The Quick 7-Step Plan to Find Your Personal Style
Do you ever find yourself with a clear vision of how you want to dress, but when it comes time to put it all together, it just doesn’t work out? You might end up shopping for pieces that are the exact opposite of what you envisioned, leaving you feeling frustrated and unsure about your personal style.
So, what exactly is personal style? Think of it as your fashion fingerprint—your brand identity expressed through the clothes you wear. It’s the way you present yourself to the world, and it plays a huge role in how confident and comfortable you feel in your own skin. But here’s the thing: while some people seem to find their style effortlessly, others struggle to pin it down.
Why do some of us find it so hard? It’s often because we’re overwhelmed by trends, unsure of what truly suits us, or simply haven’t taken the time to explore what feels right. That’s where this guide comes in. I’m here to help you uncover your personal style, piece by piece, so you can build a wardrobe that not only looks good but feels good too.
Why is style so important? It’s more than just clothing; it’s about how you feel when you wear those clothes. This is where the concept of enclothed cognition comes in—the idea that what you wear can actually influence your emotions, your confidence, and even your performance. When you feel self-conscious about your outfit, it can impact your entire day. But when your outfit aligns with your personal style, you feel empowered, confident, and ready to take on the world.
By following the steps in this guide, you’ll learn how to create a wardrobe that reflects your true self, helps you feel your best, and leaves you excited to get dressed every day.
Let’s get started!
Get your Style Mastery Workbook now to guide you through your personal style journey and help you find that sweet spot between your current wardrobe and your style goals.
Step 1: Define Your Style Goals
One of the biggest reasons people struggle with their personal style is because they don’t have clear goals. Without knowing what you want your style to say about you, it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of fashion choices. So, let’s talk about why setting style goals is key and how you can create goals that are realistic and totally achievable.
Defining your style goals is like setting your GPS—it helps you focus on what’s important and keeps you on track. Plus, it makes it easier to measure your progress as you build a wardrobe that feels true to you.
[Tip #1] Identify what you want your style to say about you.
Think of your style as your personal brand—it’s how you present yourself to the world. Do you want to come across as laid-back and casual, or polished and professional? Maybe you’re into bold accessories and bright colors, or perhaps you prefer simple lines and neutral tones. Whatever it is, take a close look at your favorite looks and ask yourself, “What message do I want my clothes to send?”
[Tip #2] Consider your lifestyle and daily activities.
Your style should work with your life, not against it. If you’re running around all day, comfort is probably a big deal. But if you’re working in an office, maybe you’re looking for a more classic and polished look. Think about how you spend your time and how your clothes can support you in being your best self. This is a great way to make sure your wardrobe is practical and aligns with your everyday needs.
[Tip #3] Set a budget for your wardrobe updates.
We all love a little shopping spree, but let’s be real—impulse purchases can add up fast. Setting a budget helps you avoid those “What was I thinking?” moments and keeps your wardrobe updates on track. Invest in high-quality pieces that you’ll love for a very long time, and don’t forget to look for versatile items that can be mixed and matched with your current wardrobe.
By setting clear style goals, you’ll be on your way to finding a unique personal style that feels authentic and reflects who you are.
Related Blog Post: How to Create Goals for Your Personal Style
Step 2:Take Stock of Your Current Wardrobe
Before you can move forward with your personal style, it’s crucial to take stock of what you already have. Your current wardrobe might hold some hidden gems—or it could be full of pieces that no longer reflect who you are. Let’s dive into why analyzing your wardrobe is so important and how to do it effectively.
Analyzing your current wardrobe is like hitting the reset button. It helps you understand what’s working, what’s not, and what you need to add or remove to build a more cohesive wardrobe. Plus, it’s a great way to stop buying clothes that just end up sitting in your closet.
How to Do It
Conduct a Wardrobe Audit
Start by pulling everything out of your closet and sorting your clothes into three categories: keep, donate, and sell. Be honest with yourself—if you haven’t worn something in the last year, it might be time to let it go. The goal here is to keep only the pieces that you truly love and that align with your unique personal style.
