In the ever-evolving world of fashion, finding your personal style can feel like a daunting task. With new trends seemingly emerging from the depths of social media every week, it's easy to get caught up in the cycle of chasing the latest microtrend. But true style, experts say, is not about following the crowd or buying into the latest fast fashion craze. Instead, it's about embracing your authentic self and dressing in a way that brings out your true essence.
The Two Faces of Personal Style
Rachel Tashjian, a senior style reporter for CNN, highlights the two distinct types of personal style that often cause confusion. The first is a more traditional approach, focusing on finding silhouettes, fabrics, and colors that flatter your body shape and complement your lifestyle. This style is all about dressing to make your body look its best, often prioritizing slim-fitting clothes. Think of the TV show What Not to Wear and women's magazines that recommend clothing based on body types.
The second type of personal style is more artistic and expansive. It's about allowing your experiences, interests, hobbies, and aspirations to guide your fashion choices. This approach has made style icons of the likes of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, Mick Jagger, and Diana, Princess of Wales. While reaching this level of style icon status is rare, we can still learn to dress in a way that reflects our true selves, rather than trying to become someone we're not.
Exploring Your Personal Style
So, how do you embark on this journey of self-discovery through fashion? It starts with building a relationship with yourself by observing patterns, testing boundaries, and refining your choices. As Stephanie Yeboah, an author and content creator, points out, we often lack the skills to observe ourselves. We've been taught what's flattering and appropriate, but not what feels right.
Lizzie Wheeler, a vintage expert and founder of Studio Dorothy, a bridal boutique, shares her experience. Even in the fashion industry, she had to adapt her personal style to suit the brands she represented. This highlights the importance of understanding your style and finding clothes that make you feel happy to wear.
Vitor Arruda, a personal stylist, suggests looking to your existing wardrobe for inspiration. He advises identifying your 'go-to' outfit and analyzing what makes it so appealing. Is it the fit, the color, or the feeling of power or comfort it provides? Once you understand these elements, you can seek out similar clothes.
Embrace Your True Self
Arruda emphasizes the importance of not letting your body shape dictate your style. Fashion advice that focuses on dressing for your body type can create a sense of shame and fear, undermining the very essence of style. Instead, focus on experimenting with shape, volume, and proportion. Adding volume to shoulders or playing with different cuts can create visual interest and help you break free from conventional dressing.
Stay True to Yourself
While it's tempting to follow trends, Tashjian warns against becoming a fashion victim. Dressing too closely to the latest fads can result in a Pinterest-inspired look rather than an authentic reflection of yourself. Similarly, trying too hard to differentiate yourself from the current trend can lead to questionable choices. It's crucial to dress for the life you have, not an imaginary one.
Budget-Friendly Style Exploration
Developing your personal style doesn't require a complete wardrobe overhaul. Yeboah suggests remixing your existing clothes and experimenting with new combinations. Wheeler recommends choosing one garment and creating multiple looks around it. This approach not only saves money but also encourages creativity and self-expression.
Tashjian encourages a mindful approach to shopping. Instead of buying, take time to browse and touch fabrics. Try on items and observe how they fit and the shapes you like. This tactile experience can provide valuable insights into what works for you.
Embrace Change and Evolution
Personal style is not a static concept. As we change, so does our style. Embracing this evolution is key. As Arruda states, we must learn to be at peace with our ever-changing selves and styles. This journey of self-discovery through fashion is a lifelong process, and by embracing our true selves, we can find a style that is uniquely ours.
