Let’s get down to finding your personal style. I know for me when I get asked how to describe my personal style, I’m always stuck at describing it. I feel it changes depending on the mood I’m in. But what I can tell you is when I go shopping, I tend to gravitate towards the same things I already own. Do you find yourself doing this? I find that this is the easiest way to discover your style.
Describing your style might be challenging, like it is for me but at least you may know what specific prints, colors, cuts you like. I’m drawn to stripes, certain types of floral prints, maxi skirts and dresses, pretty blouses, graphic tees, cropped denim jeans and blazers/short jackets.
Maybe you’re in a rut with your wardrobe and want to change up your style. If this is the case, start bookmarking/collecting images of pieces or head-to-toe outfits you love and create a Pinterest board. Once you’ve pinned at least 20 images, look at the overall vibe. See what types of pieces are on repeat and what colors/prints you’re pinning the most. This will help define your new style you want to try.
The next step, which a lot of women dislike, is trying on clothes. Yes that’s right, get out, go shopping and try on some of these pieces/outfits. This will help determine if the new style you want to achieve is suiting you. I know this process can be daunting to do solo, that’s why hiring a personal stylist is a good option if you can budget that in.
Nordstrom, Macy’s and TopShop (not all but most locations) have a personal shopper/stylist which is a complimentary service. I would utilize their service to help when you’re deciding on creating a new style. I also have a step-by-step Style Guide you can download that may help as well (download HERE or HERE). Before you venture out on discovering a new style to sport, here are a few savvy tips to implement beforehand:
- Take 1-2 weeks to pin up to 20 new looks/pieces on your Pinterest board
- Keep this board handy for when you’re going to shop/try on clothes
- Schedule one full day to TRY ON clothes
- Make sure you eat before you leave the house and bring water with you on the day you’re planning to try on clothes (I know this sounds silly but trust me, you don’t want to be hangry in the middle of this process or dehydrated. It can be a workout)
- Don’t feel you “have” to buy a whole new wardrobe right away, just Try On new pieces
- If you find a few “must have” pieces during your Try On day, make sure before you purchase them, you ask yourself if you can create at least 3 different outfits with this piece. Remember you want to maximize your wearability.
- Don’t bring a friend or relative that doesn’t have great style herself to help you decide, otherwise you’ll end up not liking anything. Trust me, as a stylist I’ve witnessed this numerous times.
- Find a store that has complimentary style services, more shops are offering this, just have to call ahead and ask.
Remember this is supposed to be an enjoyable experience! If you’re not feeling it on the day you’re going to Try On clothes, reschedule for another day. Remember … be savvy, shop smart and stay stylish! XO, M