Buzz
Personal style can make a memorable first impression, helping you present your best self and boosting your confidence. It's important to regularly seek and create your own style. Your style should align with your lifestyle, body shape, and favorite colors. Draw inspiration from fashion icons or explore other sources online to discover ways to express yourself.
Steps
Find Inspiration
Review your wardrobe to find inspiration from the pieces you already own. Before making any style changes, go through your closet and try on a few items. To create different looks, pair a favorite piece with something you rarely wear. Let go of any items that don't represent who you are or that don't make you feel confident.
- For example, if you always pair a T-shirt with blue jeans, try swapping it with a flannel shirt or a cardigan, and add a beanie hat. Or, combine a T-shirt with a funky skirt or leggings.
- Think about the last time you wore something. If it was months or even years ago, it might be time to part with it and refresh your style.
Take photos of your favorite outfit combinations for future reference. Whenever you create a fantastic look that truly reflects 'you,' snap a picture and save it. This way, you can easily revisit past outfits that boosted your confidence and find similar pieces later on.
- You don’t have to replicate the exact look in the photo. Instead, treat it as inspiration and experiment with different items or accessories if you wish.
- For example, if you wear a stunning black dress with patterned tights, boots, and a belt for a night out, save the picture. The next time you're out, you could wear the same dress but swap the tights for a different pattern or opt for high heels instead of boots.
Research general style trends and fashion icons online to gather inspiration. You can explore famous personalities whose style you admire, or check out different fashion styles like bohemian or punk. Use Google to search for images of outfits, from casual to elegant to business wear, all with stylish designs and appealing colors.
- This method will help you identify what you like or don’t like, giving you ideas for your own wardrobe.
- Fashion icons can include fashionistas, actresses, celebrities, athletes, or other public figures. Some examples might be Marilyn Monroe, Katherine Hepburn, Twiggy, Madonna, or Oprah.
Create a 'Style' board on Pinterest and save your favorite outfits here. Search using keywords like “style” or “fashion,” or be more specific with terms like “bohemian style” or “punk fashion.” Then, create a Pinterest account, set up a board called “Style,” and pin all the images that inspire you for future reference.
- Save images of complete outfits, interesting accessories, cute shoes, and unique jackets. Before going shopping, review the images you've pinned to help you find similar items.
Browse ready-to-wear collections in magazines or fashion websites. Fashion and trends often come and go with the seasons. You can check out current collections for inspiration for your own style. Look for items you can wear year-round, no matter what the latest trends are.
- For example, many websites have sections for “Fashion Inspiration,” “Street Style,” or “Collections.” Visit these sections to see how you can adapt their looks for yourself.
- Maybe you’ll discover that you like pairing sneakers with a skirt, or you want to experiment with wearing a hat instead of tying your hair up.
Admire high-fashion outfits for creative fashion inspiration. While runway trends may not always be suitable for everyday wear (though they might be), they can spark fresh and creative ideas. Pay attention to elegant color pairings, unique fabric patterns, bold accessories, and the overall look of the models.
- For instance, you might come across a dress with an asymmetrical hemline and bold colors in your favorite fashion magazine. Even if you can’t wear that exact dress, you can be inspired by the neckline and try a similar look with a turtleneck sweater or a long, draped coat.
Christina Santelli
Founder, Style Me New
Founder, Style Me New
Upgrade your personal style by combining high-end pieces with more affordable items. Christina Santelli, stylist and image consultant, says: "You don't need to wear only high-end designer items. Mixing affordable pieces with luxury items can be a fun way to create a stylish and chic look!"
Go shopping and search for items that express your personality. Visit local stores or your favorite boutiques, explore places you’ve never been, and try items in your preferred colors to see what works for you.
- Think about what you already have in your wardrobe before shopping. If you know you need a button-up shirt for a job interview or new shoes for the gym, start with those essential items.
- Visit thrift shops or consignment stores to find unique pieces. These places offer great opportunities to refresh your style without breaking the bank!
Seek advice from friends, family, or store staff. If you're struggling to come up with ideas for your personal style, ask friends or family for their input. They can offer helpful suggestions on colors and styles that complement your appearance, or what may not align with your personality.
- You can also ask sales associates or fashion consultants in stores for their advice and tips to help you refresh your look.
Choose a style that fits your lifestyle
Choose outfits that aren't too tight, such as button-down shirts for a professional office look. A work wardrobe with stylish and appropriate outfits will showcase your personal style and signal to others that you are mature, professional, and capable. Be sure to have all the essential office wear ready for your next interview. You can express your personality in the office by adding unique accessories like jewelry, scarves, or shoes.
- For office attire, consider wearing khakis, polo shirts, sweaters, blazers, blouses, pencil skirts, or dresses.
- When selecting office accessories, choose items that suit a professional environment. For example, opt for closed-toe shoes rather than sandals!
