How to Discover Your Personal Style, Once and For All

      For years, I felt like my wardrobe was lacking. Each shopping trip ended with me thinking, “This is it. This piece will complete my wardrobe, harmonize it, and demonstrate my grasp of personal style.”

      The reality? No shirt, shorts, or skirt could magically fix my issues because I was uncertain about how to identify my personal style. While I appreciated variety—from my lime green sweater to my flowing lace maxi skirt and bedazzled denim shorts—it ultimately became overwhelming. It took a considerable amount of trial and error (mostly errors) over the years for me to discover what I truly liked. Now that I’ve reached the other side, I can confidently say my closet is filled with pieces that align with my personal style—and that I genuinely love.

      Curious about how to finally uncover your personal style? It doesn’t have to be daunting—these 10 tips will help you find yours, too.

      Understanding Your Personal Style

      Developing your personal style doesn’t have to be complicated. Think of it as a means to express who you are, showcase your individuality, and hopefully boost your confidence along the way.

      What is personal style?

      Personal style is how you communicate your identity through clothing and accessories, reflecting your interpretation of fashion in everyday life. Whether your style is trendy, maximalist, or minimalist doesn’t matter, as long as it represents you.

      Eager to discover your personal style? We have you covered with 10 tips that will make getting dressed each day an enjoyable task instead of a chore.

      Source: @menzabolamba

      1. Spend a day exploring clothing—without making any purchases

      Listen: A day of shopping can be enjoyable, but it’s not always the most effective way to discover your style. The crowds and long dressing room lines can lead to impulsive choices that don’t truly resonate with you.

      Instead, dedicate a day to looking at clothes without the pressure to buy. Use this time to explore what you like, jot down what makes you feel good, and then go home and reflect on it, planning which items you actually want to add to your closet.

      You can also experiment with new styles through clothing rental services. This allows you to try out some of your style inspirations without committing to new pieces that may not truly suit you in the long term.

      2. Utilize Pinterest as a mood board

      One essential tool for uncovering your personal style? Pinterest boards. When I started using Pinterest for inspiration, I promised to only pin looks I genuinely loved. Initially, my pins were quite varied. But as I analyzed them closely, I realized common threads, such as “I like this look because it's all neutral tones” or “I’m not fond of this look; I just like that Gigi Hadid is wearing it.” Having a collection of outfits that resonated with me allowed me to observe the overarching themes and similarities. Another tip? Forget about “dressing for your body shape” and concentrate on what you truly love.

      Consider your style icons, identify what you love about their choices, and save your favorite outfits on a Pinterest board. The next time you seek outfit inspiration, use these saved images as a foundation to build your wardrobe around.

      3. Regularly declutter your closet

      The simplest way to feel like you have nothing to wear? A closet overflowing with ill-fitting, out-of-season items, or clothes you simply don’t like. If you pull out an item and decide against wearing it due to dislike or stains, don’t just return it to the closet. Rather than letting your closet spiral out of control and waiting for a mass purge a few times a year, clean it out consistently.

      Clothes can be pricey, and sometimes, investing in high-quality pieces is not feasible. However, it’s possible to find durable items that fit your budget through thrifting and resale apps instead of turning to fast-fashion pieces that may not last long.

      Source: @laura.byrnes

      4. Step out of your comfort zone

      While discovering your personal style, remember that clothing and fashion should be fun. You have the freedom to experiment and try new things. If something doesn’t suit your taste, that’s okay; it’s just one step closer to finding what you do enjoy. Keep in mind that personal style is a form of self-expression and shouldn’t be overly serious; it can evolve over time.

      You can start small. For instance, if you typically wear neutral shades, consider trying a pair of printed pants; if you usually prefer oversized loungewear, experiment with a more fitted silhouette. You might discover new favorites.

      5. Assess the clothes you wear daily

      When I began to clarify the aesthetic I wanted, I felt the impulse to immediately fill bags and donate everything that didn’t fit that aesthetic. But remember: patience is key.

      Over several months, strategically add pieces that you can envision wearing for years, regardless of fleeting trends. As your style changes, reassess the items you