Identify Patterns in What You Love (and What You Don’t)
As you go through your clothes, you’ll start to notice patterns. Maybe you have a ton of neutral colors but find yourself craving more bright colors and bold accessories. Or perhaps you keep buying trendy pieces, but you always reach for your classic, timeless styles. Understanding these patterns will help you figure out what makes you feel like your best self.
Look for Gaps That Need Filling
Once you’ve identified the patterns, take a close look at what’s missing. Do you need more versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched? Or maybe you’re lacking in the basics like a great pair of jeans or a little black dress. Recognizing these gaps will make your future shopping trips more intentional and help you avoid those impulse purchases that don’t really fit your personal brand.
Taking stock of your current wardrobe is a powerful tool in your personal style journey. It gives you a clear picture of where you are now and what you need to build a wardrobe that reflects your true style.
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Step 3:Find Inspiration
Now that you’ve taken stock of your current wardrobe, it’s time to have some fun! finding inspiration is one of the best ways to discover what styles resonate with you and help you define your own sense of style. Let’s look at why this step is so important and how you can dive into it.
Finding style inspiration gives you a visual roadmap of what you like and what makes you feel excited about fashion. It’s a great way to explore different aesthetics, discover your style icons, and start shaping a personal fashion style that feels authentic to you.
Create a Pinterest Board or Mood Board
Start by collecting images that inspire you. Pinterest is a powerful tool for this—you can create a board dedicated to different looks, color palettes, and styles that catch your eye. Or, if you prefer something more tangible, grab some magazines and create a physical mood board. The goal is to focus on styles and aesthetics that appeal to you, whether it’s the simple lines of a minimalist outfit or the bold accessories in a boho-chic look.
Pay Attention to Recurring Themes and Color Combinations
As you gather inspiration, you’ll start to notice certain themes that keep popping up. Maybe you’re drawn to neutral tones with pops of bright colors, or perhaps you’re loving outfits with clean, simple lines. These recurring elements are clues to what your unique personal style might be. Also, take note of the color combinations that stand out to you—they can guide you in building a cohesive wardrobe.
Quick Tip: Stay True to Your Own Style
While it’s exciting to explore new trends and styles, it’s important to stay true to yourself. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things, but always keep your own sense of style in mind. This is about finding what works for you, not just copying what’s popular on social media platforms.
Finding inspiration is all about discovering what speaks to you and translating that into outfits you’ll love wearing every day. It’s the sweet spot where your personal style and the latest trends meet.
Related Blog Post: Reasons I’ve Stopped Chasing Trends
Step 4: Identify Your Body Shape and Dress Accordingly
One of the great things about fashion is that there are so many different ways to express yourself, and understanding your body shape is a game-changer when it comes to dressing in a way that makes you feel confident and polished. By recognizing your body type and choosing styles that highlight your best features, you can create a more cohesive and flattering wardrobe.
Dressing for your body shape and understanding the fit of your clothing can really enhance your confidence. When your clothes fit well and complement your body type, you’ll notice how much more put-together and stylish you feel. It’s all about finding that right combination of pieces that work with your shape, not against it.
How to Do It
Step 1: Determine Your Body Shape
The first step is to figure out what body shape you have. Are you a pear, apple, hourglass, or something in between? Knowing this helps you find the styles that will flatter your best features. For example, if you have an hourglass figure, you might want to focus on outfits that highlight your waist. On the other hand, if you’re more of a pear shape, you might look for pieces that balance your proportions by adding volume to your upper body.
Step 2: Find Styles That Flatter Your Shape
Once you’ve identified your body shape, it’s time to explore different styles that will make you feel amazing. For example, A-line skirts are a great way to emphasize your waist if you have a pear shape, while wrap dresses can be a go-to for hourglass figures. The key is to experiment with different looks and see what makes you feel like your best self.
A few ways you can approach this:
[Method #1] Start with one or two key pieces that flatter your shape and build your outfit around them. For example, if you have an hourglass figure, a fitted blazer could be your starting point.
