Something that I will always stand by is wearing what I like, not just what’s in fashion. I love fashion but I know that not every item that is on-trend will suit me. I’m 5″2 so there’s quite a lot that doesn’t suit me! Personal style is just that so I’ve rounded up six ways to define your personal style so you can dress the way you want to! Having a collated capsule wardrobe definitely helped me here!
Dress for your shape
I’m short and fairly slim so I’m never going to be able to wear the same things as someone much taller than me or curvier than me. I struggle to wear anything high-waisted as I have a bum and no waist. I can’t wear strapless dresses because they never stay up. Yes, you can buy loads of books on this sort of thing but I recommend actually trying things on! That way you can see if the clothes really do fit you. You can always get an item altered too. However, don’t focus on the parts of your body that you hate; complement those features that you do like. I’m super short but I have pretty long, shapely legs and curves in the right places.
Discover your style icon
It can literally be anyone: a family member, your best friend or a famous person. For me, I have about a million! The easiest way to do it is to Google them! I often find that I don’t like every single outfit that my style crushes wears . It’s fine to have a few women whose outfits you admire; how I want to dress for the day will depend on my mood. Some days I’m a bit rock ‘n’ roll, sometimes I’m preppy. That’s why it’s best to have a few. Also, try to pick a couple that have similar body types, hair colour and skintone to you. For me, it’s always been Rachel Bilson and Vanessa Hudgens.
Collate photos and create an inspiration board
I have a collection of photos on my laptop of outfit ideas inspired by various bloggers and stylish celebrities and look at them often to see if I can replicate a similar outfit out of my own wardrobe. Remember to focus on the outfit and not the person wearing it though! I organise my folder by the item of clothing: dresses, jeans, shorts, skirts, trousers etc so it’s easy to access.
Dress appropriately for the occasion
Seeing the grandparents or meeting the boyfriend’s parents for the first time? Don’t wear your cleavage-bearing bodycon dress that you’d wear to a nightclub. I’m not saying cover up every inch of skin but just use your brain a little. Certain events in life require a certain dress code: work/job interviews, weddings, christenings. Just bear in mind where you’re going and who you plan on seeing. By all means, show off your assets but don’t show off your assets if you get what I mean!
Invest in staple items, whatever they may be
My capsule wardrobe is mostly full of staple items. These are the clothes that you will wear over and over again and get mix and match them. For me, it’s basic t-shirts, jeans, my leather skirt, stripy tops, and my leather jackets. For you, it might be floral print dresses and bright colours. When you find your staple items, buy them in bulk.
Take a risk every once in a while
If you see an item you love, buy it! I usually stick with plain items but recently spotted a floral jumpsuit in H&M, tried it on and loved it. It was also inexpensive but it looks great on. As long as you feel good in it, that’s all that matters. Personal style doesn’t have to mean neutrals and denim, it could be bright colours and pattern for you! Equally, don’t buy an item for the sake of it because you think you need it. Shop your current wardrobe first and make it more streamlined.
There are so many ways to fine-tune your wardrobe but these six ways to define your personal style are a great starting point. Do you have any more tips to add to my six ways to define your personal style? Head over to Instagram where I’ll be sharing more of my day-to-day outfits very soon!
