We all know that sinking feeling — you’re standing in front of a closet full of clothes and there’s nothing to wear. Of course, it’s not about how much you own; it’s about whether or not those pieces actually reflect who you are. Developing a personal style isn’t about chasing every trend or mimicking influencers. It’s about discovering what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and (most important) yourself.
It’s OK to Ignore the Trends
Trends come and go faster than ever before. One season it’s oversized blazers, the next it’s micro-mini skirts. But just because something is fashionable doesn’t mean it’s right for you. The most stylish people aren’t always wearing the most up-to-the-minute looks. They’re wearing what works for them.
If a trend doesn’t align with your lifestyle, body type, or personality, give yourself full permission to simply skip it. No need to force it! True style is about confidence, not conformity. Knowing what not to wear is powerful.
Don’t Let “the Dress Wear You”
This is a little nugget of wisdom I’ve heard for years! When a dress (or any other clothing) overpowers your personality or feels out of place with how you move, act, or live, it’s not enhancing your style—it’s distracting from it.
Clothing should amplify your energy, not mute it. So, the next time you’re trying a new style, ask yourself, “do I feel like myself in this?” (Or, better yet, “do I feel like who I aspire to be in this?”) If the answer is no, it’s probably not the right fit, no matter how cute or “on-trend.”
What Pieces Do You Always Reach For?
Still not sure? Start with your own closet. What pieces are always in the laundry because you wear them so often? What items make you feel instantly more put-together? What items do you seem to buy again and again (for me it’s ankle grazing black pants and black sleeveless sheath dresses – I own an embarrassing number of both).
Identifying these go-to pieces helps you build your style foundation. Maybe you love a perfectly broken-in denim jacket, a pair of suede ankle boots, or a flowing midi dress. Make note of the cuts, fabrics, colors, and patterns you love most, then use those as a guide when shopping for new items. If something doesn’t align with those favorites, it might not be worth adding to your wardrobe (and may end up hanging in your closet, tags on, for far too long).
Fashion experts at Who, What, Wear go one step further and advise, “You know those special days when you walk out the door feeling like your most stylish self? Snap a quick picture for future reference. These are the outfits that epitomize your true personal style and should serve as inspiration for spin-off outfits.”
Find your True Colors
Color is one of the easiest ways to express your personality—and is one of the most overlooked elements of personal style. Wearing colors that flatter your skin tone make you look more awake, vibrant, and confident. When you’re in your colors, you glow.
Back when I was in college, I had my “colors done” professionally. It was a big fad back in the day, but was surprisingly accurate and quite telling. I still use what I learned, which has saved me from making color mistakes more than once over the years.
If you’re not sure what your best colors are, try holding different shades near your face in natural light (no makeup). Do you look more alive in cool tones like blue? Or do you radiate in warm shades like mustard, coral, or olive green? (You can also use the TikTok color analysis filter to find “your colors.”) Once you have your “power palette,” you can build a wardrobe that not only looks great, but mixes and matches easily.
Money Can’t Buy Style
True style often has less to do with the price tag and much more to do with confidence, creativity, and understanding what works for you. Some of the most stylish people in the world don’t shop designer—they simply understand how to dress in a way that reflects who they are.
Personal style is about making intentional choices, not just expensive ones. Thrifting, upcycling, and mixing high and low fashion pieces are all tools of the truly stylish. (In fact, when you’re not limited to what’s “on trend” or available in the latest collection, you’re more likely to build a look that feels more authentic.) So, stop chasing price tags and start dressing for yourself.
Putting It All Together: Style That Works Multiple Ways
A truly personal style isn’t just beautiful—it’s also practical. A cohesive wardrobe contains pieces that can be worn more than one way.
Try to build a wardrobe where each piece earns its place by being versatile. Can that blazer be dressed down with jeans or dressed up with black pants? Will that midi skirt work with flats and boots? The more ways you can wear a piece, the more personal (and sustainable) your style becomes.
Style is a Journey… not a Destination
Developing personal style isn’t about rigid adherence to certain rules (self-imposed or otherwise). If you’ve always worn shorter skirts and want to try a longer version, go for it! For example, in the article “Define Your Personal Style with These Expert-Approved Tips” at InStyle magazine, fashion editor Samantha Sutton advises, “If you keep looking at that one piece with a strong yearning, wishing you could pull it off, I’d encourage you to try it. That may be the key to unlocking a style profile that feels off-limits but really isn’t.”
Your personal style will also naturally evolve over time—and that’s a good thing. As your life changes, your wardrobe choices should grow with you. The key is staying true to yourself as you are right now.
You don’t need a capsule wardrobe to maintain clarity – and frankly, that can be quite limiting for most people. And, you don’t need a personal stylist to feel fabulous. You just need to be honest about what feels good on your body and what reflects your spirit.
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