Finding your personal style

To a lot of people, the term "personal style" can be daunting. It comes with thoughts of judgment and worry and can make so many people second guess what they actually want to wear. To some, personal style does not exist, especially if you have not given yourself the time to figure out what it means to you because, as we all know, trendy fashion is not for everyone. However, there are some easy steps to help you inquire about your personal style that do not require too much effort.

1. Find style inspiration

The first step in finding what you like to wear is simply finding what you like to see other people wear. You could do this in a variety of ways. You could start by thinking of peers, friends or family members whose personal styles you admire, or you could look on Pinterest and Instagram for photos that showcase outfits you love.

2. Think about your lifestyle

Now that you have an idea of what you like most on other people, it is time to start applying this to yourself. When looking at outfit inspiration, think about the kind of weather you live in, the activities you do regularly and your preferences on color and shape for yourself. For example, even if you really love the way someone dresses, they may wear clothing that would not be able to be worn by a full-time student because of price/functionality.

3. Look in your closet

A lot of your personal style can most likely already be seen in your closet. Most of us buy pieces we can see ourselves wearing or that we are just drawn to. These pieces are most likely a part of your personal style already, even if it is just a basic pair of jeans. Try and see if there are any repeating colors, styles, aesthetics or brands in your closet that you feel encapsulate the way you would like yourself to be seen.

4. Experiment

If you are unsure about what aesthetic you would like to dress in but have an outfit for a few, try them all! There is no reason to hold yourself back from dressing how you would like just because you’re scared to try it. Finding what you like is not always an easy process, and it may take time to find your favorite silhouettes and brands, but it will all be worth it when you find the perfect outfit or piece for you.

5. Remember that it's all about you

Clothing is subjective! Style is subjective! Everyone you ask will have different style inspirations and that is completely okay. It is okay if your roommate or sister or best friend does not like what you are wearing all the time, because your personal style is about you and what you feel best in. Have fun with the process of finding yourself in clothing, and don’t take the opinions of others too seriously. It’s all about you.