5 Tips to Find Your Personal Style

Because it is indeed personal. I have always viewed fashion as a form of self-expression. To me, it’s not about the money or strictly about the clothes. It’s art. It’s passion. It’s about making a statement. I am a true introvert unless around my close family and friends, so my outfits have always been a creative way for me to say something. No need to be loud when the look says so much…and I still have my 8^th grade Best Dressed superlative to prove it.

I describe my style as colorful, elevated, eclectic, and chic. It took a while for me to get here and the great thing about style is that it’s ever evolving. I’ve especially been loving my edgier looks as of late and I do believe I have New York to thank for that. More elevated. Less bubblegum pop. Still me.

There are some style tips I’ve learned over the years. From wearing plastic life-sized Barbie heels to my beloved feathered pumps, I have evolved. My style has evolved. And I’m sharing those tips with all of you.

FIND YOUR STYLE ICON

If you could dress similarly to anyone, who would it be? Why? How does their style make you feel? Shop.LTK (shameless plug!) is an amazing space for this search. On this app, influencers of all shapes, sizes, colors, and creed share their ideal fashion selects on a consistent basis. You can shop direct links to items and try various suggestions. Here’s where your style comes in: you can select a few pieces to try from your style icon. Allow them to be your inspiration, but always infuse items you already own into the looks you create. Draw from that inspo and make the looks your own. Inspiration is always a great way to get started on finding your own aesthetic.

DETERMINE YOUR GO TO BRANDS

Where do you find yourself consistently shopping? What is it about their pieces you love? Hone in on your top 3 stores and draw from them for your wardrobe staples. Think about the pieces you love and feel great wearing and add more of them to your closet. You are building your capsule wardrobe. Then mix and match with other brands for accent items that catch your eye.

CLEAN HOUSE

Like I said, style is ever evolving. Something you loved back then may not be something you even like now. We have to stop trying to make Fetch happen. Allow your style to grow. Make room for the new. I clean out my closet at least once per season. If I don’t wear it and if it doesn’t bring me joy, it’s gotta go. Donation pile or sales pile and it’s out. A major part of determining what your style includes is figuring out what it does not.

CREATE FASHION GRIDS

What’s that you say? Let’s just say I coined the term…maybe. A fashion grid is when you place photos of wardrobe items in a picture collage to see how the pieces will look together. The InShot app is great for this little exercise. This idea is really helpful if you are planning a look and trying to determine if you actually want to purchase. Create outfits without first committing to the addition of those items to your wardrobe. See how the pieces fit next to each other. What are you putting there? What’s missing? Answering those questions will lead you closer to your personal style.

TAKE IT BACK TO THE BASICS

Y’all, I love the convenience of online shopping. Love. It. But sometimes you gotta get up, get out, and go to the stores. In-store shopping is another great way to find inspiration. You never know what new piece will jump out at you or what brand you’ll discover. Imagine your wardrobe while you’re out. What do you gravitate toward? What fits with what you have? Again, you are building a capsule wardrobe and your selections are reflecting your personal style.

I hope this helps! I’m so grateful to be able to share my fashion inspo with all of you. Thank you always for following along. Tell me how you describe your style!

xx,

Photos by Sweetie Mensah