Our style is one of the first things that people notice about us before we even speak. It showcases a little taste of our personalities and offers a creative way for us to express ourselves without words. With that said, we want to be sure that our wardrobes are truly a reflection of us. Rather than just what the latest trends happen to be. We want to choose timeless pieces that help boost our confidence, make us feel more put together, and truly elevate our style. That way, we can mitigate the feeling that we have nothing to wear, and choosing an outfit becomes effortless.
That said, your style is something that should be unique to you. Style is very personal, and should always be a reflection of the individual’s unique creativity and tastes. Honestly, there is no right or wrong way to curate your personal style. You can, and should, make your style whatever you like. But regardless of what your style looks like, there are always ways to elevate your style and ensure that you look and feel your best. After all, a little polish never hurts a diamond ring. It only helps it glisten.
1 — Consider YOUR Style Aesthetic
Is there a certain aesthetic that you feel particularly drawn to? Or is there an aesthetic that embodies who you are, or the person that you’re becoming? Perhaps, you’re a cottagecore girly who loves wearing flowing floral sundresses and spending your time gardening. Or maybe you’re more of a coquette princess with a love for soft pinks and a soft romanticized life. You may even find that the bold glamour and elegance of the old Hollywood aesthetic help you embody the essence of a wealthy woman. Or maybe you prefer something a bit more edgy and alternative, to complement your interest in alternative rock.
Whatever your aesthetic may be, look for pieces that help you embody that aesthetic. Even if they’re not particularly trendy, they seem a bit extra, or they really stand out. Style is all about being unique! Also, on the note of being unique, don’t be afraid to blend various aesthetics to create your own unique look.
2 — Choose Your Color Palette
You don’t necessarily need to get a professional color analysis to know which colors suit you. Although, a color analysis can provide guidance into which colors objectively suit you based on color theory. That said, the colors you choose to incorporate into your wardrobe should be the colors that you personally feel suit you the best.
Do you tend to gravitate towards softer colors or more vivid tones? Is there a particular color or color family that matches your aura, and you’d like to stay within that color family? Or are you open to playing around with various colors? What colors do you feel particularly confident in? Perhaps, colors that you feel powerful in, or that you tend to get a lot of compliments on. Likewise, are there any colors that give you the ick or that you’d simply like to avoid in your closet?
Your wardrobe does not necessarily have to be monotonous, or primarily contain neutral colors. The colors of your wardrobe should simply be the colors that make you feel happy and confident. Whether that be the boldest of brights, the softest of pastels, or the most classic of neutral tones.
3 — Consider Your Comfort
I have a confession to make. While I think that many heels are absolutely gorgeous and would very much match my aesthetic, I choose not to wear them. Primarily because I do not feel remotely comfortable walking in them. Or even standing in them without holding onto something. My gait is not always the most graceful, and I’m not about to wear something that may elevate my style at the expense of taking a tumble in the hallway. Needless to say, I opt for stylish flats instead.
My lovely, you do not need to sacrifice any element of your comfort to be stylish. Beauty is NOT pain! You don’t have to wear shoes that hurt your feet, or that make you feel unsafe. Nor do you have to wear fabrics that are a sensory nightmare for you. You can absolutely choose pieces that give you the coverage that you need to feel comfortable. Likewise, you can also opt for pieces that allow your skin to breathe where needed, so you don’t feel constricted. Allow yourself to be comfortable, so you can focus on being confident.
4 — Choose Quality Pieces over Quantity
As you shop for new pieces for your wardrobe, remember that you want to choose quality timeless pieces that will last you for years. You don’t just want to fill your closet with items that came at an appealing price point but may start looking worn down after a few wears. Not to mention, cheaper pieces may not even sit quite right on the body, as the production process often rushes through the fitting process. You’re also more likely to get thin, stiff, or scratchy fabrics when you go for the cheaper options. Let’s not buy ourselves a sensory nightmare. Even if it’s only $5.
This isn’t to say that you have to buy designer brands or spend hundreds of dollars on a single garment to elevate your style. You may be able to find some wonderful timeless pieces within the $20 to $60 range that will last you for years, look elegant on your body, and be made from quality materials. And thrifting for previously loved pieces that you’ll love for years can be quite a fun experience in itself. You may even find something from a luxury brand!
Your closet space will thank you for skipping the cheaply made items. And quite honestly, the planet will too.
5 — Don’t Just Be a Trend Follower
Trends can certainly be a lot of fun. However, they often pass relatively quickly, and there are always new ones coming out. So needless to say, it wouldn’t be economically or environmentally responsible to keep up with every trend. This isn’t to say that we can’t utilize trends as we build our wardrobe, as they are most certainly a great source of style inspiration. But, perhaps, we should take what we need, and leave what we don’t from fashion trends.
I myself have incorporated elements from trends into my wardrobe that were already up my alley, and that added something new to my existing wardrobe. The coquette trend has inspired me to incorporate bows, flounces, floral patterns, and soft colors into my wardrobe. I also appreciate that the Barbiecore aesthetic has led to almost everything having a pink option. On the flip side, while I certainly appreciate the Y2K trend, it doesn’t particularly align with my style. So despite being a 90s baby, I primarily leave this trend alone.
Allow yourself to be inspired by trends, and allow elements from them to elevate your style. But don’t base your entire wardrobe off of what’s currently trending. Be a trendsetter, rather than a follower.
Need some guidance piecing it all together?
I highly suggest creating a mood board as you curate your closet, as it makes it easier to visualize what you are going for with your style. Specifically, I suggest Pinterest for creating your style mood board, as you may even directly find links to pieces that you can purchase for yourself!
I also have a free worksheet available that you can access for free as a subscriber of my free weekly newsletter, Stridefully Magazine.
Conclusion
Fashion is a fun art form that allows us to express ourselves without having to say a word. Our clothes help us to make an immediate impression on others the second we walk into a room. So let’s be sure that our style is helping us make the impression that we want to make, and showcasing who we truly are. And again, there is no right or wrong way to curate your wardrobe. Your style should be unique, and reflect who you are. It shouldn’t just be based on what’s trendy or what everyone else is wearing. So let’s elevate our style, which may in turn also elevate our lifestyle.
What are some of your tips for curating the perfect wardrobe? What does your style look like? Do you have a favorite style aesthetic? What are some of your favorite colors to wear? Are there any trends that you’re loving elements from? I’d love to know!
A brilliant guide to finding my personal style, thank you!
I’m glad that this post could help you with finding your style, Elizabeth!