How to Finally Find Your Personal Style (Not Just Copy Everyone Else’s)
I mean you could totally take one of those corny online quizzes to discover your “personal style” but those usually put you in a box! Which is the opposite of what you want when trying to figure out your own style that feels uniquely YOU.
I used to scroll Pinterest thinking, "Cute... but I could never pull that off." Sound familiar? Finding your personal style can feel super confusing. Like, how do some girls just know what works for them? I promise it doesn’t have to be that hard.
Here’s how to stop copying everyone else and actually find your own style:
Look at What You Already Wear On Repeat
Go peek at your closet. What pieces do you wear constantly? What outfits do you feel cutest in? That’s your starting point. Your style might already be hiding in plain sight. Make a note of colors, cuts, and fabrics you naturally grab over and over.
Don’t forget to look at your accessories too! Those actually tell you a lot about your personal style.
Make a special note of items in your closet that are YEARS old and worn often. For example, I have quite a few basic tees, graphic tees, wide leg jeans, gold chunky jewelry, baseball caps and literally anything that would fall under the category of athleisure that I wear on repeat.
So I know my style is very comfy, very casual, a little edgy, a little feminine, and a mix of classic and trendy. Certainly not putting myself in a box!
Create a Pinterest Board (But With Rules)
Yes, Pinterest is great for inspo. But don’t just save everything that’s trendy. Save looks that feel like you. If you wouldn’t wear it tomorrow, don’t pin it. After 20 pins, look for common themes. Do you keep pinning long cardigans? Cute sneakers? That tells you something.
Pick Your Go-To Vibe
Think of 3 words that describe how you want to dress. Maybe it’s “casual, cool, comfy” or “preppy, feminine, classic.” When you’re stuck, go back to those words. They’ll keep you grounded when you're shopping or putting outfits together.
Another tip: if you’re not sure what words work, head back to Pinterest! Try a word that seems like it’s “you” and see what pops up! If it looks all wrong, maybe try a different word. Look at the suggested searches that are popping up and see if any of those sound like you too!
Ignore the Algorithm
Trends come and go. Just because something is all over TikTok doesn’t mean you have to wear it. If it doesn’t feel right, skip it. What looks great on someone else might not be your thing and that’s totally okay.
Personally, I love sharing trends here, but I certainly don’t wear them all! I find them fascinating to track and attempt to style for this blog, but personally I usually gravitate towards 1 or 2 trends per season and leave it at that!
You won’t catch me dead in capri pants no matter how much the internet is trying to convince me they’re cool again. The rosette trend from last year? Absolutely not for me. I could go on, but you get the point.
A good question to ask is if this trend goes out of style next week, would you still want to wear it? If the answer is no, it’s not for you!
Don’t Pigeonhole Yourself
You’re allowed to like things that don’t necessarily “go together”. If you love a faux leather moment, but also love a pink floral one, that is totally okay! As long as you love it, you know you’ll wear it, and you feel it can be styled with many things in your closet, I say go for it!
Take Mirror Selfies (Even If It Feels Weird)
Seeing your outfits in photos helps so much. You’ll start to notice patterns. Like, “I really love myself in high-waist jeans” or “That oversized blazer swallows me.” These pics are just for you, so no pressure.
Sometimes I really love a piece in theory, but then when I put it on I absolutely hate it. Or I can’t find anything else in my closet that looks good with it! I never take a tag off until I make sure I can create at least a few outfits out of a piece with the clothes I already own.
Build a Uniform
Not a literal one. Just a formula that works for you. Like jeans + white tee + gold hoops. You can dress it up or down, but it gives you a base to start with. This keeps getting dressed super simple.
Shop Smarter, Not More
Once you know what you like, you stop buying random stuff. No more impulse buys that just sit in your closet. You’ll actually wear your clothes. Make a running wishlist and stick to it when you shop.
Trust Your Gut
If you feel amazing in something, that’s reason enough. You don’t need a trend to tell you it’s cute. Confidence is the best accessory. If it makes you feel good, it’s a win.
Don’t Be Afraid to Edit
Sometimes you outgrow certain styles, and that’s totally normal. Break out the trash bags, and let go of clothes that don’t feel like you anymore. (You don’t have to throw them in the trash you can donate them!)
Your style can change and grow just like you do. It's not set in stone.
Have Fun With It!
Style isn’t serious. It’s just how you show up in the world. Play around. Make mistakes. Try something new. That’s how you figure it out. The goal is to feel like your best self.
Finding your personal style isn’t about having the perfect wardrobe. It’s about feeling like you in your clothes. So try the tips, pin your faves, and wear what makes you feel amazing.