Have you ever found yourself staring at your closet, wondering how to make your style truly your own? I totally get it! Discovering your personal clothing style is like embarking on a fun journey of self-discovery.

In this blog post, we’re going to uncover how to choose clothes that fit your style.

I'm here to be your style companion, ready to help you uncover your very own fashion identity. And just as the good witch told Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, the answer is inside you.

Is your style romantic, classic, or preppy? Hmm, maybe it’s even a combination of all of those. We will figure it out now, so let’s dive in!

#1. Let’s Get to Know You

The first step in discovering your unique clothing style is to embark on a journey of self-discovery. This involves a deep dive into your personality, interests, and values to better understand what truly resonates with you. Here's how to go about it:

Understanding Your Personality:

Your personality plays a significant role in shaping your fashion choices. Are you outgoing and extroverted, or do you lean more towards introversion? Are you a free spirit, a minimalist, or a trendsetter? Take a moment to ponder your personality traits and think about how they can be reflected in your clothing style.

Consider questions like:

Do you prefer bold, attention-grabbing outfits, or do you lean towards understated elegance?
Are you drawn to vibrant colors and patterns, or do you prefer a more muted, monochromatic palette?
Does your personality align with a particular fashion subculture or style movement, such as bohemian, preppy, or edgy?
What are your style words? Choose 3-5 words that describe your fashion style. You can see a list of style words here.

Exploring Your Interests:

Your hobbies, interests, and passions can also influence your fashion choices. If you're a nature enthusiast, you might be drawn to earthy, natural fabrics and colors. For art lovers, incorporating creative and eclectic elements into your style could be appealing. Consider how your interests can be incorporated into your wardrobe to make your style uniquely you.

Aligning with Your Values:

Fashion can be a powerful form of self-expression, allowing you to align your clothing choices with your values and beliefs. If sustainability is important to you, you might explore ethical fashion brands and incorporate eco-friendly pieces into your wardrobe. Those who value comfort and practicality may opt for functional yet stylish outfits that suit their lifestyle.

Matching Your Lifestyle:

Assess your daily routines and the various occasions you dress for. Is your wardrobe aligning with your practical needs? If you have a busy, active lifestyle, comfortable and versatile clothing may take priority. On the other hand, if your life involves frequent formal events or professional settings, you might need a well-curated collection of office-appropriate attire.

Consider questions like:

What are the predominant activities in your daily life, and does your wardrobe support them?
Do you have a balance of casual and dressy outfits that suit your regular commitments and social engagements?
Are there any gaps in your wardrobe that need to be filled to better match your lifestyle?

Taking the time for self-reflection and aligning your clothing style with your personality, interests, values, and lifestyle is a crucial foundation for developing a style that feels authentic and uniquely yours. It's like creating a roadmap that guides you towards a wardrobe that not only looks good but also makes you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.

#2. Inspiration: Gather Ideas

Once you've begun the process of self-reflection and have a better understanding of your personality, interests, and values, the next step in crafting your unique clothing style is to seek inspiration. Here's how to go about it:

Explore Diverse Sources:

Fashion inspiration can be found in a variety of places, each offering a unique perspective on style. Consider exploring the following sources:

1. Fashion Magazines: Magazines like Vogue, Elle, or Harper's Bazaar showcase the latest trends, runway looks, and editorial spreads. They can provide a window into the world of high fashion and couture.

2. Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are treasure troves of fashion inspiration. Follow fashion influencers, designers, and brands whose style resonates with you. Explore hashtags related to fashion and browse through user-generated content to discover emerging trends.

3. Iconic Style Icons: Look to iconic figures from the past and present whose style you admire. Whether it's Audrey Hepburn's timeless elegance, Rihanna's bold and eclectic choices, or the classic minimalism of Phoebe Philo, studying their fashion journeys can provide valuable insights.

Create a Mood Board:

One effective way to collect and organize your fashion inspiration is by creating a mood board. Whether it's a physical board with magazine clippings or a digital board on platforms like Pinterest, your mood board serves as a visual representation of your style aspirations. Here's how to get started:

1. Collect Images: Start by gathering images, whether they're from magazines, websites, or social media, that resonate with you. These could be entire outfits, specific pieces, color palettes, or even makeup and hairstyle ideas.

2. Identify Common Elements: As you build your mood board, take note of recurring elements or themes that stand out. Are you drawn to a particular color scheme? Do you consistently gravitate towards certain patterns, fabrics, or silhouettes?

