If you’re ready to ditch the labels and start finding your identity through fashion you’ve come to the right place, as there are practical ways to find your own personal style. Experimenting with different styles and eras of dressing is important when trying to find your own style. There are different time periods that might inspire you or trends that you may want to try. We know there are many genres of dressing, chic, boho, vintage, preppy, grunge, but no one person fits into just one genre. I refuse to believe that you can like one style of dressing and not be curious about another. Once you start to experiment what makes your personal style, trying out different genres makes it your own.
1. Make a lookbook or Inspiration board.
Be on the lookout for images that inspire you, you could either re-create that outfit or mix in match pieces in your wardrobe. Whenever I see an image that inspires me I save it on my computer. I can’t tell you how many folders are entitled inspiration- because everything inspires me! But each picture makes a difference and influences my style in some way. It can be really beneficial. Get subscriptions to Vogue, Teen Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Nylon, any magazine that suits your fancy. Clip pictures out, make a collage and post it on your wall in your dorm. Boom! Instant and constant inspiration.
2. Record your outfits.
Bug a friend to take a picture of your outfit that day (I do it to my roommate all the time). It may seem like a hassle but it proves to be beneficial because it makes you conscientious about what you put on. Plus when you look back you can laugh at yourself for wearing that and not make that mistake again or give yourself a pat on the back because your style has improved.
3. Break all the rules.
Rules are seriously for squares. When it comes to fashion you create fashion and rules are simply meant to be broken. One of the fashion rules I can’t understand is not to mix the colors brown and black. I broke that rule the other day because those colors look amazing together.
4. Do your research!
Learn about different time periods, patterns, and textures which can aid you in developing your style. Fashion in the 1920s was the most interesting to me because the women had such class and elegance. They wore free-flowing trousers and skirts which represented the era because everything was new and America was booming in every sense. The flappers were inspiring to me, I just loved the freeness that came with those dresses, the women didn’t care and they wanted to entertain those who watched them.
5. Confidence is key.
In order to start picking up on a new style you’ve got to be confident. You’re going to be dressing out of the norm, and dressing out of the norm is going to attract attention. Chin up my friend, you’re dressing for yourself. If you’re comfortable in the clothes you wear, nothing else matters.
“Fashion fades, style is eternal”
Yves Saint Laurent