gordon. However, investing in personal style makes more sense. If you wear jeans every day, spending a bit more on higher-quality pieces you’ll wear more frequently may be the better choice.
4. Describe your sense of style in three words.
“Personal style is a journey, not a race,” says Gordon. Try to describe your ideal personal style in three words then start from there. If you like a minimalist, luxurious, and elegant style, you might be inspired by fashion blogger Kristina Bazan known for her classy outfits. On the other hand, if you wish for comfort over style, you might find sneakers, sweatpants, tees, jeans, and sweaters appealing for you.
5. Find a style icon you admire.
If you want to know your personal style but don’t know where to begin, it’s helpful to identify your style icon. Style is incredibly personal, so don’t try to copy your icon exactly and potentially lose your style identity. By knowing what you admire about your style icon, it will help you add those qualities to your own look.
6. Follow the curves.
“Another factor to consider is body shape,” says Gordon. Think if there are areas of your figure you prefer to downplay or highlight, so it will guide you for the best looks that accentuate the areas you want it to. “You may admire a loose-fitting, menswear-inspired style, but in reality, a more fitted look is what you prefer for yourself. The trick is figuring out how to incorporate elements of a style you admire into a look that makes you feel comfortable and confident,” she said.
7. Decide how adventurously you want to approach fashion.
If you want to experiment with your personal style, allow yourself to gravitate toward exciting prints, textures, cuts, and designs that you’re not seeing on every person walking down the street. By heeding these tricks, you’ll be able to know your personal style and dress confidently.