How Do I Define My Personal Style? 5 Easy Steps
I think 8 out of every 10 people I come across are asking this question (whether they admit it or not). Unless you’re my husband Ryan, your appearance matters to you, and you care about how you show up to others. Now this doesn’t have to be for bad reasons, like you “need” to be seen a certain way—it could simply be because you want your image to reflect how you see yourself.
Despite what most of us would like to believe, psychology would tell us that how you dress is actually a reflection of how you think about yourself, at least, it’s a reflection of what you’re thinking when you wake up on any given day.
So, how do you define your personal style?
Here's what I recommend:
1. Start with a Pinterest board.
Yes, I know…simple, right? But as it turns out, Pinterest is a fantastic tool to gather your thoughts and play around with what outfits you like—and just as importantly, what you don’t. I actually make multiple boards based on different aspects of life, such as:
Work clothes
Everyday wear
Going out outfits
Having multiple boards allows you to see your preferences for different occasions, making it easier to see patterns and make connections. This is your visual roadmap to understanding your style.
2. Look at the items you wear MOST in your closet.
What we wear the most (and why we wear it) can tell you a lot about your style. So, take a moment to analyze your wardrobe:
Do you wear it for comfort? Maybe your go-to items are all about feeling cozy, and that’s a huge part of your personal style.
Is it about versatility? If you wear pieces that can transition from day to night, perhaps you prefer a more practical, adaptable approach to style.
Do you reach for the same colors or textures often? These preferences reveal the tone and feel of your style.
Look at what’s currently in your wardrobe, and ask yourself why those pieces feel right. What do they have in common? You might find that your style is already more defined than you think!
3. Identify the brands, icons, and people who inspire you.
Who do you look up to when it comes to style? Is it a celebrity, an influencer, or maybe someone you’ve met in your own life? Sometimes, knowing who inspires us can give us a clear picture of our style direction.
Think about the elements you admire in their outfits—whether it’s their use of color, the balance of comfort and sophistication, or their ability to mix trends and timeless pieces. These influences will help you pinpoint your style preferences and guide your wardrobe choices.
4. Experiment with your wardrobe!!
Don’t be afraid to try something new. Maybe you’ve always stuck to black and neutrals, but you’ve been eyeing a pop of color or trying out patterns. Take the time to step outside your comfort zone, even if it’s just once in a while.
You can start small—throw on a bold accessory or experiment with layering. As you try new things, see how they make you feel. Do they fit your personality? Do they help you express who you are? Personal style is always evolving, and part of the fun is finding what resonates with you.
5. Focus on quality over quantity.
This is something I always come back to with clients—investing in quality over a crowded closet full of fast fashion. When you build a wardrobe that reflects your personal style, it’s about investing in pieces that last. These pieces should make you feel good, fit well, and stand the test of time. So, don’t get caught up in trends—choose items that truly represent you.
Finding your personal style isn’t an overnight process—it’s a journey of experimentation, reflection, and learning to embrace what makes you feel the most “you.” There’s no right or wrong way to go about it!! The key is to take the TIME to understand what resonates with you and reflect that in what you wear. Be so, so patient with yourself.
Style is a form of self-expression, so let it be fun, intentional, and always authentic to who you are.