So I spend a lot of time talking about what personal style is and how to find your own. The reality is that finding your own definition takes a lot of personal questions and soul searching in order to find and define a style that is authentic and sustainable for you to dress by, in terms of money, effort, and time.

 

Let’s start to get into what personal style actually is not, and there are three important no-rules I’m going to break down:

 

1. Personal style is NOT following and purchasing trends just because
2. Personal style is NOT setting limits based on your body shape or size
3. Personal style is NOT buying exclusively designer/”high end” brands

 

Especially with the weather changing and my clients are looking at pieces for the next season, now is a great time to set good and HEALTHY rules to help you shop smart and for your style.

 

So let’s get into what personal style definitely isn’t.

 

Personal Style Is NOT Following And Purchasing Trends

 

Trends are trends for a reason. They’re fleeting. They’re experiments on a large scale. You should absolutely play with trends that catch your eye, but the reality is that trends are actually timestamps.

 

When you’re just following trends, you’re just buying and buying and buying… and most times supporting fast fashion.

 

My approach for trends is to sprinkle throughout. Add a trendy accessory here, and a statement piece there, but don’t buy entire new outfits based on something that will last one season.

 

Personal Style Is NOT Settings Limits Based On Your Body Shape Or Size

 

Don’t shop based on highlighting “the smallest part of your body”, i.e. your waist or legs, but use that element of your physical self to help define silhouettes that you enjoy.

 

Instead of worrying about your weight or clothing size, focus on balancing areas of emphasis in your outfits. Don’t hide, but also don’t try to highlight everything at once!

 

Examples

 

“I’m not comfortable in skirts that go above the knee.” I’ll never force someone entirely out of their boundaries, but this is when I’ll ask why without fail, every single time. Is it because you feel like your legs and thighs aren’t slim or “toned” enough? Is it more about physical comfort?

 

Solution: Try a longer skirt or dress with a high slit. Add cute contrasting bike shorts if you need that extra bit of comfort, but that shouldn’t look like straight up underwear. 

 

“I’ll never wear crop tops.” Showing any part of your midsection can be challenging, but I don’t want you to write off all crop-length pieces because you feel self-conscious about your body! Try cropped pieces that will move and feel flowy, like a boho-chic top. You can also wear a crop top with something highwaisted, so that you still feel covered.

 

Solution: Your stomach exists. Having a pooch or bulge is 1. Completely natural and 2. SEXY when you rock that with confidence because you’re enjoying your entire outfit!

 

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Personal Style is NOT Buying Exclusively Designer / “High End” Brands

 

This will be short and sweet: you can spend a lot of money on fashion that can be gaudy, tacky, and not fit… or have a really short shelf life. Don’t extend your budget just for a label. If you like the overall silhouettes, highlight what that is and have fun finding dupes. If you do want to make larger purchases, make sure they are good investments in staple pieces and more timeless styles that you’ll love and WEAR for years to come.

 

Want to learn more?

 

Subscribe to the newsletter and grab the free guide “Look Expensive (On a Budget)” and learn the 4 key secrets you need to know about yourself when choosing what to wear.  They are your own definition of style, your personality, skin, and body. Understanding it will set the foundation you need to help yourself look and feel great – and empowered! 

 

Of if you would rather prefer a 1:1 consultation, contact me to book your free consultation call.