Whether you’re getting dressed for a client pitch, a night out in BGC, or just a grocery run (because, yes, even that counts), knowing your personal style makes life so much easier.
But what exactly is personal style and how do you find yours when Pinterest boards and fashion trends feel all over the place?
If you’ve ever stood in front of a bursting closet thinking “I have nothing to wear,” this guide is for you. Let’s break down the basics of personal style, the most popular methods for discovering what suits you, and the practical steps you can take to finally feel at home in your clothes.
What is Personal Style
Your personal fashion style is the way you express yourself through clothing. It’s that certain something about how you dress that feels effortlessly you.
It’s not about following trends (although you can totally borrow from them) or owning the most expensive pieces. It’s also not exclusively about finding the most flattering clothes for your skin tone or body type. So, while popular styling methods like the Kibbe Body Types chart and Color Analysis can guide you toward clothes you might like for yourself, they cannot define your style.
Personal style is about wearing outfits that reflect your personality, lifestyle, and what makes you feel comfortable in your skin. Think of it as your fashion fingerprint. It evolves, but at its core, it’s consistent. It’s what makes you reach for that favorite white button-down or live in high-waist trousers even when low-rise jeans are back.
How to Find Your Personal Style
Ready to go on a style discovery journey? Here are some steps toward finding your personal style that don’t involve buying an entirely new wardrobe:
1. Look at Clothes and Understand What You Like
Before you go on a shopping spree, hit pause and take a minute to notice what you’re actually drawn to. Scroll through Pinterest, Instagram, or even take inspo from your favorite K-drama characters (because let’s be real, they’re always dressed so well). Save the outfits that make you do a double take—you’ll start to see your style come to life.
What catches your eye? Is it structured blazers, flowy dresses, pops of color, or all-black everything?
Start a mood board (digital or physical) where you can collect outfit inspirations. Over time, you’ll notice patterns—maybe you gravitate towards romantic details or clean, minimal lines.
2. Play Dress Up with Your Clothes: Copy the Looks You Like
Next, try to recreate some of those outfits using what you already own. No need for a shopping haul just yet—this is about working with what you’ve got.
Let your creativity run wild!
Love Rachel Green’s outfits in Friends? Try wearing a mini skirt with a turtle neck and wool coat from the Love, Bonito Fall/Winter Collection on your next trip. Into Dakota Johnson’s effortless style? Wear a loose pair of jeans with a white shirt and a bold-colored cardigan on your next coffee date.
You’ll quickly learn what feels good on you versus what just looks cute online.
3. Identify the Core of Your Wardrobe
Every wardrobe has its MVPs. These are the pieces you wear on repeat—the ones that survive every closet purge.
Take inventory of those go-to items. Are they mostly neutrals? Lots of denim? Flowy skirts? These core pieces already say a lot about your style. Use them as a foundation when building future outfits.
4. Name Your Style: The Three-Word Method
One of the easiest (and surprisingly effective) ways to define your personal sense of style is the Three-Word Method from Allison Bornstein. The idea? Choose three adjectives that describe:
- The pieces you wear most often from your current wardrobe – this is your baseline word
- The style you want to have – this is your aspirational word
- How you want your style to make you feel – this is your emotional word
For example:
- Chic, feminine, effortless
- Classic, bold, polished
- Laid-back, earthy, minimalist
Your three words will act as a filter for shopping, outfit planning, and even decluttering. If a piece doesn’t match at least one of those words, it might not be your vibe.
5. Experiment with Clothes
Once you have an idea of your aesthetic, it’s time to play. Mix and match pieces. Style that oversized button-down three different ways. Pair a dressy skirt with an edgy leather jacket. Try sneakers with skirts.
Give yourself permission to fail. You won’t love every outfit—and that’s okay. Style is about trying things on (literally and figuratively) until you find what clicks.
6. Track Your Outfits and Identify Favorites
Keep a simple style diary on your phone. Snap mirror selfies before you leave the house and note how you felt in each outfit. Were you comfy? Did you feel confident?
After a couple of weeks, scroll through your photos and see which outfits made you feel amazing. That feedback loop is gold for defining your style.
7. Clean Out Your Closet Regularly
A cluttered closet makes it so much harder to dress with intention. Schedule regular closet edits and ask yourself:
- Does this fit me right now?
- Have I worn this in the last year?
- Does this match my three style words?
Donate or sell anything that no longer aligns with who you are (or want to be). A smaller, more intentional wardrobe is way more powerful than one bursting at the seams.
8. Invest in Pieces that Align with Your Personal Style
Once you’ve defined your look, invest in pieces that support it. You don’t need to splurge all at once. Start with high-impact items like a great blazer, quality denim, or leather sandals that actually go with everything you own.
Prioritize versatile pieces that make you feel good every time you wear them. That’s the magic combo.
You’re Not Just Getting Dressed—You’re Showing Up for Yourself
Finding your personal style isn’t about perfection. It’s about self-discovery, creativity, and showing up every day as the most you version of yourself.
Whether your style leans towards “art teacher chic” or “clean girl aesthetic,” what matters most is that it feels right. Trust your gut, take your time, and don’t be afraid to evolve.
And if you’re ready for more tips to help you live your happiest, most fulfilled life, read other blogs at Modern Filipina.