Have you ever opened your closet full of clothes but felt like nothing feels like you? You’re not alone. It’s easy to get lost in a world full with social media influencers, fashion fads, and rapidly evolving styles. “How do I find my style?” is a question that goes beyond clothing; it’s about figuring out who you are in the mix.
Good news? You can discover your personal style. Better yet? It doesn’t have to cost a shopping spree, a celebrity stylist, or 500 saved Instagram posts. All you need is a wee bit of self-reflection, a pinch of creativity, and a whole lot of honesty.
Let’s get real.
Step 1: First, don’t start with a Pinterest board; start with your life.
Before you dive into trends or outfit ideas, look at your lifestyle. Do you work in a formal office? Are you a stay-at-home mom? Do you travel a lot? Are you a college student always on the move? Your style should not only seem excellent in pictures; it should fit your life.
Ask yourself:
- What am I usually doing with my time?
- What kind of outfits make me feel confident and comfortable?
- What do I really wear most of the time?
For instance, if you’re always picking jeans and tees, perhaps your style is minimalist and functional. If you can’t help but mix prints, perhaps your style is eclectic or bold.
Step 2: Observe What You Are Drawn to
Quickly glance at your closet. Do you notice any trends? Colors that you frequently wear? Fits or fabrics that you always gravitate toward? That’s your personal style, quietly speaking.
- Get out your five favorite outfits.
- Put them side by side.
- What do they share? Color palette? Silhouette? Fabric?
Sometimes, we already know our style—we just haven’t yet put it into words.
Step 3: Get Inspired—but Don’t Copy
Browsing fashion blogs and social media can be useful if you use them correctly. The goal is to find pieces that appeal to you, not to replicate someone else’s clothing.
Take a glance at:
- What colors do you notice?
- Which fashions evoke the statement, “I would definitely wear that”?
- Do you find yourself attracted to streetwear, flowy dresses, ethnic styles, or androgynous silhouettes?
Make a digital mood board. Pinterest or even a folder on your phone can be used. Pin only the styles you really love—not the ones you feel like you should love.
Step 4: Experiment Without Pressure
Discovering your style is like dating—there’s trial and error to figure out what you like. Experiment. Try on a style you wouldn’t be caught dead in. Swap jackets with a friend. Experiment at home before going outside.
Begin with basics:
- Experiment with tucking your kurti into jeans.
- Match sneakers with a traditional look.
- Combine neutrals with one splash of colour.
Some pairings may fail—and that’s fine! Each “meh” ensemble brings you one closer to the one that makes you exclaim, “YES, this is so me.”
Step 5: Define Your “Style Words”
These three to four words sum up your desired emotional response to your style. It’s not how you want it to feel, but rather how you want it to look.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to feel strong? (Perhaps structured pieces and statement accessories.)
- Do I want to feel feminine? (Consider flowy textures, pastels, florals.)
- Do I feel artistic? (Layered textures, asymmetry, one-of-a-kind pieces.)
Your style words are your north. If an item doesn’t fit your words, it doesn’t go in your cart.
Step 6: Edit Your Wardrobe
Now that you have a sense of how you feel, it’s time to edit. Keep what you love, give away what you don’t wear, and make room for your true style to breathe.
Hold on to only those things that:
- Fit well
- Make you feel confident
- Match your “style words”
Don’t feel guilty for ditching clothes that don’t work with the new you. Since fashion is a process, your wardrobe should change along with you.
Step 7: Build Slowly and Intentionally
With the clutter out, begin crafting a wardrobe you adore item by item. Begin with essentials that are versatile, and gradually introduce personality with distinctive accessories or statement items.
Styling Tips:
- Quality > Quantity
- Neutral fundamentals + strong accents = effortless styling
- Don’t shop ’cause it’s on sale—shop because it feels good
- The objective? A wardrobe that represents who you are now—not who you were or what’s popular.
Bonus: What If I Like More Than One Style
That’s okay! You don’t need to check one box and never move again. Maybe you love bohemian-chic weekends and classic trends during the week. Or perhaps you prefer dressing ethnic during festivals and sporty on a normal day.
Your distinctive blend is what gives your style its authenticity.
You can be multifaceted, layered, and constantly evolving. So let your clothes mirror that.
Final Thoughts
Style Is Personal, Not Perfect
Discovering your style isn’t about impressing anyone. It’s about feeling comfortable in your clothes. When you do, you’ll know—you’ll quit overthinking and start dressing with ease and delight.
And always remember: You’re not late. You’re not behind. You’re just figuring out what works for you—and that’s more important than any trend.
So pair that kurti with sneakers. Top that plain shirt with those statement earrings. Layer that denim jacket over your lehenga blouse. Break the rules.
Because your unique style lies within you, not in a store.
