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I get it. Jumping into the world of fashion and styling can feel like absolute chaos. One day you’re giving full baddie-in-the-streets vibes, and the next, you’re channeling a soft, romantic queen.
And while, yes, you can totally rock both, some days you’re left staring at your clothes thinking, “What’s even my style?”
Here’s the thing: finding your style isn’t about restricting yourself; it’s about discovering what makes you feel like you and building a killer wardrobe filled with pieces you’ll actually love (and wear more than once!).
If you’re ready to kiss the wardrobe mess goodbye and find your signature look…
here are 12 tricks that will actually help you find your style!
1. Identify Your Style Turn-Offs
Before you figure out what you love, it’s smart to know what you don’t. Are there certain patterns, cuts, or styles that make you cringe a little?
Maybe you’re not a fan of polka dots or avoid maxi skirts at all costs. Maybe some fabrcs irritate you (itchy knits, shiny satin?). Or colors that wash you out or feel “not you”?
Defining your “no-go” pieces is just as important as knowing your “yes, please” ones!
How to do that? Go through your closet and pull out the pieces you haven’t worn in a year.
Notice any patterns? This little wardrobe cleanse will help you weed out styles that no longer serve you.
2. Name Your “Fashion Envy” Moment
We all have that moment scrolling through Instagram or walking down the street when we spot someone’s outfit and think, “Ugh, I wish I looked like that.”
That’s your fashion envy talking, and it’s a major clue to your personal style!
Pause and ask yourself:
- What do you love about the outfit? Is it the tailoring? The color palette? The bold accessories?
- Would you wear something similar if you saw it hanging in a store?
- Is it her body type that flatters the outfit more?
That’s style breadcrumbs! Keep a note in your phone or a Pinterest board specifically for fashion envy moments. It’ll help you see patterns in what resonates with you!
3. Use Aesthetics—but Don’t Marry Just One
Aesthetics like “cottagecore” or “dark academia” are fun starting points for identifying your style vibe, but don’t feel like you need to box yourself into just one.
Style is fluid, so it’s okay to blend aesthetics or change them as you evolve.
Want to mix a modern chic vibe with soft goth accessories?
- Soft girl + street?
- Clean girl + edgy?
- Retro + minimal?
Yes, queen. It’s YOUR style, after all.
- Pro Tip: Try using Pinterest or Instagram hashtags like #StreetStyle or #VintageLooks to explore aesthetics. Save the ones that stand out most to you—even if they seem totally different!
4. Use Your Face as a Style Guide
Style isn’t just about clothes; it’s how you bring everything together. A great way to refine your look is by using your face as inspiration.
- What style of sunglasses suits your face shape?
- Do bold earrings or delicate necklaces add the right balance?
- Even something simple like your go-to hairstyle can guide your wardrobe choices.
In fact, your facial features can even describe what sort of styles will complement you more.
- Delicate bone structure? You might pull off romantic or whimsical styles.
- Sharp jawline or bold brows? Structured or high-drama pieces might suit you.
Pro tip: Use ChatGPT to tell you what accessoires and style aesthetcs can look good on your face shape, structure and body type.
5. Think in Textures, Not Just Colors
When building your style, don’t stop at color combinations. Texture plays a huge role in how your outfits look and feel.
Are you into smooth, polished fabrics like silk and satin? Or maybe cozy, tactile materials like wool and knits?
- Corduroy vs. leather vs. linen = totally different moods.
- Love “romantic” style? Try lace, mesh, silk.
- Like bold vibes? Think denim, faux leather, neoprene.
Mixing textures can add so much depth and personality to your outfits.
Here’s how to start:
- Combine contrasting textures like denim and lace for a balanced vibe.
- Lean into fabrics that make you feel good (because if you don’t love how it feels, you won’t wear it!). Like I HATE sequins, mesh or lace. They feel itchy on my skin.
Pro Tip: Start simple. Pick two types of textures for each outfit and slowly experiment. Before you know it, you’ll be mixing sequins with leather like a pro.
6. Get Inspired from Pinterest, Magazines, and Mood Boards
If you’re stuck, go image hunting! Pinterest is your style BFF, offering endless outfit ideas from fashionistas worldwide.
Flip through magazines or even take screenshots of movie characters with outfits you love.
Assemble these inspiration pieces into a mood board to really see what you’re drawn to. (You can do that on any photo editing app, but I like Canva for it’s ease.)
