If you’ve been struggling to find your personal style, you have finally made it to the right side of the Internet. Let’s go!
Personal style is much more than the clothes you wear.
It’s the energy you carry, the story you tell, and the confidence you exude through your wardrobe.
In this blog, you’ll learn 11 practical and easy-to-follow personal style hacks that every woman should know.
Whether you’re just starting to develop personal style or want to refine yours, this personal style guide has you covered.
What is Personal Style?
Personal style is your silent introduction before you even say a word. In a world constantly chasing trends and hopping on “the next fashion statement”, owning your style is about choosing timeless over trendy, it is about choosing comfort over chaos.
Here are 11 personal style hacks that will help you find and own your style in the most natural way.
1. Start by Understanding What Personal Style Means to You
Before jumping into Pinterest boards or shopping sprees, take time to reflect on what is personal style to you.
Is it minimalist? Feminine? Bold? Vintage?
Think about the clothes you feel most comfortable in, your favorite colors, and how you want to be perceived.
Style Tip: Keep a mood board (physical or digital) to gather inspiration from magazines, fashion bloggers, movies, or Pinterest.
2. Define Your Personal Style Type
There are many personal style types: classic, boho, romantic, edgy, sporty, and eclectic.
Knowing your dominant style helps you avoid impulse buys and build a capsule wardrobe.
That doesn’t mean boxing yourself in. Your personal style can be a mix of 2-3 types that reflect different parts of your personality.
For example, my personal style is classic, elegant, and Indian ethnic.
Style Tip: Try the “3-Word Method”: Choose three words that describe your ideal style (e.g., timeless, effortless, feminine).
3. Do a Closet Audit Before You Shop
One of the easiest personal style hacks is to shop your closet first.
Pull everything out and create three piles: love it, maybe, and donate.
Pay attention to what you love wearing again and again; that’s the essence of your personal style box. These are the wardrobe essentials you like to go back to again and again.
I am a basic t-shirt and denim jeans kind of woman, and I have quite a few of them.
Style Tip: Take photos of outfits you love wearing. They’ll serve as go-to inspiration on days you feel like you have “nothing to wear”.
4. Invest in Signature Pieces
To develop personal style, invest in timeless pieces that become your signature: like a white t-shirt, black blazer, high-rise denim, dainty gold jewelry, or classic white sneakers.
Signature items ground your wardrobe and make outfit-building easier.
Style Tip: Choose pieces that you can dress up or down. Versatility is key when curating your personal style box.
5. Understand Your Body Shape and Dress Accordingly
Personal style flourishes when your clothes work with your body, not against it.
Know your body type (pear, apple, rectangle, hourglass) and learn what silhouettes flatter your frame the best.
In my case, when it comes to Indian ethnic fashion, I know the flowy dresses flatter my body.
Style Tip: Belts for definition, structured blazers for shaping, and vertical lines to elongate are your best friends.
6. Play with Texture and Layers
A common mistake when trying to own your style is thinking you need to buy more.
In reality, layering and combining textures is a free way to elevate any outfit. Think denim over cotton, leather with silk, or knit on satin.
Style Tip: Add depth by combining three different materials in one outfit.
7. Plan Your Outfits Like You Plan Your Week
This personal style tip is for busy women: set aside 30 minutes on Sunday to plan 5 outfits for the week. This helps avoid last-minute outfit anxiety and keeps you in touch with your personal style goals.
And if you’re a remote worker like me, then happy pajamas to you too!
Style Tip: Lay out your outfits or take flat lays/photos. You’ll save time and feel more prepared each morning.
8. Build a Personal Style Uniform
Once you identify your go-to outfit formulas (jeans + blazer + tee or maxi dress + sandals + tote), you can build variations around them.
A personal style uniform simplifies your wardrobe while keeping it unique to you.
For inspiration, you can read more on adding some summer clothing capsule items to your wardrobe.
9. Accessories are Your Personal Style Cheat Code
Accessories are the fastest way to personalize your look. Even a plain tee and jeans look elevated with the right scarf, belt, or statement earrings can make the difference.
Use them to express your mood, seasonal vibe, or even experiment with trends.
Here are 15 staple jewelry items from my personal collection to inspire you to build the best personal style box for yourself.
Style Tip: Invest in a few high-quality accessories, like a structured handbag or layered necklaces, that align with your personal style type.
10. Document Your Outfits to Discover Patterns
Just like journaling, documenting your outfits can reveal what works best for you. Look for patterns in color, silhouette, and fit. This helps you to not splurge but shop mindfully and stay consistent with your personal style.
Style Tip: Use a style app like Stylebook or a private Instagram account to track outfits.
11. Keep Evolving Your Style With Your Life
Your personal style should evolve as your lifestyle, job, body, and mindset do. What felt authentic in your 20s may not feel the same in your 30s or 40s. Don’t be afraid to redefine and refresh your wardrobe.
I had a major wardrobe replacement when I turned 25. Being in my late 20s makes me feel as if most of the pieces I had before were senseless.
I turned to building a more minimalist wardrobe in 2022, and I have felt more pleased to invest in quality and timeless pieces instead of buying new items.
Style Tip: Revisit your personal style guide every season or year to adjust your wardrobe goals.
Conclusion: Own Your Style
Your personal style is not about perfection, it’s about authenticity. When you own your style, you walk with ease and express yourself without needing words.
The more confident you become with your style choices, the less you’ll chase trends and the more you’ll define your narrative through fashion.
These 11 personal style hacks are just the beginning. With consistency, awareness, and a bit of experimentation, you’ll refine a style that truly feels like you.
So go ahead, let your closet be your canvas and prepare to own your style with confidence!
FAQs About Personal Style:
1. What is personal style and why is it important?
Personal style is your unique way of expressing yourself through fashion, accessories, and grooming. It reflects your personality, lifestyle, and confidence. When you have a defined personal style, you dress with intention and feel more authentic in your appearance.
2. How do I find my personal style?
Start by exploring your preferences. What colors, silhouettes, and fabrics do you feel most confident in? Create a mood board, analyze your favorite outfits, and try a personal style guide quiz. Over time, you’ll develop personal style patterns that feel natural and empowering.
3. What are the different personal style types?
Some common personal style types include classic, minimalist, bohemian, edgy, romantic, preppy, and sporty. You can also blend styles to create your own personal style box that aligns with your lifestyle and mood.
4. Can my personal style change over time?
Absolutely. Personal style evolves as your life changes: through age, career, interests, or experiences. Embrace this evolution by updating your wardrobe with intentional pieces that still feel like “you.” I did this when I entered my late 20s for the first time and most of it makes sense now.
5. How do I own my style with confidence?
Own your style by choosing pieces that make you feel comfortable and powerful. Focus less on trends and more on what flatters your body and reflects your identity. Remember, the confidence in your personal style comes from self-acceptance and experimentation.
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