For a long time, I didn’t really know what my personal style was. I’d find myself buying whatever was popular, without really thinking about whether I liked it or not. The result? A closet full of clothes that didn’t make me feel great. I was swept up by fast fashion—buying items from stores like Target or T.J. Maxx, grabbing whatever was on sale just to get a quick fix of excitement. But after learning about my personal style, I completely shifted my approach to shopping, and now I feel much happier with the clothes I own.
Are you struggling to define your style? Want to feel more confident in what you wear? Let’s dive into how you can discover your own style and love the way you dress.
Why Defining Your Style is Important
Before we dive into the steps to define your style, let’s talk about why it matters. Once I figured out what I truly loved wearing, it completely changed how I felt about myself. But there are other, more practical benefits to defining your style too:
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It saves you money because you won’t keep buying random, trendy pieces you don’t need.
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You’ll reduce your environmental impact by not contributing to the fast-fashion cycle.
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Your closet will be tidier, and you’ll have fewer items to sort through.
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Defining your style helps you communicate who you are and what you value, which can create a better impression in both personal and professional settings.
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It allows you to feel more comfortable and confident in your clothing.
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Building a personal style that’s curated to your preferences is more fun than following trends that don’t fit your true self.
By understanding your style, you not only feel better about what you wear, but you also make a positive impact on the world around you. And if you’re interested in learning more about how fast fashion impacts the environment and garment workers, I highly recommend watching The True Cost documentary.
Step 1: Shop Your Closet
The first step in defining your personal style is to look through the clothes you already own. Start by identifying the pieces you wear the most. What styles do you naturally gravitate toward? I’m sure you have at least two or three styles that shine through your wardrobe.
To help, consider these style categories:
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Classic
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Preppy
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Boho/Hippie
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Rocker
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Vintage
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Western
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Ethnic
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Athletic
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Professional
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Glam
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Basic
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Minimalist
Pick two or three styles from this list (or add your own) that feel like a part of your wardrobe. Take a step back and ask yourself: Do these styles still resonate with you, or are they starting to feel outdated? It’s completely fine to evolve and leave behind styles that no longer fit your lifestyle.
Step 2: Add Styles You Want to Try
Now that you have an idea of your current style, think about any styles you’re interested in exploring further. Maybe you’ve always been drawn to a certain look but haven’t incorporated it into your wardrobe yet. Look through the style categories again and see if anything new stands out to you.
It’s normal to go through style shifts as your lifestyle changes. Perhaps you’re transitioning to a more casual, laid-back style or even moving toward a more professional look. Whatever it is, consider adding one or two new styles to your personal style profile and start experimenting.
Step 3: Own Your Personal Style
Once you’ve narrowed down the styles you love, it’s time to own them. Define your style with confidence and embrace it! For example, I realized that I love a mix of classic, vintage, and boho styles. Now, when I think about what I want to wear, I know exactly what to choose to express myself authentically.
What’s your style? Are you more preppy or professional? Perhaps you love a more athletic or minimalist look. The key is to understand what resonates with you and start wearing it with pride. Even if your styles seem to clash (like classic and boho), you can embrace them separately. You can wear a vintage-inspired look one day and a classic, clean outfit the next.
Step 4: Clean Out Your Closet
Now that you’ve identified your personal style, it’s time for a closet cleanout. Go through your clothes and get rid of anything that doesn’t align with the style you’ve defined for yourself. Let go of pieces that you rarely wear or that don’t make you feel great. By doing this, you’ll create more space for the items that truly reflect your style.
When cleaning out your closet, ask yourself:
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Does it fit well?
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Will it need tailoring?
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Have I worn this recently?
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Is it in good condition?
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Does it align with my personal style?
By answering these questions, you’ll know exactly which items to keep and which ones to let go of. This process will help you refine your wardrobe and make it easier to see what you truly enjoy wearing.
Step 5: Shop Slowly and Thoughtfully
Once you’ve cleaned out your closet, it’s time to shop with intention. Now that you know your personal style, it’s easier to make thoughtful purchases that will truly enhance your wardrobe. Instead of buying impulsively, focus on filling any gaps in your closet with pieces that match your style and that you’ll wear often.
When shopping, prioritize quality and versatility. Choose items that can be mixed and matched with what you already own to create multiple outfits. Over time, your wardrobe will evolve into a curated collection of pieces that reflect your true self.