Let's be honest, finding your personal clothing style can feel like a never-ending quest. You may feel like you've gone through every trend only to find yourself back at the beginning, more lost than ever. But don't worry, we've all been there. The good news is that there are a few tried and true methods for finding your personal style. Keep reading for our top tips.
Know Your Body Type and Shape
The first step to finding your personal style is knowing your body type and shape. Once you know what looks good on you, it'll be easier to shop for pieces that fit your taste and make you feel confident. Not sure of your body type? No problem! There are plenty of online quizzes that can help you figure it out in no time. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Cosmopolitan's Body Type Quiz
- Who What Wear's Body Type Quiz
- Seventeen's Body Type Quiz
Define Your Aesthetic
The second step is defining your aesthetic. A quick way to do this is by looking through magazines or online fashion blogs and cutting out images of outfits that catch your eye. After you've collected a few (or a few hundred) pictures, take a step back and look for common themes or silhouettes. Do you notice that you're drawn to a certain type of neckline or print? Maybe you prefer a certain era of fashion? By identifying the aesthetics that appeal to you, it'll be much easier to start building a wardrobe that reflects your taste.
Get Creative With Color
Now it's time to start playing around with color. If you tend to stick to neutrals like black, grey, and white, try adding some pops of color into your wardrobe with accessories or statement pieces. Or if bold hues aren't really your thing, experiment with different shades and tones of your favorite colors until you find something that feels right.
Not sure where to start? A great way to ease into things is by picking out one item that you want to focus on and building an entire outfit around it. For example, if there's a pair of brightly-colored shoes that you've been dying to wear, start by finding some pants or a skirt in a complementary shade. Then add in some neutral tops and accessories until everything comes together nicely.
Embrace Your Unique Sense of Style
Once you know what looks good on you and what types of clothes appeal to you, it's time to start putting together some outfits! The key here is not to be afraid to experiment. Just because something isn't "in style" doesn't mean you can't rock it with confidence. The most important thing is that you wear what makes YOU feel good. After all, fashion is supposed to be fun! So go forth and find those perfect pieces that represent your unique sense of style.
Finding your personal clothing style can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be! By following these three simple steps—knowing your body type, defining your aesthetic, and embracing your unique sense of style—you'll be well on your way to building a wardrobe that represents who you are and makes you feel confident every time you leave the house. So what are you waiting for? It's time to get started!