For years, people felt like there was never anything to wear. Each shopping trip ended with the same hopeful thought: “This is it. This piece will finally make the wardrobe complete, cohesive, and a true reflection of personal style.”
But the reality is, no single shirt, pair of shorts, or skirt can work miracles—and that’s because the wardrobe was all over the place. Variety is great, but there was too much of it, from the lime green sweater to the flowy lace maxi skirt to the bedazzled denim shorts. Finding a personal style took time, and it involved a lot of trial and error—primarily errors. It took years to pinpoint what really worked and what was truly loved.
It’s possible to build a wardrobe filled with pieces that match, work together, and are genuinely adored. By following these ten insider tips, anyone can discover and master their own unique personal style.
1. Dedicate a Day to Window Shopping—No Buying Allowed
It might sound counterintuitive, but spending a day browsing without the intention of buying can be a transformative step in finding your personal style. Shopping can be exciting, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of impulsively picking up items that catch your eye in the moment—only to realize later that they don’t align with your true tastes. The hustle and bustle of crowded stores, long dressing room lines, or seasonal trends can cloud your judgment, making it harder to focus on what genuinely suits you.
Instead, set aside a day where the goal isn’t to make purchases but to explore and observe. Visit your favorite shops, wander through new boutiques, or even browse online stores to see what’s out there. This is a no-pressure day; you don’t need to worry about budget, sales, or if something is in stock in your size. It’s purely about discovery.
While browsing, try different styles, cuts, and colors to see how they make you feel. This can be especially helpful if you’re unsure how a particular silhouette or trend works with your body shape. Use this time to take mental notes (or even jot down observations) about what you feel drawn to, what makes you feel confident, and what reflects your personality. Don’t just focus on specific items—pay attention to patterns in your preferences. For example, do you consistently gravitate toward neutral tones, or do bold colors make you feel more vibrant? Are structured pieces more appealing, or do flowy, relaxed fits resonate with your lifestyle?
After this exploratory day, step away and give yourself time to reflect. This break from the shopping environment allows for more clarity. Once home, you can revisit the outstanding items and evaluate whether they enhance your wardrobe. Before committing to a purchase, you’ll be able to think more strategically about how those pieces fit into your existing collection—both in terms of style and functionality. This thoughtful approach can prevent the all-too-common scenario of buying something in a rush only to regret it later.
By focusing on observation rather than acquisition, you’ll get a clearer sense of what you truly like and need, helping you build a cohesive, intentional, and authentic wardrobe.
2. Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone
One key aspect of finding your personal style is allowing yourself to experiment and remembering that fashion is meant to be fun. Clothes offer a unique opportunity for self-expression, so don’t be afraid to play around with new trends, cuts, or colors. The beauty of this process is that trying something new—even if it doesn’t work—brings you one step closer to discovering what it does.
Start with small changes to ease yourself into experimenting. If your wardrobe is filled with neutral colors, consider adding a pop of pattern or texture. For instance, a pair of black-and-white printed pants can offer a subtle yet noticeable shift from your typical choices. On the other hand, if you’re more comfortable in oversized and relaxed fits like lounge sets, try stepping out in something more form-fitting—such as biker shorts or a tailored top. These small changes can feel refreshing without straying too far from what makes you feel comfortable.
Don’t be discouraged if the first new piece you try doesn’t feel right. The purpose of stepping outside your comfort zone is to explore the limits of what you like and don’t like. Each new attempt gives you valuable insight, and that trial and error is all part of the journey to refining your personal style. Remember that you’re not locked into any specific style choice, so it’s perfectly fine to experiment without the pressure of needing everything to “fit” immediately.
Through these little style adventures, you’ll begin to push the boundaries of what you once thought was your signature look, opening up new possibilities that might surprise you. Expanding your wardrobe with these bold, experimental pieces can also boost confidence and inspire you to explore the creative side of fashion further.
3. Create a Style Mood Board with Pinterest
One powerful yet often underutilized tool for finding personal style is Pinterest. The platform is ideal for gathering inspiration and visualizing the kind of wardrobe you want to create. When starting out, approach it with intention: commit to pinning only the outfits or looks you truly love. Initially, it’s common to pin various styles, which can feel scattered or unfocused. But as you collect more images, you’ll notice patterns emerging, helping you refine your taste.
