Understanding Fashion: How Do I Find My Style?

Have you ever looked at someone and thought how well put together their outfit looked? Or admired someone for their clear sense of style and wished that you had even the slightest idea of how to achieve the same?

A lot of women love the idea of having a personal style but have no idea where to start. 

Much of the problem comes from the fact that social media tells us we should dress a certain way. From here, women are clamouring to get their hands on the latest trends and this can lead to confusion over what looks good and what doesn't.

What's more, style is very different to fashion but many people confuse the two and this again, can lead to problems developing your own style.

But all is not lost. I've put together this guide to help you find your unique style and how to maintain it. 

Style vs Fashion: Be Careful Not To Confuse The Two

I recently wrote a guide on fashion vs style which you can read by clicking the link above. But before we get into the nitty gritty of how to find your style, I'd like to touch upon this because I feel it's something that prevents people from actually determining their own style. 

Fashion refers to current trends, catwalk outfits and the like. These are ever changing and each season, we're presented with new trends to try out. While there's nothing wrong with this, these fashions often fall outside of our own personal style. 

From time to time, a fashion trend might come along that perfectly aligns with your style and that's great. For example, over the last summer, tailored trousers were big business and these fall right into place with my own style. 

But even after that fad goes away, you'll still see me wearing these pieces as they're just who I am. 

When we talk about style, it's more about your personal flair and what defines you in terms of clothing and outfits. There are many different styles to choose from and the important thing is to experiment and discover all of the options in order to find your own. 

Tips For Finding Your Style

If you've spent your time living in random outfits or following current trends then finding your style can feel intimidating. But that doesn't mean it's not possible. You just have a little work ahead of you but the good news is that discovering your style is super fun!

What Are Your Personal Preferences?

Before you get started, one of the most essential things is to think about what you like. Having a style is all about expressing your personality so choosing a style that's a million miles away from who you are isn't going to help. 

For example, some people love a vintage style whereas others like wearing glamorous outfits. If you're a fan of business casual then trying to curate a sporty style just isn't going to suit you. 

Spend some time researching different styles and finding out what catches your eye. You'll soon have a good idea of what style fits you well. 

Don't Be Afraid To Experiment

When you're researching different styles, there's nothing wrong in trying on different outfits and seeing how they look and feel. 

Even if the outfit is totally outside of what you'd normally wear, you may find that it really suits you. When I discovered my personal style (which is timeless elegance), I had no idea that this was how I wanted to dress. The clothing I had worn previously was nothing like this but once I put myself into these outfits, I suddenly felt complete. You just know!

Browse The Internet

The internet is a fantastic tool when it comes to finding your style. There are so many resources out there that can help you to discover what's right for you. 

Pinterest is one of my personal favourites as there are so many ideas on there that cover almost any style you could think of. What's more, you can save ideas or even download images to your phone or computer to refer to at a later date. 

Instagram and TikTok are also wonderful for finding a new style. The great thing about these social media sites is that different creators showcase different styles so you can follow those that catch your attention and have instant access to their looks and ideas whenever you need. 

But even if you don't use these websites; a simple Google search will yield a ton of results. Also don't forget to browse fashion stores online for inspiration. 

Make Mood Boards

I find that making mood boards is a brilliant way to come up with new ideas within my style. When you're trying to find a new style, it's OK to make several mood boards to express each potential style. 

As you look at these boards, you'll notice that you're drawn to a particular style and this will give you a good idea of where to turn to next. 

Take A Style Quiz

Another great way to find out what style suits you is to take a style quiz. There are lots of free quizzes online that anyone can access. It is worth noting that a lot of these websites will ask for your email address to get your results which can be frustrating. But don't forget that you can opt out of emails once you've gotten your style results. 

Alternatively, there are more and more fashion boxes coming out like Lookeiro and Stitch Fix. These subscription services see you receiving a regular box with a preset number of garments but the great thing is that you have a personal stylist and take a quiz so that the items match your style. If there's anything you don't like, you can return it free of charge. 

If you're looking to grow a new wardrobe then these services might be right for you. 

Do A Wardrobe Audit

Once you have found the right style for you, it's time to start assessing your wardrobe. If you're anything like me then your closet will be filled with unnecessary items that never get worn. It's time for these to go (unless they form part of your new look, of course.)

Spend an afternoon going through your clothing and BE BRUTAL! If something doesn't fit your style; throw it out. 

If you haven't worn an item in the last 6-12 months; throw it out. 

If something doesn't fit; throw it out. 

You get the idea. 

After you have finished, you may find that you aren't left with many items. But that's OK. While it's always fun to go shopping for new things, having a capsule wardrobe is never a bad idea. 

Creating A Capsule Wardrobe - Maintaining Your Style

Please do feel free to check out my full guide on how to create a capsule wardrobe as this will give you all the information you need to know.

But while we're here, I'd like to share why I think having a capsule wardrobe is so important when trying to maintain a personal style. 

The idea of a capsule wardrobe is that you end up with pieces that can be mixed and matched so you never have to worry about what to wear again. When you follow a specific style, each item within your capsule wardrobe should fit with this.

After auditing your wardrobe, you may find that there are certain pieces you need to invest in, and that's fine. However, I will warn you not to impulse buy because this will instantly take you away from your style and lead straight back to confusion. 

Final Thoughts - Amending A Style To Suit You

Even when you find your own style, you may find that elements of it don't suit you or you simply don't like them. That's OK.

Styles are not designed to be worn as a uniform. For example, I love timeless elegance but I wouldn't be seen dead in some of the dresses that fit this style. What's more, leather look leggings aren't typically part of this style but I love them so I've incorporated them into my own unique style. 

And that's what it's all about; developing and adjusting a style so it perfectly expresses your personality. Adding elements and taking them away from the base of the style means that you can be 100% yourself!