Finding Your Own Style: How to Develop Your Personal Fashion Identity

Lots of people might think that fashion is only superficial, but these people don’t know that you can make a lot of statements with your fashion choices. 

And by that, we don’t mean using a rock band or politician t-shirt – we mean a much more profound and personal statement. Fashion is about having fun, and expressing yourself through clothes and accessories.

Developing a personal style is a journey… but where should you start? Don’t worry: we’ll guide you through the main points and ways of finding your own true style. 

First Things First: Why Is Personal Style Important?

Your personal style could be considered as an extension of who you are and your essence. It tells the world a lot about yourself, even if the message is only “I couldn’t care less about fashion”. 

All of this without you having to say a word. Think of it as a visual bio – fun, right? When you dress in a way that resonates with your true self, you’ll feel more confident and comfortable.

But why does this matter? Your fashion identity not only affects how others perceive you, but it also impacts how you feel about yourself. A strong and personalised style could make you feel a lot better about yourself. 

Defining Your Style: Let’s Start

You may already have a rough idea of what you like, but mixing it all under one style can be challenging. Here are a few tips to get started:

• Search for Inspiration: Use social media to investigate styles. Pay attention to what catches your eye and later, find similarities between those styles and common points to start. 
• Mood Boards: Create a digital or physical mood board of the looks and colours that resonate with you. This will give you a visual guide as you explore different fashion choices.
• What You Already Own: Hey, don’t forget about your current clothes. They might tell you a lot about who you already are, plus, there’s no need to discard them all. Go through your wardrobe and pick out your favourite pieces. What do they have in common? Look for patterns in colours, silhouettes, and fabrics that make you feel great.

Trial and Error

Once you have a better understanding of the styles that appeal to you, it’s time to experiment! 

Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Try on different outfits, even those outside your comfort zone. This process is about finding out what works for you and what doesn’t, just like any other aspect of life.

Consider Building a Capsule Wardrobe

Have you ever heard of a capsule wardrobe? This is a selection of timeless, essential pieces that form the foundation of your wardrobe. Once you’ve nailed down your personal style, curating a capsule wardrobe is a smart way to ensure that your outfits reflect your identity.

Essentials for a Capsule Wardrobe:

• High-quality basics (T-shirts, jeans, and shirts)
• Classic outerwear (tailored coats, leather jackets)
• Comfortable footwear (trainers, loafers)
• Signature accessories (scarves, jewellery)

A capsule wardrobe doesn’t mean you’re stuck with basics. The key here is to mix timeless pieces with items that showcase your individuality. 

The main philosophy behind this technique is that you have to be clever when mixing and combining your clothes, instead of just buying and buying. 

Stay Safe and Savvy While Shopping

Lots of us use the internet to do online shopping, and this makes total sense for 2024. There are many clothes and items that are only available online, plus they could be cheaper or you could find special offers. The downside is that along with this convenience comes the need for caution. 

You might want to consider using a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, to help you protect your personal information by masking your internet activity. This is very handy when shopping on public Wi-Fi or from different sources. Services like Surfshark VPN can protect you when doing online shopping and using your credit card on online platforms. Plus, as an added benefit, you might even find better prices when shopping with a VPN!

Sustainable Fashion 

Sustainable fashion and circular fashion are trends that intend to make us think about the relationship between fashion and the environment. It is a movement within the modern fashion industry that prioritises quality and sustainability over speed and low costs. 

This approach takes into account the production processes of clothes, and the fair treatment of people working in the industry. 

Did you know that quick production and disposable clothing can contribute significantly to waste, water pollution, and carbon emissions? Just like any other massive industry, fashion could be harmful if not taken responsibly. 

Sadly for fashionistas, the fast fashion industry is responsible for an enormous amount of the world’s carbon emissions. This is why it is important to keep it conscious while defining your personal style. This is absolutely possible, and you’ll only have to think about these easy things: 

• Opt for brands that prioritise ethical manufacturing.
• Buy second-hand or upcycled pieces when possible.
• Choose durable, high-quality items that will last for years.
• Avoid fast fashion trends that contribute to waste.

Conclusion: It is Always a Good Idea to Have a Fashion Identity!

Developing your personal fashion identity is an empowering experience. It is a deep experience that will help you know yourself better, while at the same time gaining some confidence to feel more self-assured. 

It might take some time but, in the end, it could significantly improve your social experiences and your approach to your self-image. Plus, if you decide to go sustainable, you can also inspire other people to care about the environment. 

You can start today, experiment, and most importantly, have fun with fashion!