how to define your personal style
How do you shop consciously without having an understanding of your personal style?
Short answer? You can’t.
Long answer? You can’t do it mindfully and well.
Even though I’m a fashion designer by training and worked in that field until two years ago, it took me a long time to understand my own personal style. Honestly, I didn’t have much of a personal style until I went to college. I knew that I liked vibrant colors (still true), prints (still true), and functionality (still true), but I didn’t ask myself a really key question.
How do you want to feel when you get dressed in the morning?
Are you brave enough to ask yourself that question and spend maybe a weekend on Pinterest trying to figure that out? I don’t find that it takes long at all once you dedicate some time to it and follow some simple steps. The important thing to remember is that you’re not locked into this personal style forever--it’s just a starting point to help you be a more conscious consumer.
You are more than allowed to evolve (and you will), but narrowing in on your personal style will help ensure:
you will feel good in the clothing you buy because it feels like you, not just because of a social cause
you’re not purchasing pieces that will get pushed to the back of your closet
you’re implementing the strategy that the most sustainable choice is the product you don’t mind
you’ll feel more confident
you’ll be able to communicate part of who you are before ever opening your mouth
Practical questions to ask yourself to help define your personal style:
What is this made out of?
Natural fibers like cotton and linen don’t shed the microplastics that polyester does, but you’d likely not want a bathing suit made out of 100% cotton! My rule of thumb is to prioritize natural fibers and blends with mostly natural fibers and think twice about something made from a synthetic.
Does this item fit me?
If no, is it a simple fix like hemming or letting out the hem? Adjustments that deal with hems and sleeves are pretty easy fixes for a local tailor, as is bringing something in if it’s a little too big in one area. Other adjustments like the garment being too tight or just fitting your body strangely are more difficult and likely not worth your effort.
Is functionality important to me with this garment, and if so, is this garment functional?
When I’m looking for a dress to wear out on the weekends I’m not as concerned with functionality the way I am when I’m shopping for a pair of new pants. It’s important to call out when functionality is key and even when it’s not.
Emotional questions to ask yourself to help define your personal style:
How do you want to feel when you get dressed in the morning?
Some other questions to help you get to this ‘how’:
How do you feel when you listen to your favorite album?
How do you feel when you’re in your favorite place?
How do you feel when you’re with your friends?
How do you not want to feel when you get dressed in the morning?
Now that you’ve answered some really important questions to get started, here’s how to apply them this weekend. Peruse Pinterest, Instagram, etc and look up ‘celebrity style’ or ‘style trends 2020’ or even any of the phrases you’ve identified above + ‘style’ and see what comes up. From there, when you find a piece or outfit that you like, ask yourself if you think you’d feel the way you want to feel if you were to wear it. If the answer is yes, save it to a folder on your phone or a new Pinterest board. If the answer is no, scrap it and move on.
Liking the way something looks and liking the way something could look on you are two very important distinctions.
Continue doing this until you feel like you’ve identified enough garments that feel like your personal style. When you’re ready to shop at a thrift store or check out the new sustainable brand you came across, you can use the style guide you created and your answers to the practical questions and you are all set!
Were you the person in school who often went above and beyond a project, or did you do just enough to avoid angering your parents?
If you’re the latter, then your work is done!
If you’re the former, I have a bonus question for you! What would be a single phrase to describe your style? It can be anything from ‘classic minimalist’ to ‘mermaid rocker chic.’ This is powerful another tool in your toolbelt while you’re shopping. Even easier than coming to the store with a list is coming to the store with a phrase. Does this shirt make me feel like I’m a ‘classic minimalist’?
Asking myself if a garment fits my catchphrase is the main question I ask myself when I’m shopping. There are plenty of pieces that I have passed on, not because they weren’t great looking or well made, but because they didn’t make me feel exactly like I want to feel. Sometimes, the biggest and smartest decision you can make is to know when to simply say, ‘no.’
Curious about what my phrase is? Head over to my Instagram and take a peek at today’s post to find out!
in style,
