How To Discover Your Personal Style
It feels as if it’s been years since I’ve done a blog post on TLC! Just like every other content creator out there, I’m telling myself that this is the year for consistent content. More than just that, I want to turn my platforms (Instagram, YouTube, TheLuxuryChoyce, etc.) into places where anyone can come and find valuable, entertaining, or just plain aspirational content. Don’t worry, the semi-pointless hauls and unboxings will still be happening, but expect to see a lot more content around styling, trends, new product launches, and reviews!
With that said, I wanted to discuss something that I get asked a lot– How do you discover your personal style?
SHOP THE LOOK
Let’s be honest; finding that PERFECT forever style will never really happen. Think of all of those “memories” you see on social media that make you want to delete every trace of your online existence because you’re so embarrassed by the outfit you had on… I’m speaking from experience. But I think that is the fun of fashion; the fact that styles are always changing and every item, outfit, and style represents a significant moment in time.
With this said, I think there is a definite style evolution that takes place when you can answer a few critical questions about what works best for you.
When do you feel the most confidence
I think that anything can look incredible if worn with the right amount of confidence. When trying to discover your personal style, start to think about those looks that you put together that make you say, “damn, I look good!” When you begin to pay attention to these moments, you will most likely find a through-line and detail about each of these looks that you can implement in everything you wear. I have found I feel the most confident when I have on a unique design piece or higher quality clothing item. These particular pieces give me that slight bit of confidence, even if they aren’t heavily branded or in-your-face. By learning this about myself, I buy less fast fashion items that are “trendy” or “of the moment” from lower quality brands, and invest my dollars into pieces I know are going to make me feel confident when I put them on.
Remember that when you look good, you feel good!
What’s your color palette?
For us who love fashion, this is the closest we will ever get to having a Steve Jobs style uniform. A great reason to have a clearly defined color palette is that you can to mix and match more of your pieces. You can usually find me in a black, grey, brown, or any kind of neutral tone.
What styles fit your body/look best
Not all clothing items and styles are for everyone. While we continue to push for inclusive opportunities in fashion, which is fantastic, the reality is that not everything is going to look good on every type of person or every body-type. Let me use myself as an example… I am incredibly thin. I have learned there are a lot of clothing items that do just not work for my body type. Understanding this really has helped me narrow down my style, which is a little bit more oversized and layered, to not bring so much attention to my chicken legs.
Another example is my race (yes, we are going there). As an African American man, I know that the same logomania look or checkered print shirts I see impeccably styled on Instagram will come off completely different on me. By all means, test the waters and experiment, but when discovering the styles that work best for YOU, it’s essential to keep these things in mind.
What’s your go-to clothing item
Every look starts with a key piece. When evaluating what your personal style is, think about what particular category of item that is for you. Is it shirts, pants, an accessory? These will start to become your closet staples. My personal go-to is shoes, which you probably could have guessed from my shoe collection video.
Who’s Style Inspires You
When discovering your style, there is nothing wrong with a little inspiration. Looking at others who inspire you gives you a bit of grounding to base your style direction on. After a while, you will discover that you will be creating looks in a similar way all by yourself. I am a massive fan of using Instagram to find style inspiration and motivation. I even create a folder I call “fashion” were I have all my favorite bloggers, designers, stylist, and even friends looks that I love. Some of my personal favorites for style inspiration, both male and female, are @Soy_Raka, @Trendywubibb @Mrjulls, @Tamara, @Inthefrow, and @blvckmvnivc.
Finding your personal style is a process, and like any process, you will sometimes fumble with looks that you might have once thought to yourself: “I look great!” That said, embrace the fumbles and have fun with fashion!