3. Define Your Style: Analyze your mood board to discern the overall style that emerges. Is it bohemian, minimalist, vintage-inspired, or a fusion of different elements? This will help you clarify the direction you want to take with your personal style.

4. Refine and Edit: Your mood board is a dynamic tool that can evolve as your style journey progresses. Don't be afraid to add or remove images to better align with your evolving taste.

Creating a mood board is not only a fun and creative exercise but also a practical tool that can guide your fashion choices. It serves as a visual reference when you're shopping, helping you stay true to the style you're cultivating.

#3. Trial and Error: Experiment with Styles

Discovering your personal clothing style is all about exploration and self-expression. It's an exciting opportunity to try on different personas through your clothing choices and find what truly resonates with you. Here's how to embrace the spirit of experimentation:

Embrace the Unconventional:

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: It's easy to stick to what's familiar, but personal style often emerges when you're willing to step outside your comfort zone. Don't shy away from styles that may initially seem unconventional to you. Sometimes, the most unexpected combinations can become your signature look.
Mix and Match: Try mixing different elements from various styles. For instance, pair a classic blazer with distressed jeans, or combine bohemian accessories with a minimalist outfit. The beauty of style experimentation is that there are no strict rules.

Budget-Friendly Exploration:

Borrow from Friends: Fashion-savvy friends can be a valuable resource. Borrowing clothing items from them allows you to experiment with new styles without committing to a purchase. Who knows, you might discover a style you never considered before.
Thrift Store Treasure Hunt: Thrift stores are gold mines for unique and budget-friendly fashion finds. They offer a wide variety of clothing styles from different eras and trends. Exploring thrift stores is an eco-friendly way to experiment with styles and uncover hidden gems.

Document Your Experiments:

Keep a Style Diary: Consider maintaining a style diary or journal where you document your fashion experiments. Include photos of your outfits, notes on how you felt while wearing them, and any compliments or feedback you received. This diary can help you track your style evolution.
Reflect and Learn: Regularly review your style diary to identify patterns and preferences. Are there particular styles or combinations that consistently make you feel confident and happy? Use this feedback to refine your style.

Stay Open-Minded:

Evolve with Time: Your style is not set in stone. It's natural for it to evolve as you gain more confidence and experience. Be open to change and adapt your style to reflect your ever-growing self.
Seek Inspiration Continuously: Keep exploring new sources of fashion inspiration and trends. You might stumble upon styles you hadn't considered before or find fresh ways to reinterpret your existing favorites.

#4. Define Your Style Goals

As you embark on your journey to discover your personal clothing style, it's essential to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve through your fashion choices. Defining your style goals helps you stay focused and aligned with your unique preferences. Here's how to go about it:

What Do You Want to Express?

Consider Your Aspirations: Take a moment to reflect on what you want to communicate through your clothing. Are you aiming to express confidence, creativity, professionalism, comfort, or perhaps a combination of these elements? Your style should reflect your goals and aspirations.
Identify Your Priorities: Think about the different aspects of your life and which ones are most important to you in terms of style. For example, if you have a career that requires a polished appearance, professionalism may be a priority. On the other hand, if you value comfort and functionality for your daily activities, that might take precedence.

Key Attributes of Your Ideal Style:

Minimalistic: If you lean towards minimalism, your style goals may involve simplifying your wardrobe, focusing on timeless pieces, and favoring clean lines, neutral colors, and simplicity. A minimalist approach often emphasizes quality over quantity.
Bohemian: A bohemian style goal might involve embracing a free-spirited and eclectic vibe. You may aim to incorporate flowy, vibrant, and patterned pieces into your wardrobe, along with accessories that showcase your unique personality.
Vintage-Inspired: For those drawn to vintage style, your goal may be to channel the elegance and charm of a specific era, such as the '50s, '60s, or '70s. This can involve collecting vintage clothing or incorporating retro elements into modern outfits.
Eclectic: If you're an eclectic dresser, your style goals may revolve around mixing and matching diverse pieces and styles to create a unique and visually interesting look. Experimentation and creativity are key attributes here.
Casual Chic: A style goal of achieving a casual chic look may involve striking a balance between comfort and elegance. You might aim to build a versatile wardrobe that effortlessly transitions from day to night.
Professional: For a professional style, your goals may center on curating a collection of sophisticated and polished attire suitable for the workplace. Tailored suits, classic dresses, and professional accessories may be on your radar.

