Have you ever put on an outfit that instantly made you feel more put-together, powerful, or just plain happy? That's the magic of personal style. It's so much more than just clothes. It reflects your personality, mood, and how you want to present yourself to the world.

When you feel great in your clothes, it radiates outwards. How you present yourself – your posture, your attitude – it all gets an upgrade. On the other hand, forcing yourself into something that doesn't feel "you" can be draining and deflate your confidence.

Defining your true style isn't about completing a checklist or following trends without clarity, fitting yourself into whatever appears great on others. Think of it as an exciting journey of self-discovery. It's about learning what you love, what makes you feel amazing, and developing the confidence to express your unique style to the world. Ready to get started?

Dive Into Your Closet

What you have in your wardrobe offers you clues about your style preferences, even if you may not feel like it clearly reflects your ideal style just yet. This exercise is not about judging yourself, but about taking stock and learning. So grab a cup of coffee (or tea!) and let's get started:

Take an inventory

Examine everything in your wardrobe and really assess what you own. Pay attention to your favourite items—the ones you reach for repeatedly. What do they have in common? Are there pieces you consistently avoid? Try to understand why they're not working for you. Take note of any recurring colours, patterns, or fabrics that might indicate your preferences.

Identify comfort levels

Be honest about how certain clothes make you feel. Love the look of those trendy heels, but cringe when you walk in them? Admit that maybe they're not meant for you. Do you gravitate toward loose, flowing silhouettes or more structured pieces? Are you a bright colour enthusiast, or do you stick primarily to neutrals? These insights are crucial to building a wardrobe that complements who you are.

Reflect on your current lifestyle

Think about how your daily life impacts your fashion choices. Do you have a work environment with a dress code? Are you constantly on the move and need activewear? Maybe you're a parent juggling multiple roles? Your clothes need to support your lifestyle for optimal comfort and confidence. Don't fight against what your day-to-day schedule demands; incorporate your style into what works practically for you.

Analysing your closet offers you insights into identifying patterns in your fashion inclinations. Be mindful of both the positive and not-so-positive feelings associated with your wardrobe. These insights are the first step in defining your true style.

Gather Inspiration

Think of this step as fueling your fashion imagination. Now that you've taken stock of your current wardrobe, it's time to expand your vision. The goal is to collect images and ideas, not to replicate specific looks exactly. This is about figuring out what truly resonates with you!

Pinterest Potential

Pinterest is your visual playground! Start by creating different boards for styles that intrigue you (e.g., "Effortless French Chic," "Bold and Colourful," "Vintage Glamour"). Pin everything! Put together complete outfits, individual pieces, colour combinations, and even hairstyles and accessories that speak to you. Don't censor yourself too much at this stage!

Celebrities, Influencers, and Everyday People

Pay attention to how people around you express themselves through fashion. It could be a stylish celebrity, a fashion blogger whose aesthetic you love, or even that effortlessly cool person you see at your local coffee shop. Analyse what draws you to their looks – is it the unexpected colour combinations, the confidence they exude, or the way they mix high and low fashion pieces?

Don't Forget Magazines & Stores

Fashion magazines are a classic source of inspiration. Flip through glossy pages, noting anything that catches your eye. Retail stores are another treasure trove. Wander through your favourite boutiques and department stores, taking mental notes on colours, fabrics, and styling details that make you feel excited.

Key Takeaway

As you gather inspiration, start to identify common threads. What kind of looks keep popping up? What elements keep getting your attention? This will help inform the next stage of defining your own style vocabulary.

Bonus Tip

If you're stuck, try looking beyond fashion. Inspiration can come from nature, art, architecture, or even travel. Sometimes the most unexpected places can spark your fashion creativity!

Identify Style Keywords

Now that you've explored your closet and gathered inspiration, it's time to translate your style likes into a language you can use! This is where style keywords come in handy.

Brainstorm adjectives

Start by jotting down every word that comes to mind when describing styles that resonate with you. Don't worry about being too specific just yet. Think simple: classic, edgy, trendy, relaxed, bold, feminine, etc. If a particular style icon or mood board you created embodies something you love, use that as a starting point for your word brainstorm.

Create your style 'sentence'

Now, the fun part! Let's craft a sentence that captures the essence of your style. Pick 2-3 keywords that feel most authentically 'you.' Play around with how they combine. It might look something like:

"My style is effortless and chic with a playful edge."
"My style is vintage-inspired with modern touches."
"My style is polished, minimalist, and comfortable."

Key Takeaway

Your style sentence isn't set in stone! It's a starting point, a tool to guide you. As your style evolves, so can your keywords. The important thing is that these words reflect how you want to feel in your clothes.

Tip

Can't narrow it down to just 2-3 words? That's OK! Your style might be more multifaceted. Just make sure your keywords are helping you define your look, not making the choices more confusing.

Experiment and Play

You've defined your keywords. Now it's time to translate them into real-life outfits. This is where the true fun of style discovery happens!

Try out new combinations

Open your closet with fresh eyes. Pair those favourite jeans with a silky blouse instead of your usual tee. Layer a blazer over a graphic tee. Mix prints in unexpected ways. The goal is to challenge your usual habits and see what new looks emerge.

Shop with intention

The next time you're tempted by a sale or a cute top, take a pause. Do the cut, colour, and vibe align with your style keywords? If not, it might not be the best purchase, even if it's a good deal. Learning to be more selective means your closet will be filled with pieces you truly adore.

Document your looks

Snap some photos of your outfits (good and not-so-good!). This helps you identify what works and creates a visual record you can reference later. You might be surprised at how a simple change, like switching shoes or adding a statement necklace, can elevate your whole look.

Key Takeaway

Defining your style is not about strict rules. Think of it as a playful journey. Don't be afraid to try new things, make "mistakes," and above all, have fun with it!

Tip

Enlist a friend with a good eye to be your partner in style experimentation. Sometimes a fresh perspective works wonders!

Your Style Journey Continues

Remember, style isn't a destination. It's an ongoing journey. Your tastes may evolve, your lifestyle might change, and that's perfectly fine! The beauty is in the process of self-discovery and continuously refining your ability to express yourself through fashion.

Most importantly, have fun with it! Don't let defining your style become a chore. Enjoy playing with clothes, try things outside your comfort zone, and experiment freely.

True style has nothing to do with following the crowd or having a closet full of the latest trends. It's about feeling comfortable, confident, and empowered in your own skin. Embrace what makes you unique, and let your clothes radiate the amazing person you are!

Ready to Take Your Style to the Next Level?

Ready to take your style discovery to the next level? If you want step-by-step guidance and a proven framework to truly define and elevate your look, my Elevate Your Style Masterclass is now open for enrollment! As a certified image consultant, I'll help you unlock your style potential, build a wardrobe you love, and step into unshakeable confidence.

This isn't just about clothes. It's about transforming how you see yourself and letting your true style shine through. Sign up for the Elevate Your Style Masterclass today, and let's get started!

Love,