Breaking Down Your Style to Its Core

Developing a personal style starts with self-reflection. Instead of chasing trends, ask yourself: What do I actually love wearing? Make a list of your favorite pieces and why they stand out—maybe it’s the fit, fabric, or how they make you feel. Curating a wardrobe around these staples helps clarify your preferences and makes getting dressed easier. Your style isn’t just about clothes; it’s a mix of everything that inspires you.

Art, for example, has a way of sneaking into our closets.

If you love bold, abstract paintings or street murals, you might gravitate toward statement prints and unexpected color combinations. On the other hand, if minimalism speaks to you—think clean lines and soft neutrals—your wardrobe might reflect that same sleek, understated aesthetic. Fashion is basically wearable art, so it makes sense that what we admire on a canvas or a wall can influence what we wear.

Culture plays a huge role too. The way we dress is often shaped by where we’re from, where we’ve been, or what places we’re drawn to. Maybe you love the effortless elegance of Parisian style, the eclectic layering of Japanese fashion, or the relaxed, beachy vibes of West Coast aesthetics.

Even the music and movies you love shape your look—whether it’s vintage rock making you reach for leather jackets, ‘90s hip-hop influencing your love for oversized silhouettes, or old Hollywood glam inspiring timeless, structured pieces.

If you’re still figuring it out, try making a mood board—Pinterest, Instagram saves, or even a chaotic collage of magazine cutouts. Seeing all your inspirations in one place makes it easier to define your style. And the best part? When your wardrobe actually feels like you, getting dressed becomes a whole lot more fun.

Letting Go of the Fear of Judgment

One of the most liberating things I’ve learned is that no one pays as much attention to your outfit as you think.

The fear of judgment can be paralyzing, but when I stopped obsessing over what others might think, I realized how much more freedom I had to express myself through my style. I remember wearing a pair of light blush satin pants with a unique fringe down the seams, definitely out of my comfort zone at the time.

I was nervous—what if people thought it was too much?

But then something amazing happened: I received compliments from complete strangers, and my confidence skyrocketed. Those pants became a reminder to me that being unique isn’t just okay—it’s often celebrated.

Embracing individuality is one of the best ways to express who you are. The clothes you wear are an extension of yourself, and when you choose pieces that resonate with you personally, they become more than just fabric. They hold meaning. Whether it’s a vintage jacket passed down from a family member or a quirky pair of shoes you found on a spontaneous trip, those items tell a story that’s uniquely yours.

4 Easy Strategies to Overcome Style Anxiety

Overcoming style anxiety isn’t about suddenly being “perfect” in what you wear; it's about letting go of the pressure and embracing what feels right for you. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a cycle of overthinking your outfits, here are some practical tips

(listed out because I too HATE having to look through paragraphs, you're welcome) to help you break free and build a wardrobe that reflects your true style.

Experiment without commitment: Play around with different looks! Try outfits out without the pressure of wearing them forever. If you don't end up liking the outfit, scrap it! There is no commitment in wearing clothes. It's all about discovering what resonates with you—whether it’s bold prints, timeless everyday pieces, vintage denim, new textures, or unexpected color combos.
Confidence-building outfits: Choose clothes that make you feel good—like the ones you’d wear on your best days. When you feel great in what you’re wearing, it shows. Confidence becomes your best accessory.
Mindset shift: Most people are too caught up in their own lives to notice the little things about your outfit. When you realize this, it’s a game-changer. No one is analyzing you the way you think they are—so why not wear what you love without the second-guessing?
Create a mood board: Collect screenshots or images of styles and looks that inspire you. Pinterest, Instagram, or magazines are easy to use for this! A mood board helps you see patterns in your personal style and makes it easier to define your aesthetic.

Discovering What You Truly Like

Discovering your personal style can be a fun and eye-opening process. Start by analyzing your past outfits. What pieces do you find yourself wearing over and over? Are there any common themes, like a certain color palette or a preference for relaxed fits? This can give you clues about what truly speaks to you.

Another great way to explore your style is by engaging in style challenges—like a 30-day experiment where you try a new look every day. This pushes you to step outside your usual comfort zone and helps you discover what you like (and what you don’t) without the pressure of commitment.

It’s also important to seek inspiration from a wide variety of sources, not just mainstream fashion. Look at art, street style, vintage shops, or even nature. Inspiration is everywhere, and when you explore outside the typical fashion bubble, you’ll find unique elements that can make your style truly one-of-a-kind.

Building a Personal Style Recipe

Once you’ve identified your style preferences, it’s time to create a personal “style recipe”—a formula that combines all your favorite elements into a wardrobe that feels authentically you.

Colors: Start with the colors that make you feel most like yourself. Whether it’s bold reds or soft neutrals, knowing your go-to colors helps build a cohesive wardrobe.
Patterns: Think about the prints you love to wear. Are you drawn to florals, stripes, or maybe animal prints? These little details can help you find a unique look that stands out.
Cuts and Fits: Pay attention to the silhouettes that feel comfortable for your body and make you feel confident. Whether you love high-waisted pants, oversized blazers, or A-line dresses, these cuts will become the foundation of your wardrobe.

Embrace The Journey!

At the end of the day, your personal style is a reflection of who you are, and embracing it means embracing yourself. It’s not about getting it perfect right away—it’s about understanding what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and truly you.

The beauty of style is that it’s constantly evolving, and there’s no final destination.

Continue exploring, experimenting, and evolving your fashion choices. As you dive deeper into what resonates with you, you’ll uncover pieces that tell your unique story. The journey of discovering your style is exciting—because with every outfit, you’re learning more about your individuality and how to express it through the clothes you wear. So take the pressure off, trust the process, and enjoy the ride—your style is a beautiful journey of self-expression that’s just waiting to be discovered!

Embracing Your Unique Style: Breaking Free from Style Anxiety

We’ve all been there—staring at a full closet yet feeling like we have nothing to wear.

But I eventually realized that true style isn’t about trends or approval—it’s about feeling good in what you wear. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to dress a certain way, you’re not alone.

Let’s unpack style anxiety and how to break free from overthinking—because the coolest thing you can wear is confidence.