Remember that your style goals are highly personal and should align with your individual preferences and lifestyle. These goals will serve as your guiding principles when making fashion decisions, from shopping for new pieces to creating outfits that make you feel confident and authentic. As you continue your style journey, keep your goals in mind, and let them inspire your choices and expressions through clothing. Your fashion identity is a reflection of you, and defining your style goals is a powerful step toward achieving them.

#5. Analyze Your Wardrobe

Your current wardrobe is a treasure trove of insights into your clothing preferences and style habits. Taking the time to assess it will help you refine your style and ensure that your closet truly reflects your unique fashion identity. Here's how to approach this process:

Identify Your Go-To Pieces:

Clothing You Consistently Wear: Take note of the items you find yourself reaching for most often. These are the pieces that resonate with your style on a regular basis. Analyze what it is about these items that makes them your favorites.
Comfort and Confidence: Pay attention to how these pieces make you feel. Do they provide comfort and confidence? Are they aligned with your style goals and the image you want to project?

Recognize What No Longer Fits:

Evaluate Your Wardrobe: Go through your entire wardrobe, piece by piece. Be honest with yourself about whether each item still aligns with your emerging style and goals.
Letting Go: It's perfectly okay to part ways with items that no longer fit your vision. If you haven't worn something in a long time, it may be time to consider donating, selling, or repurposing it. This process not only declutters your closet but also creates space for pieces that better represent your style.

Curate Your Wardrobe:

Identify Gaps: As you assess your wardrobe, take note of any gaps or missing elements. Are there essential pieces you need to complete your style vision? Make a list of these items to guide your future shopping decisions.
Mix and Match: Experiment with combining your existing pieces in new and creative ways. Sometimes, a fresh outfit can emerge simply by pairing items you haven't tried together before.

Consider Quality Over Quantity:

Quality Check: Pay attention to the quality of your clothing. Are there items showing signs of wear and tear? Investing in high-quality, timeless pieces can enhance your wardrobe's longevity and overall appeal.
Versatility: Prioritize versatile pieces that can be styled in multiple ways and for various occasions. These versatile items can become the foundation of your style.

Analyzing your wardrobe is a crucial step in refining your personal clothing style. It helps you make intentional choices about the pieces you keep and the ones you let go. Ultimately, your wardrobe should be a curated collection of items that not only reflect your style but also make getting dressed an enjoyable and effortless experience. By aligning your closet with your emerging style, you'll create a harmonious and authentic representation of yourself through your clothing choices. So, take your time, sift through your wardrobe, and let your style evolution begin!

#6. Seek Feedback

When it comes to discovering and refining your personal clothing style, getting an outside perspective can be incredibly valuable. Trusted friends or family members who know your taste and can offer objective opinions can provide insights that you might not have considered. Here's how to go about seeking feedback:

Choose Your Advisors:

Select Trusted Individuals: Reach out to friends or family members who are known for their honesty and have a good understanding of your fashion preferences. They should be people whose opinions you value and trust.

Ask Specific Questions:

Discuss Your Style Goals: Share your style goals and aspirations with your chosen advisors. Explain the direction you want to take with your fashion choices and the image you're aiming to project.
Showcase Your Outfits: Present a selection of your outfits or clothing items to them. This could be a mix of your favorite pieces and ones you're unsure about.

Seek Constructive Feedback:

Ask for Honest Opinions: Encourage your advisors to provide candid feedback. They can comment on how well certain pieces or outfits align with your style goals and whether they think they suit you.
Consider Their Insights: Take their feedback seriously and be open to their suggestions. While you should ultimately follow your own instincts, external input can help you refine your choices.

Reflect and Apply Feedback:

Reflect on Feedback: After receiving feedback, take some time to reflect on what you've learned. Consider whether the feedback aligns with your personal style vision and whether it resonates with you.
Apply What Resonates: Implement the feedback that resonates with you and aligns with your style goals. This might involve making adjustments to your wardrobe, trying new combinations, or exploring styles you hadn't considered before.

Balance External Opinions with Personal Expression:

Stay True to Yourself: While seeking feedback is valuable, remember that your clothing style is ultimately a reflection of you. Stay true to your individuality and personal taste, even as you integrate external input.
Use Feedback as a Tool: Think of feedback as a tool to help you refine your style, not as a strict directive. You have the final say in what you wear and how you express yourself.

