And we’re back with another one. I hope you all are well and still getting dressed…even if you’re just working from home. I know for me putting on actual outfits each day has been the ultimate mood booster, and it is something that has been vital for my productivity levels daily. I guess true is the saying that there is Power in Dressing.
We’re back this week with another post that I hope will be very helpful. After last week’s post I received tons of great feedback. If you haven’t read it yet, please go back and catch up on why I think that knowing or at least having a sense of your personal style can help in being more sustainable. However, I did notice that a lot of you sent messages asking if I would outline ways to help someone establish their personal style. I mistakenly assumed that you all fully understood personal style. Don’t fret if you don’t, it would be a delight to go more in-depth. Here is my prerequisite blog post to last week’s:
So for starters with determining your personal style, I will say to trust your instincts. Go for what you like or what you’re naturally drawn to, whether it’s currently in style or not. The latest trends aren’t for everybody, so if it’s something that you aren’t so sure about it will definitely show. Your clothes will look like cosplay or as if they belong to someone else. The operative word in the phrase “personal style” is PERSONAL. So you've got to own it.
Next, take a moment to assess the foundation of body’s shape. Minimal understanding of this is vital, as it aids you in purchasing clothing that actually flatters your particular body type. You will surely look and feel your very best.
Contrary to popular belief, developing your personal style doesn’t start with clothing. I would recommend that you allow yourself to be influenced by indicators such as silhouettes, art, literature, values, cultures, even nature. Honing in on these things will help cultivate a more organic sense of style that is uniquely yours.
Now take a look inside your wardrobe and identify any iterative clothing. A great way to start narrowing down what your personal style is is to simply look at what you have a lot of in your closet. Those duplicate styles, colors, etc. may hold the keys to your very own personal style. Here you should notice your own signature and statement pieces. Also, note random or odd pieces in your closet. It’s not necessarily bad to have items that are just one off (unlike anything else), but ask yourself why did you buy them. Are they aspirational pieces that you just don't know how to style yet or did you purchase on a whim and it’s something that you don’t intend to wear and should get rid of??
While you’ll still in your wardrobe see if you can spot any common THEMES. Is your style seemingly modern, boho, classic, vintage, trendy, etc. Once you’ve done this and are looking to expand your wardrobe and further shape your personal style, use those theme words as references when searching inspiration sites such as Pinterest or even Instagram. This tip may be helpful when online shopping as well.
Another great tip to help lock into your personal style is simply take pictures of yourself in outfits that you feel the best in and use them as reference photos when making spinoff outfits. This will aid in creating a more coherent style. If you don’t have anything to photograph yourself in at the moment, screenshot people online or even celebrities whose style you like. Locate outfits that epitomize your idea of your personal style.
I hope this information has been helpful. Although I promote personal style, the biggest take away is understanding that we as women are mutable, and the things that we like or are drawn to can change as we change. A number of factors can influence our style. It isn’t static, evolution is inevitable.