No matter if you’re a fashion aficionado or a mom with better things to worry about, every has their own personal style.  Personal style is more or less dictated by three factors: personal preference, body shape, and lifestyle.  While many argue that the most important of these three is body shape, I believe that personal preference is king.  But no worries I will touch on all three and how you can use them to better refine your style.

Personal preference is all about your perception.  This dictates what you gravitate towards, what you avoid and your overall style.  Many people are unaware of what exactly their personal preferences are but are quick to dismiss certain trends without hesitation. Knowing what materials, colors, cuts, etc. you like ultimately dictates what you will and won’t wear.  If you’ve read my post on how to do a wardrobe detox then you should be a little more aware of your preferences.  If not here are a few techniques you can use to better identify your likes:

1. Create a Mood Board.  If you have Pinterest you’re practically there, but personally I love creating one the old school way with magazines, scissors and a thumbtack board. The goal here is to only have images that inspire you or really resonate with your style.  From there write down exactly what it is about an outfit/image that you like.  See my video at the end on how to make one of your very own!
2. Do a wardrobe detox.  This is not only a great way to begin refining your style, but to take note of what you like and dislike.  Note the items that don’t make the cut and write down why.  Be sure you do the same with what you choose to keep in your closet.
3. People watch.  Pay attention to the outfits you like and figure out why you like them.

The biggest problem many people face is differentiating what is actually a personal preferences or a fleeting crush. With the over-saturation of fashion and style on every platform of media it can be hard to tell the difference.  The best way to really identify what’s truly something you like is time.  If you still like a “trend” long after the craze has passed then it’s safe to say it’s a personal preference.

Body shape also plays an important factor in your personal style.  There are a few reasons for this:

1. The fashion industry stresses the importance of creating a balanced look as a key element of style.
2. Certain cuts or style of clothing can be challenging to find in a size that fits your body.
3. Each person wants their body/image to be perceived differently.  While some focus on looking proportionate, others embrace their curves.

When it comes to body shape, the most important thing to consider is how you want your body to be perceived.  Some women enjoy body-con dresses to show off their figure while some prefer over-sized or more androgynous clothing.  At the end of the day the goal here is to be happy with your reflection and love what you see.

The last element of style is lifestyle.  Some people like to dismiss this but in doing so end up with closet full of clothes that work for less than 5% of their daily life.  When you’re considering your lifestyle here are a few ways to help you:

1. Document your daily activities for two weeks along with what you wore.  At the end of the two weeks note if you felt dressed appropriately or where you noticed gaps.
2. Categorize the clothes in your closet.  See if the amount of clothes you have for each activity in your life match-up also pay attention to mismatches.
3. Take into consideration your climate.  Be sure you have the right layering pieces and footwear for the weather where you live.

The importance of paying attention to your lifestyle is that it allows you to see where your style could improve to better align with your style goals.

Defining your personal style takes time, especially if you embark on the journey without the help of a stylist.  Remember that your personal style is always evolving based on your goals.  Whether it’s to look slimmer or more professional, looking to your personal preferences can make the style transitions much easier.  Be patient, not only in defining your style but even more so during the curation process. Make sure you share this post if you found it helpful!  Want the help of a personal stylist, then check out my services.  Make sure you check out Part 1 and Part 3 of the Refining Your Style series.

Related posts:

What is a Personal Stylist and Why You Need One Refining Your Style Knit Picky January Recap + Style Q&A