Your Personal Style Choices: A Journey in Expressing Your true Self
Hey there, friend! Let's talk about something close to my heart – expressing the true inner you, outwardly through your personal style and fashion choices. Progress in developing your style is only possible through experimentation – just like life itself. It's about trying new things, making bold choices, and, most importantly, expressing who you truly are without the influence of others opinions.
Experimentation: The Key to Personal Style
If you're not sure where to start with finding your personal style, pinterest and Instagram are always good visual places to start. Also take note when you are at stores, festivals, events...what are you drawn to that other people are wearing? Do you have someone that you would like to model your style after? Maybe you do but you think that you can't pull it off or afford it...There's only one thing to remember here... where there is a will there is way! You deserve to express yourself even without spending a ton of money to do so!
Think about your current fashion situation...how do you feel in the clothes that are in your closet? Do you feel empowered and confident when you slip into these garments or do you feel heavy and defeated? Is it 50/50? Some of your clothing makes you feel like a million bucks, other pieces make you feel frumpy but you're in a place where clothes are clothes and you just go on and wear them anyway...What is the different between the clothes that make you feel light and happy and the clothes that make you feel dull and heavy? If you got rid of the items that aren't working for you...would you wear more of the clothing that makes you feel good? Just some things to think about!
To Summarize, Tips About Finding A Style that suits you...
If you're unsure about your style, don't worry – everyone starts somewhere. Here are some steps to help you find your unique fashion voice:
1. Experiment: Try different styles, colors, textures, fabrics, and patterns. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Freaking go to the dressing room at your favorite store, try on the clothes you like and manifest that shit in your future. What you focus on expands!
2. Inspiration: Follow influencers who resonate with you and compile a fashion board on Pinterest or Instagram. You could also make fashion mood boards, there are a few apps that allow you to do this. Use these as a starting point to see what appeals to you. I recommend saving everything that makes you feel something then go back later and look for patterns that show up repeatedly.
3. Self-Reflection: Think about what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Also think about what clothes make you feel dull, heavy, and uncomfortable. Your style should reflect your personality and values and make you feel more confident going about your day! One thing I like to remind myself is that if any piece of clothing is a maybe, it's a NOPE. Don't buy things and don't wear things that aren't 100% YES in your mind. :)
The Quality Of Your Clothes
The nice thing about finding your true to you style is that you can buy quality pieces that last for years instead of frequently buying cheap pieces that you don't like after a few wears. Quality clothes and well loved pieces can make a huge difference in how you feel and look. Thrift stores are always an option for wardrobe changes on a budget...do some research on good brands, especially for your size, you can typically find this info on tiktok or Instagram if you search "Best Jeans For Midsize" or "Best Jeans for Petite Girls" make a list, and look for those brands when you're thrift shopping. If you have a really niche style like gothic, of course it will be more difficult to find your pieces thrift shopping but you can definitely find accessories and layering pieces to switch up a more expensive piece and create different looks.
If you're able to spend but just haven't made the effort yet or feel like you can't find anything you like, check out your local boutiques, which often carry unique pieces that big retailers don't have and they are often curated to a specific style. These places usually offer better quality and a more personalized shopping experience. You can also find great options online, from sustainable brands to high-end fashion labels. Highly recommend shopping small instead of the large retailers where it is not benefiting any of the small people during your shopping spree. <3 You can find so many smaller retailers by searching styles on social media!
Common Styles for Self-Expression
Personal style is all about what speaks to you, but here are some common styles people use to express themselves:
- Bohemian: Free-spirited and eclectic, with flowing fabrics and earthy tones.
- Minimalist: Clean lines and simple designs, often in neutral colors.
- Preppy/Girly/Feminine: Bright Colors, Frilly details, flutters, ruffles, tulle, sequins
- Western: Cowboy Boots, Aztec and Western Symbols and shapes, suede, leather, short skirts, cropped jackets, fringe...
- Vintage: Inspired by past eras, with a mix of old and new.
- Streetwear: Casual and comfortable, often with bold logos and graphics.
- Athleisure: Work out clothes, all day, every day, but in a stylish way
- Core Styles: A newer trend that is fun but potentially not sustainable. To name a few: Regency Core, Fairy Core, Grunge Core, Cottage Core, Barbie Core. Check them out on tiktok if your interest has been piqued!
What to Do If Your Clothes Aren't Your Style Currently
We've all been there – buying a bunch of clothes only to realize they're not quite right, having quality pieces in your closet but not feeling any of them. Here's how to rework those pieces until you can start buying clothes that are more true to you.
1. Mix and Match: Pair them with items you already love. Sometimes, a new combination can breathe life into a piece. Try throwing a crop top or t-shirt over a dress, wear a button up shirt as a cardigan over something else, tie the bottom of your shirt in a different way to create a new look, try different ways of tucking shirts in, especially extra baggy or long shirts can look totally different with a little front tuck!
2. Alterations: Get creative with alterations. A simple hem, rip, tear, or adding a new detail like a patch or embroidery can make a huge difference.
3. Layering: Use layers to change the look and feel of an outfit. A dress can become a top when layered with a skirt, or a jacket can completely transform a look.
Staying True to Yourself
It's so important to stay true to yourself! You know what makes you feel happy, confident, free, and truly you. Don't let anyone else sway or influence your feelings, the right people will love you for you and will love you for your fashion choices that express your true being. It's also ok to change, don't feel like you're pinned to one style, your fashion can evolve just like you! What is important is that you aren't feeling frumpy, heavy, dull, misaligned, with what you are wearing when you have the choice to choose differently, that's just not a good feeling and it makes for a bad mood and lower self-esteem than is necessary!
The Emotional Impact of Colors
Colors can express your moods and personality. Bright colors can uplift your spirits and make a bold statement, while neutral tones can convey calm and sophistication. Use colors to reflect how you feel and who you are. You can find all kinds of information online about the science of color and also about what color tones work best with your skin tone!
Confidence Through Fashion
When you wear clothing that truly represents your authentic self, you radiate a contagious confidence. Fashion serves as the canvas you present to the world, giving you the freedom to experiment, take risks, and highlight your unique identity, what picture do you want to paint for the world to admire?
Unleash your true inner self. Play with bold combinations, add handmade pieces, always be on the lookout for new style pieces, and make unconventional choices. Fashion invites you to craft your own self-expression, creating a vibrant portrait of who you are for everyone to see.