Beginner’s Guide: Tips and Tricks to Finding Your Personal Style
By Bailey Stuvland, The Bailey Daily
Before I share some of my tips and tricks to discovering your own personal style, allow me to point out that your personal style should never be definitive or have a deadline. Finding your personal style should be lucid and ever-evolving which will reflect your own life experiences because as life changes, your style will change too. This is much like the evolution of fashion and how the times will influence our sense of fashion in some way. To begin, however, I put together a list of ways, whether you are just starting the journey, or for those who would like a refresher course on how find your signature style.
First, Edit Your Closet
Clean out your own closet and decide if there are pieces that no longer serve you or that you have not worn in a year or longer. Divide piles into groups: (i.e. Keep, Store, Donate, Toss). Next, get your closet organized and make the most out of your space by investing in nice hangers (I prefer the velvet non-slip kind), lucite boxes for storing items like scarves to put on your shelves, and shoe racks so you can not only optimize your space, but feel great every time you open your closet door to get dressed because you love the way your closet looks! You can find great items to help organize your closet here.
Create A Capsule Wardrobe
What is a capsule wardrobe? Basically, it is a closet full of classic, good quality, versatile pieces which will serve as the base of your foundation or wardrobe. So, you will want to invest in timeless, classic pieces that will last you a long time. For example, a high quality button down white blouse or a great pair of jeans (love Levi’s) that will serve you for years to come and never go out of style. Once you create your ideal capsule wardrobe, or closet full of staple pieces (see also “Back to Basics” below), you are now free to mix and match with seasonal “on-trend’ items to change up each look. By finding your personal style via switching things up, you can avoid outfit repeats as you can always add a different scarf or accessory to make the look a little different each time. So, you will want to invest in timeless, classic pieces that will last you a long time. For example, a high quality button down white blouse or a great pair of jeans that will serve you for years to come and never go out of style.
Go Back To Basics
Just like any great architectural structure, laying a solid foundation is key. The same thing can be said about creating the basis of your wardrobe, or outfit, around the basics. Whether you choose to splurge on one specific item or shop the sales, make sure you are investing in key pieces or wardrobe staples (i.e. classic white t-shirt, quality pair of denim jeans, black leggings, crisp white button down, chic black blazer). Once you have the basics down, it is easy to add to, or dress up with accessories, jackets and your shoe of choice.
Stick To Neutrals
Choose solid, tonal colors or pieces with minimal patterns as the base of your foundation. Sticking to neutral shades will further the development of your capsule wardrobe and make getting ready a breeze. It is best to choose neutral, classic pieces, as the base of your outfit as you can add (or layer with) on-trend pieces, accessories, pops of color and test out pattern mixing from season to season. For example, you have on your simply perfect pair of jeans and white v-neck t-shirt and add that adorable plaid scarf, you have been waiting to wear for fall. Think of it like frosting on a cake!
Fashion is About Setting Yourself Apart
Own a few items that are rare, one-of-a-kind pieces that are indicative of your style and extra special to you! They will certainly add that wow factor and edge/dress up your basic foundation as discussed above to give your outfit some POP! So, hit up your local second-hand shop for a timeless trench, edgy moto jacket, vintage brooches or a faux mink stole. Or, even bust out that killer band tee that belonged to your dad and has a little story tied to it. These are key pieces as you can add them to any outfit to authenticate your look. Jewelry and accessories are especially significant here as they are often family heirlooms that are passed down from generation to generation. This not only makes them unique and invaluable, but something so special to you, that you will love to wear as you are reminded of that person each time you put it on. It is like you are carrying a little piece of them with you.
Develop A Signature Style
It is important to know your body and dress for what looks best on your shape. Play up your assets and flaunt the favorite parts of yourself. Also finding your personal style can mean stocking up on pieces that you love: whether it be mock neck turtlenecks, a classic white tee or even a cozy sweater just make sure it expresses who you are and are comfortable in*. By following the steps above, you will be on your way to creating your own fashion image, be it feminine with an edge or classic chic maven. Just be sure to showcase your true self and personality in what you wear every time you walk out the door. After all, looking your best will help you feel your best!
