There’s a big difference between fashion and style, and understanding this is essential for developing a wardrobe that perfectly suits you.
Fashion is all about trends—what’s "in" right now, what’s on the runways, and what influencers are wearing. Being fashionable relies heavily on external approval, and often means wearing what's on trend, even if it doesn’t necessarily suit you, just to fit in.
Style, on the other hand, is far more personal. It remains consistent as trends come and go because it’s an authentic reflection of who you are, rather than what’s currently popular. Rather than simply following what’s currently on trend, personal style is about wearing what brings you joy.
This is why so many people struggle to find their personal style. When you’re always trying to keep up with trends or copy outfits you see on others, you end up relying on other people telling you what's fashionable rather than wearing what feels right for you.
Developing your personal style means giving yourself the space to explore what you genuinely enjoy wearing, regardless of the current fashion. While experimenting with trends can be fun, the key to developing a unique style lies in using fashion as inspiration while staying true to your own preferences.
What is personal style?
Personal style is about wearing what makes you happy, confident, and comfortable, regardless of what's currently on trend. It's a reflection of your personality expressed through a unique blend of clothing and accessories that evolve over time based on your lifestyle, interests, and experiences.
How do I develop my own style?
Developing your personal style begins with identifying the clothes you love and understanding why you love them. Pay attention to the details—whether it’s the fit, fabric, colour, or how they suit your lifestyle that you love so much.
From there, experiment with new styles, colours, and fits to discover what else suits you. But take your time! The key is to focus on what feels authentic to you, rather than simply following trends. Your personal style will develop over time as you curate a wardrobe that truly reflects who you are.
Practical Tips for Finding Your Personal Style
Developing your personal style is all about discovering a look that feels authentically you. It’s a journey that takes time, but it doesn’t require a wardrobe full of clothes or a big budget—just intentional choices that reflect who you are.
By experimenting with different outfits and staying true to your tastes, your style will naturally evolve, piece by piece. So, embrace the process and remember: it’s about dressing for your taste, not anyone else’s.
Find Your Style Inspiration
A great starting point for developing your personal style is finding inspiration. This isn’t about copying outfits but identifying the common themes that resonate with you. Platforms like Pinterest, TikTok, Instagram, or simply observing people around you can be useful for gathering ideas. Create a mood board by saving anything that catches your eye—don’t overthink it.
After a while, patterns will start to emerge. You might notice a preference for certain colours, fabrics, or silhouettes, whether it’s structured tailoring, flowing dresses, or sporty athleisure. Over time, you’ll get a clearer sense of the aesthetic you naturally gravitate towards—whether that’s casual, minimalist, classic, or a blend of different styles. Once you know what appeals to you, it becomes easier to define and incorporate those elements into your own wardrobe.
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Assess Your Wardrobe
In excitement of refreshing your wardrobe, it might be tempting to rush out and buy all new clothes. But that’s exactly what the fast fashion industry wants you to do, and it’s a quick way to lose sight of your personal style.
Instead, start by looking at the clothes you already own. Identify the pieces that make you feel great and ask yourself why. Is it the fit, the fabric, or the colour? Understanding what you love about your favourite clothes is a crucial part of to discovering your style.
When you know what works for you and what doesn’t, it becomes much easier to make thoughtful, intentional purchases. If an item doesn’t make you feel confident and comfortable, it doesn’t deserve a spot in your wardrobe.
A helpful rule to remember is: if it’s not a ‘Hell yes!’ then it’s a ‘Hell no!’ Don’t settle for clothing that’s just “okay.” Personal style is about curating a wardrobe full of pieces that truly represent you and make you feel fantastic.
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Experiment—But Don’t Rush
Developing your personal style doesn’t mean going on a massive shopping spree, even after you’ve identified gaps in your wardrobe. One of the most important things to remember is that this process takes time—you don’t need to nail down your style overnight! Before making any new purchases, focus on using what you already have.
Experimenting is essential for learning what works for you and what doesn’t. Every time you try something new, you’re getting one step closer to understanding your personal style. Thrifting is a great way to experiment with different styles, fabrics, and fits without spending a fortune.
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Dress for Your Life, Not Your Fantasy
When building a wardrobe that genuinely reflects your personal style, think about what your everyday life looks like—your job, social activities, and routines. Do you spend most of your time in an office, at the gym, with friends, or enjoying the outdoors? Your wardrobe should mirror who you are and the life you lead, not an idealised version of yourself.
Many people make the mistake of is buying clothes that suit a fantasy life they don't actually life, like purchasing outfits for extravagant parties or social events, when they’re mostly at home. It’s important to be realistic about your lifestyle so you can curate a wardrobe filled with pieces that work for you.
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Document Your Outfits
One of the most effective ways to understand your personal style is to document your outfits. Take a photo or video each day to become more aware of how an outfit looks on your body and what you genuinely enjoy wearing. Having a record of the outfits you've worn is also a useful tool that makes getting dressed easier and quicker.
By documenting your looks, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of which fits, styles, and colours suit you best. This practice also encourages body neutrality—by focusing on how your clothes actually look on your body, you can shift your perspective away from self-judgment and be more objective about your outfits.
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Wear What Makes You Happy
At the heart of personal style is one simple rule: wear what makes you happy. If an outfit doesn’t excite you or make you feel like the best version of yourself, it’s simply not worth wearing. That said, don’t play it safe all the time—personal style is all about taking creative risks.
As you develop your personal style, allow yourself to explore new styles, embrace mistakes, and play with trends. Style is all about expressing who you are, and that will naturally change over time. The whole point is to have fun and enjoy the process.