Style is something you learn. Nobody is born stylish (no matter how it seems on Instagram and Pinterest!) and is something you discover, practice, and integrate into your life every single day. You can be stylish – and believing that is the key to unlocking your personal style.
Do you ever feel like there’s something that just doesn’t feel right when it comes to your fashion? Maybe shopping feels overwhelming, or maybe, you shop all the time and still feel like you have nothing to wear. You might feel like your clothes just don’t reflect who you are, or you’re not confident dressing for your body, personality, and in a way that feels stylish. Are you finding yourself asking the question “what is personal style”—and dreaming of actually discovering yours?
Whether you’re commuting to work (no matter if that’s across town or across the hallway), heading to the gym, or attending an old friend’s wedding, the clothes you wear should be a reflection of you. They should bring you joy (and confidence)—not make you feel frantic, overwhelmed, or frustrated!
Most importantly, I believe you can have great personal style no matter your body size, shape. Personal style can feel good in spite of diet culture, fast fashion, and even the judgements of other people. If you’re curious to know more about why your personal fashion identity is important, you’ve come to the right place.
What even is personal style?
Personal style is about more than just clothes! It includes how you represent yourself and your religion, culture, and community. We want our personal style to actually feel personal, so it’s no wonder that you might struggle to define it.
The fashion you gravitate towards has as much to do with your personality and inner values as your appearance. It’s your chosen armor and a celebration of the unique human being you are!
Still not sure what I mean? Here are a few more things to think about when pondering “what is personal style?”
Personal style is…
There are a lot of reason you might feel like you can’t have style, but it’s more than possible to get there! For instance, take notice of your mental self-talk, your shopping habits, and your morning routine.
Do you care about sustainability, finances, or over-consumption? What clothes do you feel most like yourself in? What do you wish you could wear?
What is personal style not?
Personal style is not just about finding what’s “flattering” (aka looking thin) or being on top of constantly cycling trends. It has nothing to do with your age, color, or pronouns. And it doesn’t matter at all whether or not strangers look at you and go, “oh, that’s so stylish!” (or “wow, that’s not stylish.”)
Friends, the media, and social-emotional norms surrounding clothing are total bullshit! No matter what you’ve heard in the past, your personal style is none of these things:
If you’ve thought any of those were true before, you’re not alone—but forget all that! Let the reimagining of your personal style begin.
