Mindful Shopping: How to Make Choices That Fit You, Not Just Trends
Personal Style Icons: How to Find Inspiration and Be Yourself
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Personal style is not just what you wear; it’s a way of expressing yourself, your values and even your mood to the world. A good style can give you confidence, make you more present and make dressing everyday a pleasure not a pain. It turns your wardrobe from a random collection of clothes into an expression of who you are.
Finding and developing your personal style is a journey of self-discovery. It’s about exploring different inspirations, what works for you, and putting those pieces together to be yourself. This guide will help you through this process, with practical tips and strategies to help you go beyond trends and create a lasting style.
A personal style that lasts requires looking beyond the fashion trends. It’s about looking at different sources of inspiration and what really works for you.
Start by identifying people whose style you like. These style icons can be:
Celebrities and Influencers: Actors, musicians, fashion bloggers or public figures who consistently wear a style you like. For example, you might like the classic elegance of Grace Kelly, the edgy sophistication of Zoë Kravitz or the eclectic boldness of Harry Styles.
Everyday People: Inspiration doesn’t have to come from famous people. Look at friends, family members, colleagues or even strangers whose style you like. Street style photography can also be a great source of inspiration, real people with great fashion sense.
Now you’ve identified your style icons, drill down into what specifically you like about their style:
By breaking it down you can see what works for you and use that to inform your own style.
Fashion is cyclical and each era has its own style that can be reinterpreted today:
Look at these eras to see if any of the styles work for you and how you can incorporate into your wardrobe.
Global fashion has so much to offer:
• Japanese Street Style: Avant garde layering and bold experimentation.
• Scandinavian Minimalism: Simple, functional and muted.
• African Prints: Bold patterns and colours that make a statement.
• Indian Textiles: Silk and cotton with intricate patterns.
Researching and looking at different cultural aesthetics will introduce you to new styles and points of view and add to your personal style.
Visual is key to understanding and developing your style:
Pinterest: Create boards to collect images of outfits, accessories, colour palettes and style icons that inspire you. Use specific keywords to find pins that match your interests.
Instagram: Follow fashion accounts, save posts and explore hashtags for styles you like (#vintagefashion #streetstyle #minimalistfashion).
Fashion Blogs and Websites: Bookmark images and articles that resonate with you for easy reference.
These platforms allow you to collect a visual library of what you like.
As you collect images start to categorize:
This will help you get clear on what you like and give you a visual guide to developing your personal style.
By looking beyond trends and what works for you, you’re building the foundation for a personal style that’s real and long lasting. Next up in this guide, we’ll look at your unique features and how to use these inspirations in a style that fits you.
Creating a personal style that truly reflects who you are involves more than just external inspirations; it requires a deep understanding of your own unique features. By recognizing your body shape and discovering the colors that complement you, you can select clothing that not only looks good but also feels right.
Understanding your body shape is a crucial step in finding clothes that fit well and flatter your figure. Common body types include:
You can take this test to identify your body shape.
Once you’ve identified your body type, you can select clothing styles that enhance your natural silhouette:
| Body Type | Styling Tips |
| Hourglass | Emphasize the Waist: Wear belts and fitted dresses to highlight your waistline.Tailored Pieces: Opt for clothes that follow your natural curves. |
| Rectangle | Create Curves: Use ruffles, peplums, and layered fabrics to add dimension.Define the Waist: High-waisted bottoms and wrap dresses can create the illusion of a defined waist. |
| Pear | Balance Proportions: Draw attention upward with detailed tops and statement necklaces.A-Line Skirts: These flatter the hips without clinging. |
| Inverted Triangle | Add Volume to Lower Body: Use skirts and pants with patterns or embellishments.V-Neck Tops: These can soften broad shoulders. |
| Apple | Elongate the Torso: Use vertical lines and empire waistlines.Structured Blazers: Add definition and draw attention away from the midsection. |
Colors are not just about matching your skin tone; they also convey emotions and set the tone for how you feel and how others perceive you. You can take a test here and determine your preferred color palette.
By understanding your body shape and recognizing the colors that enhance your natural features, you’re equipping yourself with the knowledge to make informed fashion choices. This self-awareness ensures that the clothes you select not only reflect your personal style but also highlight your unique beauty. In the next part of this guide, we’ll explore how to experiment with different styles and embrace the evolution of your personal fashion journey.
Trying new things can be scary and amazing. By trying new styles, colors or patterns you’ve never considered before you may discover new preferences and parts of yourself. Go to different types of stores – boutiques, vintage shops or high end retailers – and get a glimpse of different fashion perspectives. Don’t be afraid to try on that bold jacket or those crazy shoes – even if they aren’t for you the experience is worth it. Experimenting means accepting that not everything will be a success and that’s totally okay – every outfit you try gets you closer to what makes you feel confident and yourself.
Accessories are a great way to experiment with your style without having to overhaul your entire wardrobe. New accessories can completely change the vibe of an outfit – for example, a statement necklace can turn a simple dress into a whole new look, and trying out hats, scarves or belts can add new dimensions to your overall look. If you’re curious about a color or pattern but not ready to commit to a whole garment start with an accessory. This way you minimize the risk and maximize creativity and self-expression. Over time you may find that certain accessories become part of your signature style and add a personal touch to your overall look.
It’s not just about the clothes you wear; it’s about being you and owning it. Overcome the fear of others judging you by realizing your style is a reflection of you. Celebrating being different means owning your fashion choices and wearing them with pride, knowing authenticity beats conformity.
Having the right mindset and attitude is key to building confidence in your style. Remember confidence is key; when you feel good in what you’re wearing it shows. Having a positive self-image allows you to be bold and inspires others to do the same. As you continue on your style journey allow yourself to evolve and adapt, take in new inspiration, and let your style grow with you. By being open to change and seeking new ideas you’ll keep your style fresh and reflective of you.