How to Identify Your Personal Style
A Wardrobe Stylist’s Guide to Dressing with Confidence in Seven Steps
If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet feeling overwhelmed by choices or like you have nothing to wear, you’re not alone. Most women experience this at some point—but it doesn’t have to be that way. The secret to consistently looking and feeling great? Knowing your personal style.
Identifying your personal style is the foundation of a wardrobe that works for you, not against you. It’s about curating a closet filled with pieces that fit your life, reflect your personality, and boost your confidence every time you get dressed. Here’s my 7 steps to finding (or refining) your personal style:
Step 1: Define Your Lifestyle Needs
The first step in identifying your personal style is understanding your lifestyle. What does your daily life look like? Are you dressing for a corporate office, running around with kids, or attending client meetings? Your wardrobe should reflect the reality of your day-to-day activities.
Action Tip:
List out the key activities in your week and the environments you find yourself in. Categorize them (e.g., work, social outings, fitness, home).
Consider the proportion of your wardrobe that should match each category. If you spend 70% of your time working, but your closet is filled with weekend wear, it’s time for a reset.
Step 2: Find Your Style Icons
Inspiration is a powerful tool when defining your style. Look for people whose style you admire—whether they’re celebrities, influencers, or people in your life. Pay attention to the common threads: Are they drawn to minimalism? Do they mix bold colors and patterns?
Action Tip:
Create a Pinterest board or a saved folder on Instagram with outfits you love.
Look at your collection and identify recurring themes: Are there particular silhouettes, colors, or fabrics that stand out?
Step 3: Identify What Makes You Feel Good
Your personal style should make you feel like the best version of yourself. Think about the outfits you’ve worn that made you feel confident and comfortable. What was it about those outfits that worked? It could be the fit, the color, or even the fabric.
Action Tip:
Take note of three outfits you’ve worn recently that made you feel amazing. Break down what you liked about them.
Conversely, identify pieces that you avoid wearing and ask yourself why they don’t work for you.