How to Find Your Personal Style in 5 Simple Steps

Your personal style is a reflection of who you are. It’s how you express yourself, and it can influence your mood, confidence, and even the way people perceive you. But finding your personal style can seem like a daunting task, especially in a world that constantly offers new trends, brands, and fashion advice. Fortunately, it’s not as complicated as it seems. In fact, Martie Smith, author of “The Art of Personal Style,” explains, “Style is not about following the latest trend; it’s about discovering what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and authentic.”

In this article, we’ll walk you through five simple steps to help you discover your personal style, with insights from Martie Smith’s work and a deeper look into the process of cultivating a unique fashion sense that truly resonates with you.

Understand Your Current Wardrobe

Before embarking on the journey to discovering your personal style, take a moment to assess your current wardrobe. What do you wear most often? What pieces make you feel confident and happy? As Martie Smith writes, “The foundation of style lies in understanding yourself — and what you truly feel good wearing.” Go through your closet and pull out items that reflect how you feel when you wear them. Ask yourself:

• What clothes make me feel powerful?
• What pieces do I gravitate towards time and again?
• Are there any items I wear because I feel obligated, not because I truly like them?

By recognizing patterns in your wardrobe, you can begin to understand the colors, cuts, and fabrics that speak to you.

Identify Style Icons and Inspirations

Everyone has someone whose style they admire. It might be a celebrity, a public figure, or even someone in your circle. Start gathering images of outfits or looks that catch your attention. These inspirations can help you visualize how you want your personal style to evolve.

• Martie Smith suggests in her book, “When looking at style icons, it’s important to analyze the elements of their wardrobe that resonate with you, not to mimic them completely.” Perhaps you admire a minimalist style, or maybe you love the eclectic vibe of someone who mixes patterns and textures. Consider the following:
• What styles make me feel excited?
• Which aspects of others’ style would work for me?
• How can I personalize these looks?

Use your favorite style icons as a guide, but make sure to adapt their looks to suit your personality and lifestyle.

Experiment with Different Styles

Once you’ve identified the styles that resonate with you, it’s time to experiment. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You might discover that a certain style doesn’t suit you the way you expected, or you might find a new look that feels like it was meant for you.

Martie Smith writes, “Personal style is an ongoing evolution. It’s not about being boxed in by one look or trend; it’s about evolving and experimenting until you find what works for you.” Whether it’s mixing boho chic with classic pieces or exploring bold, modern styles, trying on different looks is a key step in the discovery process.

Incorporate new colors, textures, or accessories into your wardrobe to see how they feel. Do you love the boldness of red or feel empowered in deep navy? The more you experiment, the closer you’ll get to finding a style that feels uniquely yours.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Your personal style should fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. While it’s important to explore trends and experiment with different looks, you must also ensure that your wardrobe aligns with your daily routine. If you’re constantly on the go, you may lean toward more practical, versatile pieces. If you work in a creative environment, you might find yourself drawn to bolder, more artistic pieces.

Martie Smith emphasizes the importance of practicality in her book, saying, “Style should never sacrifice comfort for the sake of aesthetics. The best personal style is one that works for you — both visually and functionally.” Therefore, be sure that the pieces you choose are not only fashionable but also practical for your work, hobbies, and social life.

Own It

The most important step in finding your personal style is confidence. Personal style is about embracing what makes you feel good. Whether you choose minimalist neutrals, vibrant prints, or vintage finds, what matters most is that you feel confident wearing it.

Martie Smith concludes, “True style isn’t about the clothes you wear; it’s about how you wear them. Confidence is your best accessory.” When you wear something with confidence, it enhances the overall impact of the look.

Final Thoughts

Finding your personal style is an exciting, transformative process. Remember that it’s not about fitting into trends but about embracing what feels most authentic to you. Through understanding your wardrobe, finding style inspirations, experimenting with different looks, considering your lifestyle, and owning your choices, you’ll be well on your way to discovering your unique style.

For more insights into personal style, check out Martie Smith’s website at www.martiesmithstyle.com and follow her on social media for style tips and inspiration:

• Instagram: @martie_smith_style
• Twitter: @MartieSmith
• Facebook: Martie Smith Style

Embrace your journey, and most importantly — be yourself!