When you think of your personal style, you might immediately think of the clothes that hang in your closet. Yet, personal style is so much more than this; it is a reflection of your identity, mood, values and everything else that makes you you. With this in mind, finding your personal style can feel daunting. However, there are ways to make this process much simpler. In a world of fast fashion, rapidly changing trends and social media, let this guide help you discover a style that is completely and authentically you.
- Self-reflection
Begin by assessing the version of you that you want your style to reflect. Ask yourself questions like: “When do I feel most confident? What types of clothing, colors and styles do I wear most often? Who inspires me?”
- Finding inspiration
You can do this by scrolling through various social media platforms like Pinterest, Instagram or even bloggers’ Substacks to save images of clothing that you feel most drawn to and seek to attain. After collecting even just a few pieces of information, you may soon start to see a pattern of the types of styles you are drawn to — this could be minimalistic, vintage-inspired, edgy or anything in between.
- Compile your wishlist
After finding the patterns in your wishlist, begin to explore stores online to find the pieces that match the look you are going for. One incredibly helpful tool for building wishlists is Want Locker. This browser extension allows you to save all your wants in one place without keeping all the tabs open. Google Image Search is another helpful tool for finding pieces similar to your inspirational images. It can analyze an image and locate a similar, or even exact, item. This feature is available on the Google app for mobile devices or through a desktop browser.
- Embrace the unknown and new
To find your personal style, you must experiment. Therefore, finding your style requires trial and error. Stepping out of your comfort zone with new colors, silhouettes and more is highly encouraged to find the pieces that make your inner self shine through. To avoid overspending while experimenting, try shopping your own closet, borrowing pieces from friends thrifting or trying on clothes in-store.
- Build a capsule wardrobe
Having staple pieces that make you feel confident and go with every outfit is essential in any wardrobe. These pieces could be a perfectly fitted pair of jeans, a blazer, a white tee or button-down, kitten heels or loafers. These timeless pieces allow you to create several looks without breaking the bank and leave plenty of room for self-expression with accessories or statement pieces.
- Find your signature pieces
When finding your personal style, everyone needs a signature item or look to complete the process. This could be done through bold jewelry, unique shoes or a specific fabric or color. For example, if you love a timeless look, invest in a pearl necklace or a trench coat; for a preppy look, a headband or florals; an edgy look could include a leather jacket or combat boots; a vintage look could be composed of one-of-a-kind thrift-store pieces.
- Do not overdo it
When building your wardrobe, prioritize quality over quantity by investing in pieces you will wear over and over again for years to come. While buying into every trend can be tempting, it neither builds personal style nor is budget-friendly.
- Be patient
Finding your personal style does not happen overnight. As mentioned, this style reflects you — your experiences, personality and values. As with yourself, your style will naturally evolve over time, and you must be open to this change. As you build your style, ensure that it reflects you at that moment by making you feel your most confident.
Finding your personal style is a creative, rewarding and ultimately self-reflective process. By following the steps outlined above, every Vanderbilt student has the opportunity to be their most authentic self through their newfound style.