After amassing many pins, take some time to step back and analyze your board. This is where the real magic happens. Ask yourself why certain outfits caught your eye. Do you love them because they use neutral tones, have a minimalist aesthetic, or feature bold accessories? Or, perhaps you pinned a look just because your favorite celebrity was wearing it, not because it genuinely resonated with your style. Over time, this practice helps you break down what you like and why, giving you a more precise direction for your own wardrobe.
Beyond Pinterest, Instagram can also be a helpful tool for style inspiration. Create a saved folder specifically for outfits (OOTD) that speak to you as you scroll through your feed. Anytime you come across a look that resonates, save it. This collection becomes a go-to reference when you’re unsure what to wear. By revisiting your saved images, you can test out similar outfits yourself, helping you see how these styles translate to your own body and lifestyle.
Having all of these visual references in one place not only gives you ideas but also allows you to spot recurring themes in your preferences. Curating looks based on what you truly enjoy and analyzing them helps you get closer to defining an authentic personal style.
4. Emulate the Style of Fashion Icons You Admire
A great way to refine your personal style is to draw inspiration from people whose fashion sense you admire. Whether it’s a celebrity, influencer, or stylish friend, take the time to scroll through their Instagram or other social platforms and pay attention to the outfits they wear. Identify the looks that resonate with you and see how you can recreate them using your own pieces.
This approach provides fresh outfit ideas and lets you see your wardrobe in a new light. You may find that you already have items that fit the look you’re going for, but perhaps you haven’t been styling them to reflect the aesthetic you’re aiming to achieve. For example, maybe a specific jacket you never wear can be paired with a dress or pants in a way that transforms the entire outfit, mimicking the style you admire.
Focusing on replicating these looks can inspire outfits that might not have crossed your mind otherwise. It’s a simple, practical way to push your creativity and maximize what’s already in your closet while honing in on the elements of fashion that you love most. Over time, this can help you develop a more cohesive and polished sense of style that feels true to you.
5. Assess Your Daily Wardrobe Choices
When starting to refine your personal style, it’s tempting to do a complete overhaul and eliminate everything that doesn’t fit your new vision. The excitement of building a wardrobe that perfectly reflects your aesthetic can urge you to fill donation boxes and start fresh. However, it’s important to remember that slow and steady wins the race when it comes to curating a lasting style.
Rather than rushing into drastic changes, take a more strategic approach over a few months. Focus on gradually adding pieces that align with your evolving style. Invest in high-quality, timeless items you can see yourself wearing for years, regardless of changing trends. This allows you to build a wardrobe that not only reflects your personal style but also offers longevity and versatility.
As you’re evolving your style, it’s also crucial to reevaluate the clothes you already own. Assess what you wear regularly and what has been gathering dust in your closet. Ask yourself why certain pieces go unworn. For example, if you no longer wear those hot pink pants, is it because they don’t fit your current style, or is it simply that you no longer enjoy the color? This process of reflection is precious—it helps you understand what works for you and what doesn’t.
By evaluating your existing wardrobe, you’ll gain insight into your preferences and habits, which will inform future purchases. This systematic approach ensures that your wardrobe grows intentionally, cohesively, and true to your personal style without wasting time or money on pieces that won’t get used.
6. Use a Clothing Rack to Showcase Pieces You Want to Style
If you have the space, a clothing rack can be a handy tool for honing your personal style. Use it to display new pieces you’ve recently bought or items you already own but want to incorporate into your wardrobe more often. By keeping these pieces visible and accessible, they stay at the forefront of your mind, making it easier to plan outfits around them.
This method allows you to be more intentional about how you style your clothes. When you hang an item on the rack, try pairing it with different accessories, shoes, or layering pieces to see how it can be styled for various occasions. For example, if you’re excited about a new blazer, you can hang it alongside jeans, a blouse, or a dress to envision how it might fit into different outfits. This visual planning not only helps you explore multiple ways to wear a piece but also ensures that you’re maximizing the potential of your wardrobe.
A dedicated rack helps eliminate the “I have nothing to wear” dilemma by making it easy to experiment with combinations and encouraging you to get creative with what you already own. When you have a look prepped and ready, it’s much simpler to throw it on when the right opportunity arises, whether a casual day out or a special event. This strategy can keep your style fresh and versatile while ensuring that your favorite pieces don’t go overlooked.
7. Use a Tailor When Necessary
In an ideal world, every piece of clothing would fit perfectly right off the rack, but in reality, that’s rarely the case. Sometimes, a piece can have all the correct elements—color, style, fabric—but the fit is just slightly off. Instead of leaving it unworn in your closet, take it to a tailor. A slight adjustment can make all the difference, transforming an item you like into one you love. Adjusting the length, taking in the waist, or tailoring sleeves, a good fit can elevate your look.