[Method #2] Experiment with different styles in the dressing room before committing to new pieces. Take the time to see how different cuts and fits work with your body shape.
[Method #3] Use accessories to draw attention to your best features. For instance, a bold necklace can bring focus to your neckline, while a belt can emphasize your waist.
Identifying your body shape and learning how to dress accordingly is a great way to ensure that your wardrobe truly works for you. It’s all about enhancing your best features and feeling confident in what you wear.
Related Blog Post: How to Dress for Your Body Type
Step 5: Define Your Style Personality
Your style personality is more than just the clothes you wear—it's a powerful tool that reflects who you are and how you want to present yourself to the world. Think of it as your style archetype, a way to categorize and understand your unique approach to fashion. By defining your style personality, you can create a wardrobe that feels authentic and aligned with your true self.
Understanding your style personality helps you make more intentional fashion choices. It’s about knowing what resonates with you and what makes you feel most comfortable and confident. Your style personality also influences how you express yourself and how others perceive you, making it a key aspect of your overall personal brand.
Step 1: Explore Different Style Archetypes
Style archetypes are essentially categories that help define different approaches to fashion. For example, you might be drawn to the classic style personality, characterized by timeless pieces like tailored blazers and little black dresses. Or maybe you resonate more with a bohemian style, favoring flowy fabrics, bold accessories, and bright colors. Other common archetypes include minimalist, romantic, edgy, and sporty.
Each style archetype has its own distinct characteristics, and understanding where you fit can help guide your fashion choices. It’s not about fitting into a box but rather about finding the style that feels most like you.
Step 2: Consider How Your Style Personality Fits with Your Daily Activities
Your style personality should not only reflect who you are but also fit seamlessly into your daily life. Think about your lifestyle, your daily activities, and how your clothing needs to support you. For example, if you have an active lifestyle, a sporty or casual style personality might be more practical. On the other hand, if you work in a corporate environment, a classic or polished style might be more appropriate.
By aligning your style personality with your life experiences and daily routine, you ensure that your wardrobe works for you rather than against you.
Quick Tip: Start by Incorporating Signature Pieces
A great way to define and embrace your style personality is to start with signature pieces that represent your unique personal style. These could be anything from a favorite pair of ballet flats to a bold statement necklace. These items become the foundation of your wardrobe, making it easier to build outfits that feel true to you.
A Few Ways to Approach This:
[Method #1] Identify one or two style archetypes that resonate with you the most. For example, if you love both classic and edgy looks, explore how you can blend these styles to create your own unique signature style.
[Method #2] Experiment with different looks to see what feels most authentic. This might mean trying out new pieces that push you slightly out of your comfort zone or mixing and matching elements from different style archetypes.
[Method #3] Use your style personality as a filter when shopping. Before making a purchase, ask yourself, “Does this align with my style personality?” This helps prevent impulse purchases and keeps your wardrobe cohesive.
Defining your style personality is a journey of self-discovery. It’s about embracing who you are and using fashion as a way to express your unique identity.
Related Blog Post: What Is Your Fashion Personality?
Step 6: Create a Color Palette That Reflects Your Style
Now that you’ve defined your style personality, it’s time to dive into the next essential step: creating a color palette that reflects your unique style. Many people overlook this step and then wonder why their wardrobe feels disjointed. But trust me, creating a cohesive color palette is crucial to building a wardrobe that feels intentional and true to you.
I’ve helped several clients achieve a more polished and cohesive wardrobe by focusing on this step, and it’s one of the most impactful ways to elevate your style. The reason is simple: you can’t build a wardrobe that reflects your personal brand without having a clear color palette that ties everything together.
Here Are Some Questions to Ask Yourself:
[Question #1] What colors do I naturally gravitate towards?
Think about the colors that make you feel confident and comfortable. These are often the shades that you’ll want to incorporate into your wardrobe. Pay attention to what’s already in your closet—do you see a lot of neutral tones, bright colors, or perhaps a mix of both?
[Question #2] How do these colors work with my skin tone?
