Have you suddenly found yourself no longer wanting to wear easy, off-the-rack clothes? Instead, are you craving a wardrobe with finesse, investing more thought and depth into your personal style? First off, congratulations on taking a more mature approach to how you dress!
If I had to guess, you're in your twenties. If so, don’t stress about where to start. Your youth is your greatest asset; you’re allowed to make mistakes as you discover your personal style! This article will serve as a solid foundation before diving into this journey, which requires considerable effort, time, and money.
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What image do you want to project? Do you aim to appear polished, stylish, casual, rugged, or simple? Think about the vibe you’re going for.
If you’re unsure, look to celebrities or style icons for inspiration. However, focus less on their red carpet appearances; everyday outfits (street style) are far more valuable for inspiration. Remember, on the red carpet, most celebrities aren't truly themselves due to the demands of stylists and brands.
Consider the fabrics, patterns, and colors that resonate with you and what makes you feel comfortable and confident. When you say “I like it!”, that’s where the debate about good or bad fashion ends.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
As mentioned, your greatest asset is time, so experiment as much as you can until you find the fits that suit you best. In today’s world, it’s challenging to carve out a personal identity with everyone on social media seemingly dressing the same. But approach this journey with an open mind! You won’t know if something suits you until you try it.
For instance, you can elevate a plain outfit with accessories like bracelets or watches.
But Don’t Get Lost in Trends
Stay cautious about diving too deeply into trends, especially those on TikTok; I bet in 3-6 months, you won’t care about them anymore. If you find it hard to resist trends, observe and select a few elements to incorporate into your style. Remember the "ugly sneakers" trend with oversized kicks? Nobody talks about them anymore, but thick-soled sneakers inspired by New Balance are still a solid choice.
At any time, focus on enjoying just one trend. Combining multiple trends can easily lead to fashion missteps or disasters. Create a personal “filter” to refine and adapt trends in your unique way.
Find the Right Proportion
Proportion in clothing is incredibly important. It distinguishes countless similar items. Incorrect proportions can easily "destroy" an otherwise beautifully designed outfit, regardless of its cost.
Skinny fits aren’t for everyone; however, moderately fitted and comfortable clothing like regular or relaxed fits suit many body types. The key is choosing the right size.
Identify Your “Backbone” Pieces
Once you’ve experimented enough, you’ll start recognizing what you like and dislike, allowing you to build a deeper wardrobe.
This “depth” comes from how you use clothing and accessories to navigate your daily lifestyle. For example, if your job requires you to carry a laptop regularly, invest in bags that can accommodate your laptop and essentials. Messenger bags, tote bags, and briefcases can be your “backbone” pieces, closely tied to your daily image.
Avoid buying items you’ll only wear once or twice. Sustainable style comes from developing a healthy relationship with clothing, understanding its history, and knowing how it fits your body. It’s better to own fewer items that bring joy when worn than to have countless options and still feel like you have “nothing to wear.”
Invest with Purpose
Once you've identified what you enjoy wearing, it’s time to consider long-term investments in those items. Personally, my staples revolve around white t-shirts, indigo blue jeans, minimalist white sneakers, and loafers. Of course, other items may vary with the seasons, but these always take precedence.
Everyone will have a list of favorite daily items; the goal is to invest a little more in them. Durable materials with simple, timeless designs will ensure they last. I have a pair of white Common Projects sneakers that are nearly eight years old, and countless white t-shirts, most over two years old, showing minimal signs of wear.
Remember, You’re Allowed to Make Mistakes!
Not every outfit will score a perfect 10/10. However, if you maintain a progressive spirit and step out of your comfort zone, you’ll soon discover your aesthetic direction.
Personal style isn’t static; it evolves and develops through various stages as your aesthetic and surroundings change over time. You may never declare your style perfect, but you can confidently say you’re continuously refining your appearance. Look back at photos from 1-2 years ago; if you feel a bit uneasy about your outfit, that means your fashion sense is evolving. Keep practicing and don’t hesitate to make mistakes until you look back at old photos and feel like they were taken yesterday - that’s when you’ve truly found your own style!
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