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Figuring out your personal style is the first step in creating a functional wardrobe that you genuinely love. When you can clearly define your style, getting dressed becomes easier, more enjoyable, and cost-effective.
Discovering your personal style may sound simple, but when you dig into it, you’ll quickly realize it can be confusing and overwhelming. Have you ever paused to think about the types of clothes and outfits you genuinely enjoy? If you’re like most busy women, the answer is probably no.
For many, including myself, there comes a point where you realize you’ve accumulated a closet full of clothes with no clear direction. It’s less about having a style and more about owning pieces collected over time. Here’s how to change that.
Why Personal Style Matters
Personal style is more than just clothes—it’s how you present yourself to the world. A well-defined personal style helps you:
- Save time and money by avoiding impulse purchases.
- Feel more confident in what you wear.
- Create a wardrobe that works for your lifestyle.
Your personal style should reflect who you are today—not just who you used to be or who you think you should be. It’s also a key component of romanticizing your life and living in a way that feels most in alignment with your most authentic self. Additionally, it serves as a guide to keep you on track, helping you reach your goals by ensuring that how you present yourself aligns with the life you want to create.
Why Personal Style Matters
Personal style is more than just clothes—it’s how you present yourself to the world. A well-defined personal style helps you:
- Save time and money by avoiding impulse purchases.
- Feel more confident in what you wear.
- Create a wardrobe that works for your lifestyle.
6 Steps to Discovering Your Personal Style
1. Identify Styles You Admire
Start by considering the women whose style you admire. This could be celebrities, influencers, or even colleagues. Ask yourself:
- Who do I think always looks great?
- What elements of their style resonate with me?
While you can appreciate a variety of styles, focus on those you’d actually wear. For example, I love Diane Keaton’s bold, eclectic looks but wouldn’t dress like her. Instead, I’m drawn to the modern, relaxed elegance of Gwyneth Paltrow, Olivia Palermo, and Carolina Herrera.
Make a list of three to five style icons whose fashion you’d like to emulate. This will guide your wardrobe curation.
2. Create a Style Vision Board
One of the best ways to clarify your style is by creating a vision board. Use Pinterest to gather images of outfits and pieces you love. Pin freely at first, then edit your board to reflect only the styles you’d actually wear.
Look for patterns in your selections:
- Do you prefer pants or skirts?
- Are you drawn to bold prints or neutrals?
- Do you like tailored or romantic pieces?
This exercise will help you identify recurring themes, colors, and silhouettes that define your style. For a full step-by-step guide you can read my article How to Create Your Personal Style Vision Board.
3. Edit Your Current Wardrobe
With your vision board in hand, assess your closet with a critical eye. Compare your current wardrobe to the styles you’ve pinned and remove anything that no longer aligns with your desired look.
For a deeper dive into decluttering, check out our guide on How to Purge Clothes: 7 Mindset Shifts You Need to Edit Your Wardrobe and Closet Cleanout: 6 Simple Steps to Declutter & Organize Your Wardrobe
Focus on keeping versatile, well-fitting pieces that reflect your style. Let go of items that no longer serve you—you’ll feel lighter and more intentional about your wardrobe.
4. Identify Your Signature Pieces
Signature pieces are the foundation of your personal style. These are the items you reach for repeatedly because they feel like “you.”
For me, these include:
- Dark jeans
- Crisp white button-down shirts
- Tan boots
- Structured bags
- Sleek dresses for work
- Neutral-to-me pumps
Identify the staples that align with your vision board. These items will anchor your outfits and make getting dressed easier.
5. Shop with Intention
One common mistake is buying clothes without a clear plan. To avoid this, follow the “three ways” rule: only purchase an item if you can style it at least three different ways.
This ensures versatility and prevents impulse buys. Over time, you’ll build a wardrobe filled with pieces that work together seamlessly.
6. Trust Your Instincts
Developing personal style is a journey, not a destination. Trust your instincts as you refine your look. Avoid:
- Buying items just because they’re on sale.
- Wearing something solely because someone said you should.
- Settling for pieces you’re not excited to wear.
Instead, focus on investing in quality items that reflect your unique preferences and lifestyle.
Common Personal Style Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to follow every trend instead of focusing on what suits you.
- Holding onto clothes that no longer fit (physically or stylistically).
- Ignoring comfort for the sake of fashion—your style should be functional and wearable.
- Not tailoring your clothes is one of the biggest style mistakes women make. Even minor alterations can elevate your look and improve fit dramatically. Learn more about clothing alterations and how to achieve the perfect fit with our expert guide.
Final Thoughts
Building a wardrobe you love takes time and intentionality, but the payoff is worth it. Start small by identifying your style icons, creating a vision board, and editing your closet. As you refine your look, trust your instincts and prioritize versatility.
By following these steps, you’ll not only discover your personal style but also create a wardrobe that makes getting dressed effortless and enjoyable every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I find my personal style at 40+?
Your style should evolve with you. Start by identifying what you feel best in, analyzing your lifestyle needs, and building a wardrobe with well-fitting essentials.
2. What are the key elements of a great personal style?
A well-defined style includes a consistent color palette, well-tailored pieces, signature accessories, and items that reflect your personality.
3. Should I follow trends if I’m defining my personal style?
Not necessarily. While trends can be fun, your personal style should be timeless and reflect what you genuinely love to wear.
4. How often should I reassess my personal style?
At least once a year—your lifestyle, preferences, and body change over time. Regularly updating your wardrobe ensures it stays aligned with your style.
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