Personal Style: Why It's Important & How To Easily Find Yours
Knowing your personal style literally creates the foundation for dressing with confidence. It’s the roadmap to follow. So trying to get dressed without having a handle on your personal style is like trying to get to a destination without a map or directions (or Waze if you’re too young to know what a map is - lol!)
Every single 1:1 client I work with is required to spend time with me defining their personal style. I’m serious, or I won’t work with them because it becomes a waste of both of our time if we don’t have that crucial information. It’s the foundational work that’s needed BEFORE we get to the shopping part. WHY? Because we can’t make a conscious decision about a plan of action if we don’t have a guide in place.
Knowing your personal style becomes that guide. Yes, there are some people that absolutely know what their style is, and it aligns perfectly with who they are and the message they want to project to the world.
Spoiler alert - those are generally the people we feel are stylish when we look at them.
Why? Because when you know your style, and it is in sync with who you are - you feel confident. And it is that confidence that shines and draws people to you.
That’s the goal, right? The end game is confidence. And it is ABSOLUTELY achievable. But, and this kind of a mid-sized but: it can be achieved but you need to put in the groundwork in and lay the foundation in the beginning - so you’re set up for success.
The difference between Fashion and Style
I just saw this video with Iris Apfel - you know the grand dame of style. You might not know her name, but when I show you her photo, you’re going to be like, ohhhh I know her.
Anyway, there is this video of her circulating where she talks about the difference between being fashionable and being stylish - and truth be told; there is a big difference.
Confusing fashion with style is why people often get frustrated, and it takes the fun out of getting dressed. So let’s decode these terms!
Fashion, or being fashionable, is about things that can be purchased.
It is focused on the collective, not the individual. Fashion is about new trends and popular ways of dressing. It’s like chasing an ever-elusive perfect something that can’t get nailed down because it’s always changing. But at its core - fashion is supposed to change because it focuses on the prevailing style of that time.
Style, or being stylish, is about the individual.
It is how one expresses themselves (even before they open their mouth to talk). Style is unique to each person because it takes individuality, originality, and even some risk to develop your personal style.At the end of the day, once you’ve found your personal style - the fashion part becomes fun again - because you know what feels right, comfortable and authentic for you.
You know those times when you’ve gotten dressed, and you feel like you can conquer the world? Where your confidence comes shining thru because your clothing is so aligned with who you are and what you want to be projecting, you feel bad a**?
It’s because that particular outfit was consistent with your personal style. When you find your personal style, getting dressed is no longer a game of Russian roulette. Instead, it becomes a methodical, mindful process where your clothes match the true you (AKA, your personal style).
A style statement is like a mission statement for your wardrobe. It allows you to put into words and pictures your ideal style. This style statement is the map or guide I was talking about earlier. If you think of yourself as a brand (and you should) your style speaks before you even open your mouth - so having clarity on what you want your style to say is hugely important.
Having a style statement also allows you, before you take any action or even take out your wallet to buy something, to assess if the item in question will serve you well. If you have a well vetted style statement, that becomes the gold standard for items entering and exiting your closet. As well as the guide for the outfits you put together.
Step 1: Determine Your Wardrobe MVPs
Look in your closet and see what your most often worn pieces are (and I don’t mean your loungewear or pj’s). Sometimes these are called the MVPs, go-to’s, regulars, or never fails - basically, they’re the pieces you wear all the time. The pieces you know when you put them on make you feel good.
It might be your favorite sweater in a color that matches your eyes or the dress that always makes you feel pretty. You for sure have one or two pieces like this, and if you really think about it, you probably have many more.
Pro Tip: You can use my hanger trick to really see what pieces you’re wearing; those are likely your go-to’s!
For example, in my closet, these are some of my go-to never fails:
Leather Blazers in various price points
Black Floral Dresses in various price points
White Oversized Button Ups in various price points
Wide Leg Denim in various price points
White Heeled Booties in various price points
Graphic Tee in various price points
These are the items that would be part of a capsule wardrobe or go in the suitcase when I go on vacation. I know they’re my go-to’s because they regularly accompany me when I travel. And they’re what I reach for when I am feeling lazy and uninspired.
Now, see if there is a commonality to your go-to’s - do they have a thru line? How would you describe them if you were talking to a friend?
The through line for my go-to pieces (and this is personal to me), is; elevated, effortless, classy, creative, comfortable, and a little bit of cool. So that becomes one way for me to create my Style Statement.
Pro tip: This may or may not work for you - if it does not, DON’T WORRY. There are many more ways to discover your style statement below.
For 3 more steps to help you find your personal style, join me live this Friday for the Supercharge Your Style Summit! It’s hosted by Shannon April and I am a featured speaker!