Building a personal style can offer an array of benefits, but for college students, the most significant benefit is saving money. Once you remove yourself from the trend cycle and focus on what pieces bring you joy, you will find yourself saving money on the current trending clothes and focusing on pieces that actually make you feel amazing. Plus, you’ll never have to stare into your closet wondering why you have “nothing to wear” because everything will actually work together!
Step 1: Create a Vision Board (AKA Pinterest Board)
Almost everyone uses Pinterest. If you don’t, make an account right now and start pinning outfits that catch your eye. Building a board full of ideas and inspiration will give you a frame of reference for what you want your outfits to look like. Don’t overthink it. If an outfit makes you stop scrolling and think, “I want that on me right now,” pin it. After a few days (or hours) of scrolling, you’ll start to notice a pattern in what draws your attention, and just like that, you’ll have discovered your personal aesthetic!
Step 2: Identify Your Fashion “Icks”
Everyone has fashion “icks.” Yours might be a whole trend, style, or just a particular piece you are not a fan of. But it’s important to be aware of what doesn’t appeal to you, so look through the pins and notice if there is anything that makes you cringe or just something you would never spend money on. This step is just as important as knowing what you love, so you don’t end up with impulsive purchases that will just collect dust in your closet.
Step 3: Hit the Thrift for Your Most-Pinned Pieces
Go thrifting for the most repeated pieces from your pins. Thrifting is a fantastic way to keep it cheap while avoiding fast fashion, and you’re way more likely to find unique pieces that’ll help you stand out on campus. Make a list of key items you keep seeing on your Pinterest board.
Step 4: Start Styling Your New Thrift Finds
Now you can go to the fun part: styling your new pieces and experimenting with different combinations! Try recreating some of those Pinterest outfits with your thrifted finds, but don’t be afraid to put your own spin on things. Take photos of outfits you love when you’re rushing to get to your 8 am class. You have some inspiration from your closet at your disposal. This is where you’ll start to see your personal style really come together, and you might surprise yourself with what combinations become your new favorites.
Step 5: Refine and Repeat
Figure out what outfits made you feel like the main character and what direction you want to take your style in moving forward. Keep repeating these steps and, soon enough, you’ll have built a strong personal style that is uniquely you and, hopefully, people will start asking you for some fashion advice. Remember, personal style is supposed to be a fun way to represent who you are internally and externally, so have fun with it and don’t be afraid to evolve as you discover new things about yourself.