Seeking feedback from trusted friends or family members can provide fresh perspectives and insights that contribute to the evolution of your personal clothing style. It's an interactive and collaborative way to refine your fashion choices and make sure you're on the right track. By combining your instincts with external input, you can create a style that not only represents you authentically but also resonates with those whose opinions you value.

#7. Evolution Over Time

Your personal clothing style, like you, is not static; it's a dynamic and ever-evolving part of who you are. Embracing this fluidity is essential as you continue your style journey. Here's how to understand and welcome the natural evolution of your style:

Understanding Style Evolution:

Accept Change as a Constant: Recognize that change is a natural part of life, including changes in your personal style. As you grow, gain new experiences, and evolve as an individual, your fashion preferences may also shift.
Exploring New Influences: Stay open to new fashion influences and trends. Exposure to different cultures, travel experiences, and evolving interests can all contribute to changes in your style.

Reflect and Adapt:

Regularly Reflect on Your Style: Take time periodically to reflect on your style journey. Evaluate whether your current wardrobe and fashion choices align with your evolving self.
Identify New Style Goals: As you learn more about what suits you best, your style goals may change. You might discover new aspects of your personality that you want to express through clothing.

Wardrobe Maintenance:

Edit and Update: As your style evolves, be willing to edit your wardrobe accordingly. Donate, sell, or repurpose items that no longer fit your vision or serve your current style goals.
Invest in Versatile Pieces: When adding new items to your wardrobe, consider versatile pieces that can adapt to various style iterations. Quality, timeless pieces have longevity in a changing wardrobe.

Celebrate Personal Growth:

View Style Evolution as Growth: Embrace style evolution as a sign of personal growth and self-discovery. It's a testament to your willingness to explore and evolve as an individual.
Stay True to Your Core: While your style may change on the surface, your core values and authenticity should remain intact. Your style is a reflection of who you are, so ensure it aligns with your true self.

Keep It Enjoyable:

Maintain the Joy of Fashion: The evolving nature of your style should be exciting and enjoyable, not stressful. Use fashion as a form of self-expression and creativity.
Experiment and Have Fun: Continue to experiment with different styles, trends, and fashion elements. Don't be afraid to step outside your style comfort zone to discover new facets of your fashion identity.

#8. Trust Your Instincts

In the world of fashion, there's no better compass than your own instincts and intuition. Your personal clothing style is a powerful form of self-expression, and it should always feel authentic and true to who you are. Here's why it's crucial to trust your fashion instincts:

Your Style Is a Reflection of You:

Unique Expression: Your clothing style is your unique canvas for self-expression. It's a reflection of your personality, experiences, and values. Trust that your instincts will guide you toward fashion choices that resonate with your inner self.
Confidence Booster: When you wear clothing that aligns with your instincts and makes you feel comfortable, you radiate confidence. Confidence is a key component of looking and feeling your best.

Embrace Authenticity:

Stay True to Yourself: Authenticity is the essence of personal style. Trusting your instincts ensures that you're staying true to your individuality and not conforming to someone else's idea of fashion.
Empowerment: Fashion choices made from a place of authenticity are empowering. They allow you to express your identity and values without reservation.

USE YOUR Intuition:

Intuitive Choices: Intuition is a powerful tool in fashion. It often guides you toward pieces that feel "right" for you, even if they don't adhere to trends or conventions.
Gut Feelings Matter: Pay attention to those "gut feelings" you have when trying on an outfit or choosing an accessory. Your intuition can lead you to fashion choices that align with your style goals.

Confidence and Beauty:

Feel Confident: Fashion choices rooted in your instincts can make you feel confident and self-assured. When you trust your clothing choices, it shows in the way you carry yourself.
Feel Beautiful: Authentic fashion choices are inherently beautiful because they reflect your inner beauty and confidence. Wear what makes you feel beautiful from the inside out.

Fashion as Self-Care:

Self-Care Ritual: Choosing clothing that feels right is a form of self-care. It's a way of showing kindness and respect to yourself, honoring your preferences and instincts.
Positive Impact: Trusting your instincts can have a positive impact on your overall well-being. Feeling good about what you wear can boost your mood and self-esteem.

Related Post: How to Find Your Own Style

Final thoughts

Your clothing style is a powerful means of self-expression and self-care. Trusting your instincts and intuition in fashion choices is a way of honoring your authentic self. It's about wearing what resonates with you, what makes you feel confident, beautiful, and true to your identity. So, trust in your fashion instincts, embrace your unique style, and let it shine as a genuine reflection of the remarkable person you are.

What is your style? Let me know in the comments below!