Personal style is something that’s never truly done developing. Personal style goes through the ebbs and flows of life, just like you. Your style has more than likely evolved from the time you started dressing yourself until now. It adapts to your lifestyle, commitments, hobbies, favorite colors, and ever-changing fashion scene. Your personal style is never finished because your life will always continue to evolve. A personal style should reflect the holistic individual. Whether you’re looking to add a bit of personality, adapt to your lifestyle, or adjust for a new stage of life, learn how to improve your personal style with this guide.
Purge your closet
Purge your closet of all pieces that do not reflect your current personal style. Part of this is evaluating your life and fashion priorities at the moment. Maybe your life is in a transitional period and your wardrobe hasn’t shifted yet. For example, a fresh college graduate may need to rid the closet of some athleisure items to reflect the lifestyle changes to come.
Pick up each item you own and think about the last time you wore it. If it’s been over a year since you’ve worn it, it doesn’t fit, or it’s something you don’t feel reflects your personality and your life in the current moment, rid your closet of it. You can donate clothing that is in good condition and repurpose other pieces.
Once your closet is filled with only pieces that reflect your current self, you will feel much less burdened when putting together an outfit.
Look for inspiration
Search through multiple channels to find outfit and style inspiration to adapt and apply to your own personal style. Some good sources of inspiration are fashion designers, celebrities, friends, and influencers. Search designers to find some that make styles of clothing you gravitate toward. Examine what you like and dislike about celebrity and influencer styles and try to add in elements you enjoy into your wardrobe. For example, if a friend of yours has a cute pair of bohemian jeans that you can see yourself rocking, do some research into that style of clothing and look for pieces that mimic the elements you like from the look.
Invest in pieces you love
With your closet whittled down to essentials and pieces you love to wear, you have room to expand your horizons. Branch out of your normal stores and look for pieces you love to add to your style repertoire. This doesn’t have to be limited to just clothing pieces—look into jewelry, shoes, purses, belts, and other accessories. Accessories are one of the most important factors in personal style because they help to communicate individuality and show effort and intention in putting an outfit together.