Personal style is such a fun topic to talk about, because it can have a different meaning to everyone. I love that there is no set list of rules for exactly how you should dress, shop, or what you should buy (unless perhaps it’s for the office and you’ve got a dress code). Personal style is something that is meant to be played with; it should be fun, self-expressive, and unique to you. Today, I’ve compiled a list of tips to find your personal style – these tips are similar to what I used to curate my current wardrobe, and tips that I still use when adding new pieces to my closet.

FIND YOUR COLOUR PALATE

Everyone has their go-to colours that they like to style and that they feel good in. Personally, my favourites are black, grey, beige, and deeper navy tones. I like this palate because there are endless ways to style neutrals together – and they often go with any other colour you’d like. Earth tones and neutrals are also colour palates in which pieces tend to look more luxurious, which even on a budget, I gravitate towards.

A way to find the colours you like the most is to do a wardrobe inventory, see what colours you wear the most, and take note of which colours you feel the most confident in. When you find a colour palate you like, this doesn’t mean that you should limit yourself to ‘these colours only’ and never branch out. Where is the fun in that? Personally, I love wearing neutrals; but one of my favourite dresses to wear is a bright red number that makes me feel sexy, confident and really good about myself.

Jumper SOLD OUT, similar here // Trousers SOLD OUT, similar here // Shoes A New Day // Sunglasses QUAY

FINDING TREND INSPIRATION

For trend inspiration, I ALWAYS turn to magazines. The editorials featured typically have trending ‘IT’ colours of the season, new trendy hemlines, and the current season’s statement details. Just by looking through the collections on the pages, it’s very easy to find at least one silhouette or colour that you would enjoy styling for the new season. Some magazines that I frequently look through are Vogue, InStyle, The Impression, and Harper’s Bazaar. The editorial spreads in these magazines tend to be my favourites.

Another way to find trend inspiration is to look at social media – I know, big shock. Whilst this idea may not be groundbreaking, social media is a place where you can find a lot of content in one place. Take Instagram for example. If you follow a few bloggers/influencers and a handful of celebrities, you may take inspiration from what they like to wear each season and find a way to translate this inspiration into your wardrobe and your own personal style.

INVEST IN KEY PIECES

Investing in key pieces can be tricky – as there are many different key pieces for each style personality. To find yours, take a look through your wardrobe and take note of which pieces your get the most wear out of. For instance, my four key pieces are the foundations of my wardrobe: a wool coat, a biker-style leather jacket, black leather boots, and amazing denim. So in my case, spending a little extra money on these items would be a good investment; whereas investing in a pair of statement shoes in a vibrant colour wouldn’t be as wise, seeing I wouldn’t get nearly as much wear out of them.

Some of my favourite pieces in my wardrobe at the moment are my key pieces. I try and find items that I can lower the cost-per-wear as much as I can. This, in my opinion, is the best justification for spending a little extra on an item. Three of the key pieces in my wardrobe this season are my Dalby Jacket from AllSaints, a cable-knit polo-neck sweater from Vince and a pair of knee-high black leather boots. Coincidentally – I’d probably wear each of these pieces in the same look, too.

Get the Look

BUILD YOUR WARDROBE WITH TIMELESS PIECES

Starting to build a wardrobe can be kind of intimidating – especially if you are still trying to find your personal style. Investing in timeless pieces is a very good place to start, because these are pieces that will not be out of fashion after a season or two. Three timeless pieces that I would suggest to start your wardrobe are a simple black ankle boot, a good pair of trousers or denim (depending on your style aesthetic), and an outwear piece like a leather jacket or a trench coat.

Each of these pieces are very versatile and can be styled in many ways. Timeless pieces are also a good foundation with which you can mix in new trendy pieces. I’ve gone into this tip more in a separate post, Three Tips to a Timeless Wardrobe.

STYLE ICONS

This is a personal favourite of mine. Finding style icons can be as simple as taking a walk down the street and seeing a beautifully put together look, you can find a celebrity fashion icon, or there might even be a professional stylist or blogger that gives you major wardrobe lust. A few of my personal favourites are Victoria Beckham, Lydia Millen-Gordon, and Victoria McGrath.

Style icons can be on rotation, just like the seasons – and like any source of inspiration, can always change. I tend to gravitate to those who have a classic, fresh take on fashion. The three listed above favour luxury, and this I translate into my own wardrobe by finding high-street alternatives to get a luxury inspired “Look for Less”.

How do you like to define personal style? Is it playful, fun and a way to express yourself? Is it an art form? Are there any tips that I missed? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any additional tips in the comments! Until next, xoxo.

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