StO-Style: Seven Steps to Developing Personal Style

Hi fashionistas!

What you wear says a lot about your personality. We are all unique, beautiful, and inspired individuals, and bits of our personalities shine through in the clothes we choose to wear. I think that discovering our own, one-of-a-kind personal style is essential to feeling comfortable and confident in the clothes we wear. In order to cultivate confidence with fashion, a woman needs to be in-tune with her personal style.  

So, let’s explore what it means to construct personal style! Follow these seven steps to see how you can invent your beautiful and fashionable personal style.  

1. Know who you are

You are unique. No one else has the exact same perspective as you do. Use this to your advantage when building personal style! You know what styles you like when you page through a magazine or see someone walking down the street. Take this sense of “knowing yourself” and translate it into your style. 

2. Be inspired

Flip though a few fashion magazines, look at what people are wearing around campus, watch what people wear on T.V., follow another fashion blog, go on Pinterest… the options are truly endless for places you can discover inspiration. Take note of the styling methods, statement pieces, colors, patterns, or vibes of the things you like. Compile these likes, and you’ve got a jumping-off point for shaping your personal style. Build off of these ideas by adding your own flare!

3. Assess what you have

Have you ever heard the saying that ‘You wear twenty percent of your clothes eighty percent of the time’? Judging by this statement, you have a lot of items in your closet that go unworn and unnoticed. In order to optimize what you already have, carefully look at each item in your closet as though you are seeing it for the first time. By surveying your clothes in this way, you can more easily see the fashion options you already own. Maybe a pair of patterned pants or a chunky sweater hidden in the back of your closet will spark a new outfit idea. Items you already own often can be building blocks for personal style when you look at them in a new light.

4. Build onto what you have

Once you have carefully examined what you already own, it’s time to fill in the gaps. Purchase items you were inspired by or think you are lacking, that could strengthen your personal style. Maybe you love the ‘rustic’ look and you are missing a flannel shirt. It is the add-ons like this that enhance your style. (Take a peek at my post about Fashion Staples to get inspiration for the essential items that can supplement your wardrobe and personal style!) 

5. Wear what makes you feel good

You all know the feeling you have when you put on that perfect outfit in the morning. It bolsters confidence and a positive mood, makes you walk taller, and allows you to feel truly like yourself. You deserve to feel that good every single day, and only wearing items that make you feel good is essential to creating personal style. 

6. Choose a trademark piece

Build personal style by finding that one special piece that is the epitome of your style. For me, that trademark piece is my jean jacket. It is rustic, classic, timeless, effortless, and edgy. From these descriptions, I am able to build other outfits with the same fashion flavor. For you, however, it might not be a jean jacket, but instead a pair of Converse, a leather jacket, or something else. Allow the ‘feel’ or vibe of this piece to translate into your other outfit ideas. 

7. Be confident

Finally, to cultivate your personal style, be confident in yourself! Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out new styles until you find the one that truly fits you. Confidence is beautiful! Embrace yourself and your unique style. 

Enjoy developing your personal style! 

Stay fashionable, Oles! 

Cover photo, Chambray, Striped Shirt, Closet, Jacket & Jeans, Fur Vest, New York Tee, Jump

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