Embrace Your Journey to Personal Style
When fall arrives with its fresh breeze, it’s the perfect time to slow down, cozy up with a book you've been waiting all summer to read, or maybe dive into a blog that speaks to your needs, dreams, and goals. The rhythm of life shifts, giving us more time to reflect on what we have, what we need, and where we want to go.If you’re here, creating a more stylish, authentic life is already on your mind. You’re on the path to finding a style that feels like you—comfortable, confident, and uniquely yours. Welcome to my first blog!
For those who know me, you’ll know that I’ve been working in the fashion industry for over a decade. One of the reasons I started this blog is to show how small, intentional choices can change your perspective on fashion. I’ve realised that what might seem obvious to me isn’t always clear to everyone, and this blog is a way to share insights and tips that can help anyone looking to understand and express their personal style.
While I’m working on my eBook, I realised there’s a topic I wanted to share here—one that I think could be truly helpful for both my clients and anyone looking to explore their personal style. In this blog, I’ll share tips to help you better understand and develop your unique style.
Many of my clients feel confused—not just about what colours or cuts suit them, but about their overall look. They like many styles but struggle to combine them in a way that feels cohesive.
Perhaps you’ve wondered, "Why does this feel so complicated? Getting dressed shouldn’t feel like so much work!" And yes, society can sometimes be pushy—making you feel like you have to wear the latest trend or that last season's shoes are a fashion crime. But honestly, who cares? Once you discover how to style your clothes in a way that reflects you—your preferences, your comfort, your personality—you’ll stop caring what other people think. That inner confidence will radiate, and you won’t feel the pressure from society anymore. Instead, you’ll be free to focus on more important things in life than other people’s opinions of your daily style. Even if your look is bold, colourful, or unconventional, it’s yours—and that’s what matters. The rest is just noise.
Why Style is More Than Just Fashion
Why does personal style matter? Let’s break it down:
• Feel and look confident every day. Your style is a reflection of who you are, and when it aligns with your true self, it positively impacts your mood and confidence. It’s like feeling at home in your own skin.
• Your look is your business card. It’s how you present yourself to the world, often creating that crucial first impression. So, why not make it intentional?
• Comfort in clothes leads to comfort in life. Style should feel natural to you. Remember, it’s not just about looking good—it’s about feeling good, too.
With What to Start?
There are many ways to begin building your personal style, and it depends on how much you already know and how close you are to finding that true expression. Maybe you have some insight into what you like, which is fantastic! But if you’re feeling uncertain, like you don’t know where to start, don’t worry—you’re not alone. I’m here to help guide you through this journey.
Self-Reflection: Assess Your Lifestyle & Personality
Before exploring style choices, it’s essential to reflect on your lifestyle and personality. Consider questions like: What does your daily life look like? What are your needs? Your style should be an extension of who you are, so understanding these aspects will naturally shape the way you dress. Your lifestyle has a major influence on your wardrobe. For example, maybe you work in an office but love spending weekends outdoors with your kids and dog. Or perhaps you work in car service but enjoy theatre nights with friends. You might be a passionate dancer with a day job as a nanny. No matter your daily life, your style can reflect not just what you do but who you are. People might assume you're more passive if you work at a desk job, but your clothing can reflect your active, vibrant side. When your style aligns with your life, it becomes easier to feel confident, and that energy will shine. You'll notice how much better you feel and how often people compliment you because your style will reflect your true self. By considering your hobbies, your job, and your personality, you can begin building a style that truly represents you.
It's Okay to Like Different Styles!
You may find yourself drawn to several different styles—whether it’s classic, romantic, sporty, old money, boho, or even gothic. That’s perfectly okay! In fact, having a wide range of interests helps you see fashion through different lenses and better understand what resonates with you. There’s no harm in enjoying casual sneakers by day and glamming up for evenings at the theatre. Embrace the fun in mixing styles and focus on finding a blend that works for you.
Let’s Get Started on Finding Your Style
If you're unsure of your style or find yourself reaching for the same pieces over and over, here’s a quick exercise to help: take out a piece of paper or open your laptop and jot down activities you love.
For example:
• "I love taking morning walks."
• "I swim all year long."
• "I enjoy going to the gym and doing Pilates."
• "I love dancing hip-hop."
• "I spend time with my kids."
• "I enjoy cooking."
• "I love watching movies at the cinema."
• "I adore Italian restaurants."
• "I savour Chai lattes with my bestie on Sundays."
Write down as many activities as you can. This list will guide you as you build a style that aligns with your lifestyle and makes you feel your best.
Inspiration: Finding Your Style Muse
Now that you’ve completed your activity list, let’s move on to the fun part—finding inspiration! Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to refine your style, inspiration can be found everywhere. Head over to Pinterest (or your favourite platform) and search for keywords that match your lifestyle and interests, such as:
• "walking the dog style"
• "outfit for office women"
• "Italian casual style"
• "cooking outfit aesthetic"
Save any images that catch your eye, even if they aren’t strictly clothing-related—interior decor, food, or pets can all add to the style picture you’re building. If you already have favourite fashion icons, save their looks too. Think of classic icons like Princess Diana, Grace Kelly, Dolly Parton, or others that inspire you. Collect photos you love, and let’s move forward.
Create a Digital Mood Board
Next, create a place to save and organise all these inspirations. There are lots of platforms for mood boards, but I recommend keeping it simple: Google Slides. It’s free, easy to use, and you probably already have access to it.
