For years, I’ve had my head down in the sand. I was always working or studying…as you can imagine, there was rarely space for me to just be me. After I passed the bar, I decided to do a healthy lifestyle shift. A fun part of that was identifying my personal style.
Related post: Returning to Law, Passing the Bar Exam
In all honesty, I did not have a style that was unique to me. I was the girl who wore dresses all the time just because they are “easy” to wear. Y’all I’d buy the same dress in 3 different colors and only got cute on the weekends. I hope that this post helps you identify your personal style and ultimately encourages YOU to be YOU. Because who God created you to be is beautiful.
Here are some tips that helped me figure out my personal style.
1. Browse your closet
First things first, before you go shopping for a whole new wardrobe, STOP. I want to encourage you to take a look in your closet. Why?
First, you likely have more than you think you do. Second, you probably already have things you love. Third, you may also have some of the things I mention in this post already.
This will save you time and money in the long run, believe me.
2. Write down a few words that describe how you want to look
Here are the words I wrote down:
- Soft
- Pretty
Shop Something Similar
Choose words that describe how you would like to look broadly. Going broad at first and narrowing later will help minimize confusion and frustration.
For example, most days, my style is casual and comfortable. Even on casual days, I am reminded that I want a soft feminine aesthetic because that appeals to me on any given day. So achieving that soft pretty vibe on a regular day looks like putting in a little more effort. Rather than just wearing sweats and a beat up t-shirt, I will keep it simple by putting on nice workout attire, smoothing my hair back, and putting on some hoop earrings. Mind you, this is all with no makeup and that’s good enough for me lol!
Always do what works best for you.
Related post: My Top 7 Make-Up Essentials for Beginners
3. Write down 2 or 3 colors that bring you joy when you see them in a home
If you are a visual person, looking at home decor and color palettes may help you narrow down on what you really like stylistically. We often don’t realize it but our homes are often a reflection of what we love most. Personally, I love homes that are light and airy, but may have one room that is dark. I am not a fan of bright bold colors. Ironically, my design aesthetic matches my style perfectly. So now when I am putting together outfits, I keep in mind that I like stark contrasts and neutrals.
Personally, I write down points 1 & 2 on a post-it note and post it on my bathroom mirror. Seeing it daily reminds me of my general aesthetic on days when I find myself getting lost in my closet.
4. Shop for your shape
EVERY BODY IS BEAUTIFUL. Don’t let culture fool you.
Related post: You Are Beautiful Without It
The key is shopping for YOUR shape and making sure things truly fit you. Make sure that your clothes do not squeeze and hug you in an unflattering way. To be honest, for years, I did not enjoy shopping. I found it exhausting because I am a curvy girl and sometimes things would not fit properly. Things would be too tight on my arms or too loose on my waist…it was annoying. So I had to shift my perspective and stop limiting myself.
I am the queen of a loose fitting dress, but loose fitting dresses do not accentuate my figure. They make me look boxy. So I shifted my perspective. I still buy the loose dresses that peek my interest, but now I accessorize with a thin belt to accentuate my figure.
You can do the same. Shop for your body type and don’t be afraid to size up or down if something is not fitting the way you want it to. Your worth is not based on your clothing size.
5. Invest in basics
Basic pieces are necessary for every wardrobe. These are pieces that can be worn interchangeably with multiple outfits and potentially different occasions. Basics are different for every person. For instance, I have not purchased a white t-shirt yet, because I KNOW I will get it dirty and ruin it lol. Basics for me look like different variations of neutral colored crop tops and biker shorts because that’s what I enjoy wearing on a daily basis. For you it may be different, BUT THAT’S OK. Be yourself.
I would suggest taking an exploratory trip to Target or H&M to get a feel for what you like. They have good quality basics for $5-$12.
What I’m Wearing
6. Pick out some simple accessories
Simple earrings, dainty rings, or a simple chain necklace can really elevate almost any outfit. You can find these pieces on sale.
Accessories I LOVE!
7. Invest in clothes YOU love!
Choose clothes YOU love and don’t feel obligated to go along with the trends. When you go shopping or browse your closet, pay close attention to what you gravitate to. It does not matter whether it is bright and bold or muted and understated, you can make that into something. If your vibe is 90’s chic, go with that. If your vibe is based around loungewear, go with that. Don’t limit yourself.
Our personal style cannot be contingent on what’s trendy or how other people think we should dress. It should be authentic and true to who we are as individuals.
If you found the tips in this post helpful, please don’t forget to hit the “Like” button below and don’t hesitate to share with a friend.
Hugs,
Ayanna
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