Wear a classic T-shirt, ripped jeans, and a flannel shirt for a hippie-inspired look. The hippie style is known for being laid-back, edgy, and full of expression. Pair distressed jeans with combat boots, oversized scarves, and thick-framed glasses for a true boho vibe. You can even shop at thrift stores to perfect your hippie style.
- Stores like Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, and Etsy carry trendy hippie-inspired clothing.
Tie your hair back neatly and wear a fitted T-shirt with sporty shorts for a tomboy look. Tomboy or athletic style is all about comfort. The core of this look includes T-shirts, denim, and hats. Try engaging in a sport or starting a workout routine to complete your sporty style!
- Consider oversized boxy T-shirts, loose sweaters, joggers, Converse shoes, or running sneakers.
Opt for simple patterned clothes or solid colors for an everyday style. Casual style should be comfortable and effortless. A dark-colored T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers work perfectly. Add a baseball cap or a ponytail to elevate the look. This instantly gives you a cool and easy everyday vibe.
- You can also experiment with layering, wearing sweaters, hoodies, or scarves.
- Swap your wallet for a small backpack for a more relaxed style.
If you're going out at night, make an impression with stylish clothes. Create a sleek and alluring look with button-down shirts, wide-leg pants, fitted blouses, and dresses. Choose darker shades and embellishments like sequins or sparkles! You can also enhance your personal style with accessories or choose outfits that complement your body shape.
- Some nightclubs may have dress codes that require baggy clothing, sneakers, cut-offs, hats, or fitted tops. Some places allow jeans as long as they are straight-leg and fit the vibe.
- Check the club's website or call ahead to confirm their dress code. If you show up wearing the wrong attire, they might not let you in.
Shop for clothes that flatter your figure
Choose clothes that accentuate your strengths and boost your confidence. Wear items that highlight your best features and hide any flaws. Pick clothes based on your body shape:
- If you have a pear-shaped body, with a defined waist and wider hips than shoulders, opt for straight-leg pants and jackets that draw attention to your shoulders.
- For an apple shape, with no defined waist and a heavier tummy, go for V-neck tops to create a vertical impression, printed clothing, and fitted jackets.
- Rectangle-shaped bodies, where the waist isn't defined and hips and shoulders are similar, are easy to dress. Try medium to high necklines to create shape.
- For hourglass figures with a defined waist, wider hips, and a larger bust, wear V-neck tops and darker colors to balance proportions.
- For an inverted triangle shape, with narrower hips and broader shoulders, draw attention away from the torso by wearing wide-neck tops, bold prints on the lower half, and eye-catching footwear.
Select clothing colors that complement your skin tone. Pick a color that suits your personal style and enhances your appearance. If you love purple, or people often compliment you when you wear red, choose clothes that align with your skin's undertone.
- For warm-toned skin (olive or yellow undertones), opt for warm hues like orange, red, amber, green, and deep purple.
- For cooler skin tones (blue or pink undertones), go for cool colors like blues, emerald green, deep purple, pink, and ruby red.
- If you have neutral undertones, a mix of both warm and cool tones, go for peachy pinks, light blue, or deep green shades.
Pair basic outfits with unique accessories to elevate your style. If your usual style is casual, like jeans and a T-shirt, try adding a scarf, sunglasses, or a hat to make your look stand out. These small details can enhance your outfit and boost your confidence!
- For example, wear neutral-toned clothing and add a pop of color or pattern. Try bold jewelry like statement necklaces or chunky rings. You can also complete your look with a cool hat or a statement jacket.
Personalize your style by adding signature pieces to your basics. Choose one or two signature items that you can wear regularly and that will immediately make people associate them with you. Experiment with different outfits using these signature pieces to make your style uniquely yours.
- For example, Jackie O was known for her oversized sunglasses, while Audrey Hepburn made cropped pants and ballet flats iconic.
- Your basics could be simple, like accessories, or more striking, like a fur coat.
- Try a bold red lipstick, a bright handbag, or a custom denim jacket to make your style stand out.
Find a tailor to adjust sizes or add personal touches to your clothes. A skilled tailor can transform your clothing into something unique and perfectly fitted. They can hem your jeans, fix small rips, and make outdated pieces stylish again. You can search online for a tailor near you, visit their shop, and discuss alterations for your wardrobe.
- For instance, the tailor could sew classic buttons onto your favorite black cardigan to make it more distinct.
Tips
- You can find style quizzes online to help you shop according to your personal style.
- Recognizing your style is an evolving art. Gradually refine your look and get feedback from others for fresh ideas.
- Don’t hesitate to try on multiple outfits at stores to see what you like and what suits you best.
- Sometimes, just window-shopping and exploring different stores can give you new ideas. Pick a store that carries a few items you like, and take the time to explore their full range.
Warning
- Create your own style instead of copying what others wear. While it’s fine to get inspired by others, always stay true to yourself!