Here’s how to start:
• Add saved images to your slides. Organise them by person, colour, or style. You might dedicate a slide to your favourite celebrity’s style, another to blazer outfits you love, or a set for a specific colour theme like orange-toned looks.
• Include some of those “extra” images you saved—like a dream house, garden, or car. These little details can help round out your vision and inspire your overall style.
Already Have a Style in Mind? Keep Digging!
If you already have an idea of the styles you love—whether it’s boho, rock, classic, sporty, old money, or casual—keep searching for inspiration in those categories. Platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, or even TikTok can be a goldmine for finding fresh, new ways to express your personal style.
Experimentation: Trial & Error to Find Your Unique Style
Now that you’ve created an inspiration board, it’s time to dive into the next step: experimenting! This is where you can start exploring and narrowing down the styles that feel best. Remember, style discovery takes time, so embrace the process and be patient with yourself.
1. Compare with Your Closet
• Look through your current wardrobe and compare it with your inspiration board.
• Sort your clothes by placing the items that match your saved inspirations on one side and those that don’t on the other. If your wardrobe feels overwhelming, work one season at a time.
• Observe your feelings as you sort. It may be surprising or even challenging, but pay attention to what you genuinely want to keep. Your choices will reveal a lot about your developing style preferences.
2. Build a Shopping List
Once you’ve sorted your wardrobe, you can focus on filling in any gaps:
• Compare your remaining wardrobe with the saved images to identify pieces you want to add.
• Before shopping, revisit your inspiration board to make sure you’re aligned with your style vision. If you’re browsing online, save screenshots of must-have pieces to build a clear shopping list. This process helps you avoid impulse buys and focus on pieces that fit your style. You may find you only need a few additions, or you might be ready for a bigger wardrobe refresh. Either way, you’re moving closer to finding a style that’s truly yours.
3. Embrace Experimentation
To find your best look, be open to trying out different combinations and styles:
• Play with colour , shapes, and materials to see what feels most comfortable and exciting to wear.
• Notice how fabrics feel, how colours harmonise, and how different items fit. Not every piece will work, but Each new piece or combination can teach you something about what suits you best. If something doesn’t work, pass it on to a friend, sell it, or donate it.
• Experimentation is key to developing your unique style, so don’t be afraid to mix things up—even if it feels strange at first! Your style will evolve naturally, and soon, you’ll have a wardrobe that truly reflects the best version of you.
Building Your Signature Style: Make Your Wardrobe Uniquely Yours
As you explore and express yourself through new pieces, it’s time to add some signature touches that make your look feel truly personal. These are the small details that show your personality and style preferences—they’re like your “style trademarks” and can make all the difference in creating a look that feels authentically you.
Imagine you love classic American style: tailored, well-fitting clothing, maybe a structured blazer, a leather belt, a sleek watch, and simple earrings. If you also love bold brooches, you don’t need to leave them out—just find a way to make them work with your classic style! For example, instead of a shiny pink brooch, a vintage or unique brooch with more subtle colour could blend beautifully into your look. Of course, there aren’t strict rules, so if you prefer something brighter, consider choosing a smaller brooch in your favourite colour that doesn’t distract but rather complements your classic pieces.
Or maybe certain symbols really speak to you, like a rose, star, or a meaningful yoga symbol, and your wardrobe has a rock ‘n’ roll edge. You don’t have to leave those personal touches behind! Imagine pairing a rose-patterned shirt with a black leather jacket, or adding a rose earrings. Even if you’re wearing all black and leather, a small pop of a meaningful symbol—like a rose in your hair or a pattern on your jeans—can bring that signature touch you love, while still blending with your rock-inspired style. When you add these personal details, people notice, and they come to recognise these pieces as part of your unique style.
Make It Meaningful
Remember, signature pieces should feel like they’re part of you—they’re the accents that bring your look to life. Adding them thoughtfully ensures they complement your overall style rather than compete with it. With time, you’ll naturally find the best ways to balance and blend these personal touches with your wardrobe. Trying different combinations will help you refine your style and make it truly feel like you. Stay tuned for more tips on finding that balance in future posts!
Conclusion: Step Confidently into Your Style
Thank you for reading to the end! This journey isn’t just about fashion; it’s about discovering yourself and embracing confidence each day. Remember, there will always be those who may not understand or appreciate your style, but what truly matters is how you feel about yourself. Once you’re comfortable and confident in your own skin and your own style, no outside opinion can shake you.
Whether you’re just beginning or refining your look, dive into your wardrobe and embrace the freedom to experiment. Try new combinations, even those that feel a bit unexpected—you’ll soon find what resonates with you. As you push boundaries, you’ll notice shopping gets easier, your eye for mixing and matching sharpens, and putting together outfits that feel authentically you becomes second nature. From choosing accessories to discovering the perfect hairstyle, it’s all about letting your style evolve and enjoying the process. While I don’t have a magic wand to instantly transform your style, I hope this blog has given you tools and inspiration to start confidently. Style is an evolution—one step at a time, and you’ll soon see changes in both how you look and feel. You’ve already taken an amazing first step just by reading this!
If you enjoyed this blog, follow me on Instagram for more tips and style ideas, and subscribe to be the first to read future posts. I’d love to hear about your journey—feel free to share your favourite style icons or inspirations in the comments! And if you’d like more personalise guidance, you can always book a free consultation. Together, let’s create clarity, confidence, and a style that’s uniquely you!