This applies not just to older items you’ve been reluctant to wear but also to new purchases. For example, if you find a skirt you adore but can’t decide between two sizes—perhaps one is too tight and the other a bit too loose—don’t settle for an imperfect fit. Opt for the size closest to your needs and have it tailored for a custom-like finish.
Investing in tailoring helps you get the most out of your clothes, ensuring they not only fit your body but also make you feel confident. It’s a simple solution that can extend the life of your wardrobe and help you wear your favorite pieces more often.
8. Curate a Wishlist to Restrain Impulse Purchases
We’ve all been there: a flash sale pops up, a must-have item catches your eye, and the temptation to hit “add to cart” is hard to resist. But when it comes to building the wardrobe of your dreams, it’s more strategic to work off a curated wishlist than to indulge in impulse buying. This approach ensures that each piece you bring home has a purpose in your wardrobe, helping you avoid unnecessary clutter and regretful purchases.
Start by taking a good look at your closet and identifying any gaps. Maybe you’re missing versatile basics, or perhaps there’s a specific style you’ve been wanting to try. Once you’re clear on what your wardrobe truly needs, create a wishlist on your phone or in a notebook where you can jot down the pieces that catch your eye and fill those gaps.
The key is to give yourself some time before making any purchase. Add the items to your wishlist and think about how they’d fit with what you already own. Can that sweater pair with multiple outfits? Would those shoes complement your current wardrobe? By letting an item sit on your list for a while, you can consider its long-term value and how often you actually wear it.
Next time you’re ready to shop, revisit your wishlist. Instead of making a spontaneous buy, choose something you’ve been thinking about and have already envisioned incorporating into your style. This thoughtful approach allows you to gradually build a cohesive, well-rounded wardrobe with pieces you genuinely love and will often wear—without the regret that can come with impulse shopping.
9. Utilize the Three-Word Method
The three-word method, popularized by New York-based fashion stylist Allison Bornstein, is a simple yet effective way to define and refine your personal style. This method, which took social media by storm, involves identifying your style using just three key adjectives. These words describe the essence of your style, providing a clear framework to help you make more intentional fashion choices. For instance, your style might be “cool, elevated, and comfortable,” or perhaps it’s “colorful, classic, and bold.”
The power of this method lies in its simplicity. It helps you pinpoint two important things:
The style you currently have
The style you want to have
Once you’ve chosen your three words, they become a guide to evaluate future purchases. Before buying something new, ask yourself if it aligns with the style you’re aiming for. Does it fit into one or more of those adjectives? This doesn’t mean every piece must strictly adhere to all three words—if one of your words is “colorful,” you can still buy neutrals. However, it will be a helpful tool for keeping your wardrobe cohesive and ensuring you’re investing in pieces that reflect the style you love and feel confident in.
Over time, the three-word method can also help you notice patterns in your shopping habits and ensure your wardrobe aligns with the aesthetic you want to achieve. It’s an easy, personalized way to stay true to your style while allowing creativity and flexibility in your fashion choices.
10. Regularly Clean Out Your Closet
One of the easiest ways to feel overwhelmed and uninspired by your wardrobe is to have a closet overflowing with clothes that don’t fit, are out of season, or simply no longer align with your style. When your closet is packed with items you don’t wear or don’t love, it becomes harder to see the pieces you actually enjoy wearing, making it feel like you have “nothing to wear.” If you find yourself constantly pulling out items only to put them back because they’re stained, ill-fitting, or just not your style anymore, it’s time for a closet cleanse.
Instead of waiting for a massive purge once or twice a year, make it a habit to clean out your closet regularly. This doesn’t have to be a huge task; just dedicate a little time every few weeks to assess what you’ve been wearing and haven’t. If a piece hasn’t been worn in months, ask yourself why. Does it no longer fit your style? Is it uncomfortable? If yes, it’s time to donate, sell, or recycle it.
By maintaining a clean and curated closet, you’ll not only create more space for pieces you love but also make it easier to get dressed each day. With fewer distractions, you’ll be able to see and access clothes that truly reflect your style, leading to a more intentional and satisfying wardrobe. Regularly editing your closet also helps you stay aware of what you actually need, reducing the urge for impulse buys and making your shopping choices more thoughtful.