Pro Tip: Try creating seasonal mood boards! This way, you’re not overwhelmed by too many ideas, and you can focus on putting together a wardrobe that works year-round.
7. Assess Your Current Wardrobe
Before you can curate your dream style, you need to know what you’re working with. Take some time to go through every piece in your closet. (Yes, even that sweater you haven’t worn in three years.)
- Keep clothes you love and wear regularly.
- Donate or sell anything that doesn’t fit your vibe or hasn’t been touched since forever.
- Store the “maybe” items and revisit them in a few months.
To do this, you can ask yourself:
- Why do I love wearing this? (Like I love comfortable yet chic pieces in solid colors, because I can style them with different things)
- How do I feel when I wear it? (I would just not wear anything that makes me sweaty, tight, or itchy (eyeing those corsets, lace tops, itchy sweaters)
- What do I reach for again and again? (I love jewel tones and a few pastel colors)
Notice patterns! Do you have tons of jeans but only one blouse? Or is there a specific color you always gravitate toward? These insights reveal a lot about your current style preferences.
8. Define Your Lifestyle Needs
Your personal style should cater to your lifestyle. Think about the occasions you dress for most often.
- Do you need polished workwear?
- Are your days spent in casual college outfits?
- Do you frequently attend special events or night outs?
- What’s the weather like where you live? (Coats and scarves wouldn’t work if you’re in sunny LA!)
Break your wardrobe into categories to make sure you’re covered for all situations. This will help you identify any gaps.
Please think practically! There’s no point investing in tons of stilettos if you wear sneakers day-to-day.
9. Track the Outfits That Earn You Compliments
Ever noticed how some outfits get you all the “Wow, that’s SO you!” comments? Pay attention to those moments. The next time a look earns you compliments, ask yourself why it works so well.
Is it the cut, the color, or maybe just how confident you feel in it?
Pro Tip: Snap photos of your favorite looks or keep a “compliments journal.” You’ll start noticing common threads (pun intended!) that define your style.
10. Experiment with Mood Boards
Mood boards aren’t just for Pinterest fanatics; they’re STYLE MAGIC.
Start browsing fashion blogs, social media accounts, or even outfits in movies. Collect images of looks that speak to you and group them together. You’ll start to notice a vibe or aesthetic you’re drawn to.
- Do you love modern minimalism?
- Obsessed with boho vibes?
- Craving something bold and artistic?
Once your board starts coming to life, use it as your shopping guide. Make a list of all the “essentials” to nail that style. And don’t get distracted with trends!
Pro Tip: But also, don’t feel confined to one theme. Mixing aesthetics keeps things fresh and exciting! Like my usual style is cute and comfy but on some days i’d touch sexy like I was made for it!
11. Micro-Style = Accessories & Details
Your big wardrobe pieces like dresses, tops, and blazers will define the base of your style, but accessories are where you add the cherry on top.
I mean, you can wear the same t-shirt and jeans combo like someone else, but the way you accessorize it can be completely different.
Maybe with some chunky jewelry belt, and a cap? Add a pop of color with a bag?
So, how do you find your accessory pieces?
- Do you like dainty jewelery or chunky, statement ones?
- Do you often go for neutral colors like gold and silver or wouldlove adding pops of color?
- Are you a baseball cap girl or a hat one?
- Heels or sneakers?
- Belt or no belt?
- Patterned scarves or unique bags (tiny, retro, beaded)?
There are so many decisions to make. And trust me, half of your style game depends on your accessories because it’s the smallest things that make you stand out.
12. Don’t Just Follow Trends—Follow Your Shadow Trends
Here’s the thing about trends: they come and go. And even though you might not like what’s trending right now… you can still incorporate it in your way by noticing which trend-adjacent things keep pulling you in.
For example:
- Not into balletcore, but love satin & bows?
- Don’t love coquette, but love ruffles, puff sleeves & lace?
- Not like sleek buns from clean girl, but love glowy skin and minimal makeup?
- Can’t afford designer basics from old money aesthetic, but love quality tailoring?
You see what I’m saying? And these will be the things that you can add to your style for years to come instead of just few months of that virality.
Related artcles to how to find your style
- I Kid You Not, These 10 Ways to Accessorize Your Outfit Are Everything You Need to Better Your Life (& Style)
- 9 Legit Chic Handbag Trends for 2025 That Are TOO Good To Miss
- How to Dress Simple but Stylish: 15 Fashion Tips That’ll Change Your Life!
- How To Look Expensive On A Budget: Oozing Luxury Easily!
