how to discover your personal style: a guide to authentic self-expression

October 09, 2024by cinco special guest

in a digitalized world, where we are constantly bombarded with trends we can easily get lost in the crowd when it comes to personal style. fashion and personal style are more than just clothes, they are a powerful form of self-expression and self-empowerment, reflecting our individuality, values, and lifestyle.

discovering our personal style can help us to feel more confident, connected with ourselves and even with the world.

1. reflect on your personality and lifestyle

the first thing to do is a little introspection about us and with our lifestyle.
consider who you are and how you spend your time. our style should be deeply connected with our personality, with our tastes, career, hobbies and activities.

if you're an active person who spends a lot of time outdoors, you might gravitate towards practical, comfortable pieces that allow for movement. for example: hoodies, leggings, sneakers...
if you are a creative person you may prefer bold colors, unique prints, or artistic accessories that reflect their love for innovation like t-shirts with quotes or even from your favorite bands or tv shows, animal prints and shoes with a different design.
if your job requires a more formal wardrobe, incorporating tailored pieces with personal touches can help bridge the gap between professionalism and personal flair.

your lifestyle is the foundation of your wardrobe. look at how you want your clothes to serve you rather than focusing solely on aesthetics.

2. examine your wardrobe

go through your current wardrobe to understand your preferences. take note of the pieces you love and wear often, as well as the ones that don’t resonate with you anymore. ask yourself:

which items make me feel most confident and comfortable?
what are my go-to outfits when I need a boost of self-assurance?
what patterns, fabrics, and colors do I gravitate toward?

by analyzing what already works for you, you’ll uncover patterns that hint at your personal style. you might discover you’re drawn to minimalism, vibrant colors, vintage pieces, or a blend of styles. this process helps you avoid impulse buying items that don’t align with your tastes.

3. seek inspiration without overwhelm

finding inspiration is key, but it’s important not to be overwhelmed by trends or influencers who don’t represent your taste. you can start by looking at style icons, friends, or even characters from movies who reflect a look that resonates with you. use platforms like pinterest or instagram to create mood boards filled with outfits, colors, and designs that catch your eye.

however, while it’s great to be inspired by others, remember that the goal is to build a style that feels like you. don’t be afraid to reinterpret trends to suit your preferences or skip them altogether if they don’t align with your vision.

4. experiment and play with different styles

once you’ve identified some key elements of what you like, give yourself the freedom to experiment. personal style isn’t set in stone, and you won’t find your perfect look overnight. try out different styles, fabrics, and fits to see what feels natural and authentic to you. some ways to do this include:

● mixing and matching: don’t be afraid to pair unexpected items together. Maybe mix a tailored blazer with a casual pair of jeans or combine bohemian accessories with a minimalist outfit.

● thrift shopping: buying second-hand allows you to try new styles affordably and sustainably. It also gives you access to unique pieces that stand out.

● layering: play with layers to create dynamic outfits. scarves, jackets, cardigans, and belts can transform basic pieces into something that feels special and distinctly yours.

style evolves over time, so embrace this experimentation as part of the process.

5. define your signature elements

as you experiment, certain elements of your style will start to stand out. these may be specific colors, silhouettes, accessories, or patterns that become part of your "signature." signature elements help define your personal style and make it recognizable.

for example:

you might be known for always wearing tailored jackets, oversized scarves, or a favorite color.
your go-to look might revolve around mixing vintage with modern pieces, or you may become known for wearing bold jewelry.

these signature elements give your wardrobe consistency and serve as a foundation for building outfits, no matter the occasion.

6. invest in quality over quantity

once you have a clearer sense of your style, focus on curating a wardrobe filled with versatile, quality pieces. It’s tempting to buy fast fashion or chase after every new trend, but a well-curated wardrobe will serve you much better in the long run.

look for items that will last and that can be mixed and matched with other pieces you already own. Investing in timeless staples like a great pair of jeans, a versatile blazer, or well-made shoes will give your wardrobe longevity and help you create stylish outfits with ease.

7. stay true to yourself

at the end of the day, the most important thing about personal style is that it’s authentic to you. trends will come and go, but your style should make you feel like the best version of yourself. don’t feel pressured to fit into any specific category or mold. if your style doesn’t fall neatly into one box—whether it’s minimalist, eclectic, classic, or trendy—that’s perfectly okay.

your personal style is an evolving expression of your identity, and it should make you feel confident, comfortable, and happy in your own skin.

daniela pedroso, a 25-year-old with an insatiable thirst for life, is a free soul at heart. from a young age, her world has been colored by the vibrant hues of fashion, music, and art. her journey led her to the enchanting streets of paris, where she pursued her dreams and achieved a remarkable 5+ in luxury brand management.