Images: Imaxtree
There are all sorts of reasons to spend a little time defining your personal style beyond the obvious point of making it easier to get dressed in the morning. In the era of seasonless business models, when clear cut trends that change from season to season are less important than they once were, you may actually find some fashion freedom in identifying your own sartorial vibe. Besides, who wants to be a slave to trends anyway?
Defining your personal style is key to approaching every day with confidence. When you truly feel good about what you’re wearing, that kind of energy radiates outward. Think about it — when you feel stylish, you just act differently. You hold your head a little higher, maybe you even strut a little bit. Just imagine what you could accomplish in this world if you felt like that all the time.
So, how does one go about defining his or her personal style? It’s easier than you might think. Ahead, we’re breaking down the steps that will help you nail your signature look. Click through and get ready to own it.
[ Next: How to Mix Black and Brown Like a Style Guru ]
SEO: Six Tips to Defining Your Personal Style
-
Find Your Style Icon(s)
Most of us have more than one source of fashion inspiration because most of us are complex, multifaceted mixes of personality and preferences. From celebrities to street style stars to that cousin who just always looks put-together, we all have a list of ladies (and gentlemen) whose looks we gravitate toward. By doing a Pinterest, Instagram or Google search of "style icons" you'll start to identify your personal style influencers. And by writing down what they all have in common, you can pinpoint the aspects of their style that speak to you.
-
Name It
If you don't have a title, you don't have a complete story. Look at your inspiration and style icon photos and identify the looks you gravitate to. Then come up with a label that sums up the collection as a whole. You may find you're a boho-preppy mix or your style is a combination of modern and feminine. Don't worry about what it sounds like. It only matters that your label feels true to you and helps you define your personal style.
-
Play Favorites
All the great style icons have a signature item that defines their look: think Coco Chanel's pearls, Jane Birkin's jeans or Iris Apfel's giant baubles and statement glasses. Whether yours is a moto jacket, a striped boat neck shirt or statement earrings, find the piece in your closet that always makes you feel like you. Then make it your trademark item and rock the hell out of it.
-
Clean House (or Closet)
All that stuff that's just taking up space in your closet? Yeah, get rid of it. By taking a long, hard look at what you actually wear and what has just been hanging there in the last year, you'll home in on your personal style and the signature look that works with your life. When in doubt, donate. You'll make room for pieces that play well with the rest and maybe even help someone else define their look. Win-win!
-
Document What Works
You know that feeling when you've just nailed an outfit? That's the goal. When you're feeling yourself in a look, take a picture. You can reference the image later — and be your own style inspo.
-
Don't Underestimate the Extras
Accessories and beauty are the icing on the fashion cake. No matter if you're wearing a simple tee and jeans or an evening look, the jewelry you choose (or the shoes, handbag, nail polish, lipstick, etc.) makes all the difference. Pay attention to the whole picture and you'll really zero in on your personal style.