Understanding how different colors complement your skin tone is key to creating a color palette that enhances your best features. For example, if you have warm undertones, you might look amazing in earthy tones like olive green, mustard yellow, and warm browns. On the other hand, cooler undertones might shine in jewel tones like sapphire blue or emerald green.
[Question #3] What mood or vibe do I want my wardrobe to convey?
Your color palette can set the tone for your entire wardrobe. Do you want a soft, romantic vibe with pastels and neutral colors? Or are you aiming for a bold, vibrant look with bright colors and striking contrasts? Consider how you want your clothes to make you feel and how they align with your personal style goals.
[Question #4] How can I incorporate classic pieces into my color palette?
Classic pieces are the backbone of a timeless wardrobe, and they often come in versatile, neutral colors. Think about how you can blend these with your color palette. For example, a little black dress or a crisp white shirt can be paired with bolder pieces to create a balanced look.
[Question #5] How will this color palette work across different seasons?
Consider how your chosen colors will transition from season to season. You might want to create a seasonal color palette that adapts to the changing weather while still reflecting your unique style. For example, warmer tones might dominate your fall and winter wardrobe, while brighter, lighter shades could take center stage in spring and summer.
Creating a color palette is a powerful tool for building a wardrobe that feels cohesive and intentional. It helps you make better shopping decisions, avoid impulse purchases, and ensures that everything in your closet works together harmoniously.
If you need help with this, check out my post on why you should consider creating a seasonal color palette. It shows you how to select colors that align with your style and transition seamlessly through the seasons.
Step 7: Continuously Refine and Evolve Your Style
Now that you’ve created a color palette that reflects your personal style, it’s time to embrace the ongoing journey of refining and evolving your style. Many people think that once they’ve defined their style, the work is done—but personal style is not static. It evolves with you, influenced by your inner self, lifestyle changes, and even the latest trends.
I’ve seen countless clients who felt stuck in a style rut because they weren’t open to letting their style grow and change. This step is crucial because you can’t maintain a fresh and authentic look without regularly reassessing and evolving your style.
How to Do It
Regularly Assess Your Wardrobe and Style Goals
One of the best ways to keep your style fresh is by regularly taking a close look at your wardrobe and revisiting your style goals. Ask yourself: Are the clothes in my closet still serving me? Do they reflect who I am right now? Keeping an eye on current trends can also help you decide which pieces might need updating or replacing. But remember, the goal is to stay true to your personal fashion style while making room for growth.
Stay Open to Trying New Looks
Your style should evolve as you do. This means being open to experimenting with different aesthetics and stepping out of your comfort zone. Maybe you’ve always stuck to neutral tones but are now curious about incorporating some bright colors or bold accessories. Or perhaps you want to try a more minimalist approach after years of loving bohemian styles. The key is to keep your wardrobe dynamic and reflective of where you are in life.
Quick Tip: Document Your Outfits
One of the best ways to refine your style is to document your outfits. Take pictures of what you wear every day and note what you loved (or didn’t love) about each look. This practice can help you identify patterns, discover your favorite combinations, and see what’s working for you. Plus, it’s a great way to experiment with different color combinations and see what feels most authentic to you.
Continuously refining and evolving your style is all about staying connected to who you are and allowing your wardrobe to grow with you. It’s a journey of self-expression and creativity that never really ends—and that’s what makes it so exciting.
If you need more inspiration, check out my post on why you should take pictures of your outfit every day. It’s a powerful tool for tracking your style evolution and finding what truly resonates with you.
Wrapping It Up
If you define your style personality and create a color palette that reflects your style, you’ll be well on your way to building a wardrobe that truly represents who you are. Keep in mind that the steps I just shared work together to help you craft a personal style that feels authentic and cohesive. You’ll get the best results if you focus on incorporating each step one at a time, allowing your style to evolve naturally.
Ready to take your style journey to the next level? Purchase the Style Mastery Workbook and the Intentional Wardrobe Guide—these two guides work hand-in-hand to help you define your personal style and build a wardrobe that aligns with your goals. Start your journey today and create a style that feels uniquely you!
Disclaimer: this blogpost was originally published March 21, 2023 and was updated September 3, 2024
