How to Find a Personal Style
Finding a personal style is not about following the most current trends or wearing the most expensive fashions. A personal style is a way to translate your individual personality through your appearance---the way you let your attitude carry you within your attire. From Marie Antoinette to Audrey Hepburn to Andre 3000 and David and Victoria Beckham, style icons exude individual style by adding their own twist to personalized classics. If you are ready to find your personal style, you simply need to examine the wardrobe you already own. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Take an inventory of your closet, noting your favorite articles of clothing and accessories, including your everyday items and those that you can never wait to wear to the next special occasion.
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Scrutinize the wardrobe pieces you have separated. If you find that you have a plethora of printed or floral-patterned blouses and dresses, you might have a bohemian, whimsical personal style. If you have plenty of black, form-fitting tops and pencil skirts, you might find that your personal style is classic chic. If you are holding a pair of sneakers, cargo pants and your baseball team's T-shirt, your personal style is most likely sporty. Your style might be grungy if you own ripped jeans, leggings, work boots and flannel shirts. Do you shop at thrift stores and antique shops for fitted 1950s housewife dresses and emblazoned, one-of-a-kind accessories? Girly vintage might be your style.
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Decide why these items are your favorites. Are you physically comfortable in these outfit choices? Do you receive more compliments and positive attention when wearing these pieces? If you answered yes to these questions, then you are most likely exuding confidence---a telltale sign that personal style has been achieved.
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Add a personalized touch or a "signature piece" to each outfit. Even if you find yourself adhering to a uniform or a strict dress code at school or work, there is wiggle room for everyone. If your personal style is bohemian and whimsical, pin a gauzy flower to your blouse or in your hair. If sporty is your style, leather cuff bracelets or cotton wristbands can add some flair to an otherwise standard outfit. Classic chic? Try wearing a strand of pearls or a black headband adorned with a small bow.
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Tips & Warnings
Nina Garcia, Fashion Director for "Marie Claire" magazine and author of "The Little Black Book of Style," writes that in order to find your personal style, you must find your style that "comes from within." Translation: Follow your natural fashion instinct.
There is a time and place for everything, and that includes fashion choices. Choose your outfits wisely when it comes to work and special occasions. Flip flops at the beach? Sure! At work? Not unless you are a lifeguard.
Don't forget that personal style reaches from head to toe. The right footwear and haircut are equally as important as your attire when your goal is to find your own personal style.
