Finding Your Personal Style in 2021 | How to Find Your Look

Let’s talk about style

Becoming a well-dressed individual requires being honest with yourself because it’s tempting to want to follow all of the latest trends and wear what people around you are wearing. With the rise of fast-fashion and social media, purchasing clothing has turned into a never-ending cycle of consumption. But when you try to keep up with what’s trending and imitate what others are doing, you lose your own personal touch. Speaking from my own personal experience, trying to be like everyone else will never end well in the long run. Throughout elementary school and high school, I found it tempting to purchase clothing based on what was popular and trending, but in the process I lost sight of who I was. It wasn’t until later in university that I stopped caring so much about what others would think and started to dress for myself.

You know when you have the perfect outfit planned in your head, and when it comes time to try it on it looks horrible? It’s the worst feeling. This happens to me many times when I try to replicate a look someone else is rocking. Seeking inspiration from others is an amazing thing, and I do it so often. I get many ideas on how to style items when I see them on other people. However, style is personal and ultimately comes from within.

“It’s important to remember that what looks good on someone else may not look good on you, which can be a tough pill to swallow. It sounds harsh now, but it actually isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it opens the door to an empowering reality: you are unique and no one can ever be you.”

A word on individuality

It’s important to remember that what looks good on someone else may not look good on you, which can be a tough pill to swallow. It sounds harsh now, but it actually isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it opens the door to an empowering reality: you are unique and no one can ever be you. Your physique, your complexion, your height, your tastes, are yours. When you find looks that compliment your body and personality, amazing things begin to happen.

I want to encourage you to embrace your unique traits and find a style that highlights and compliments them. Trends come and go, but style sticks with you wherever you go. Focus your time and energy on dressing for yourself and yourself only. Seek inspiration regularly, and then fine-tune it to match the person you are. I’m still on my own journey to finding my personal style, so I’m excited to learn more about myself this year too. Honestly, I don’t think the journey ever ends and it is an exciting thing to know we are constantly evolving. Here are my tips on where to begin:

1) Experiment and get creative

You never know until you try! Try new colours, fits, prints, and fabrics. Don’t limit yourself to what you already know, there’s a whole other world out there. If you’re uncomfortable going to the mall at the moment, try swapping clothes with close family and friends that are in your bubble. They may have clothes that will fit you nicely and look great!

2) Find your signature look

Pharrell Williams is known for always rocking a cool hat. While it’s something we can expect from him, he keeps us guessing each time by surprising us with unique colours, shapes, and sizes. Another style icon is Olivia Palermo, who has been photographed multiple times in various kinds of sunglasses. Statement pieces like hats and sunglasses are fun to integrate into your wardrobe, but if they aren’t for you, try other accessories such as headbands, belts, scarves, jewelry, or handbags.

As for clothing, there are so many possibilities as well. Other statement pieces include: blazers, maxi skirts, mini skirts, turtlenecks, trench coats, combat boots, culottes, heels, Chelsea boots, or sneakers.

Finding your signature look is completely up to you and you’ll learn so much more about who you are in the process. What you wear ultimately becomes a part of your identity, so have fun with it and express yourself.

3) Mix and match

Before you begin making new purchases, play around with what’s already in your wardrobe. Don’t resent your clothes before you even realize their full potential! Pick up one piece of clothing and test its versatility. Look up “how to style” followed by the item, and you will get ideas. Try pairing it with other pieces and make note of how many outfits you’re able to create.

4) Take in clothes for alterations

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I ordered these pants from Zara last year, but when they arrived, the measurements were so off. The legs fit just how I wanted them to but the waist was way too big. I normally struggle to find trousers that fit just right, so I hesitate to purchase new ones. But because I loved these pants too much to return them, I decided to get them altered. I’d never taken clothes in for alterations before, I guess it seemed like a hassle. But let me tell you, it was the best.. decision.. ever. I now understand.

Adjusting the measurements of the clothing items in your wardrobe can easily transform the way you look. If I had gone out wearing these pants unaltered, it wouldn’t have been a nice look. Now, look how these same pants fit after alterations. I’m now able to see the shape of my body and they instantly look like better quality pants. Instead of getting rid of the pieces in your wardrobe that don’t fit right away, consider getting them altered and you may be surprised how great they fit after!

5) Play around with colours

Do cool tones compliment your complexion or warm tones? Which colour brings out your eyes best? Does brown compliment the colour of your hair or red? Are you bold and like to rock bright colours or do you prefer classics and neutrals? These are simple questions that will go a long way and help you choose the right colours for your wardrobe! Fashion blogger Audrey Coyne, has a great YouTube video that breaks explaining how to do this. Click here to watch!

6) Clear out your wardrobe

Now is the time to let go of items you no longer wear or identify with. The more clutter you keep in your closet the more time you’ll spend sorting through piles of outdated clothing. The goodbye will be hard and the process tedious, but rewarding in the end. If you want a fresh start, let go of these items bit by bit. It doesn’t have to be all at once but begin the process as soon as possible. I’m currently in the beginning stage of identifying the clothes I no longer need, and splitting them up into piles. I have a bag of clothes to give away and one dedicated to selling eventually.

7) Ask for help

Make use of the resources you have and seek advice. YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, Google, friends, and family are all great ones. I also get a lot of fashion inspiration by following celebrity stylists. Search for stylists that are experienced in the fashion industry and write down their tips! A few celebrity stylists who have a great sense of style include: Jason Bolden (and his assistant John Mumblo), Monica Rose, Micaela Erlanger, Kate Young, Ilaria Urbinati, Elizabeth Stewart, Brandon Maxwell, Law Roach, and Victoria Sekrier. Jason Bolden and his husband Adair Curtis’ show, Styling in Hollywood, documents (in part) Jason’s daily life as a celebrity stylist and I loved it!

8) Buy second hand

I am a huge fan of vintage and I’m always so excited to find cool pieces at local thrift stores. If there aren’t any thrift stores near you, or maybe there are but you’re not impressed with what they have, look online. There are so many online shops such as Poshmark and Depop with super affordable prices. Two of my favourite shops to scroll through are Elia Vintage and Restyled Vintage. These women have such stunning and timeless pieces!

In addition to buying secondhand, you might also want to look into selling your own clothes! There are many perks of selling: you’ll make some money, you’re making a customer happy, you declutter your wardrobe by giving away unwanted items to a new home, and it’s an environmentally-friendly practice that will encourage others to reduce consumption and share their clothing with others too. Secondhand isn’t everyone’s jam, however, it is definitely worth looking into.

9) Accessorize

Sometimes an outfit doesn’t stand out simply because it is lacking accessories! A statement bag, scarf, headpiece, wallet, belt, pair of glasses, or some nice jewelry will make your look pop!

10) Invest in good footwear

A good shoe can make or break an outfit, not only because of it’s physical appeal but also it’s durability. For every day looks, I love a good white sneaker. They match with everything and they’re super comfortable depending on their make. For dressier looks, I love a classic open-toe sandal with a low, chunky heel, or a classic black ankle boot. Footwear is important so make sure to invest in ones that will last you a long time!

11) Know your measurements

I keep a note in my phone that details all of my measurements: height, bust, waist, hips, inseam, etc. Doing this has made shopping a lot easier for me, especially in this digital age where online e-commerce is dominating and purchasing clothing online has never been easier. I never used to understand the importance of knowing your measurements until I finally took the initiative. It just makes life a lot easier and when you take your clothing to get altered like I mentioned above, you have an understanding of what you want. All you need is some measuring tape and you’re golden!

12) Prioritize comfort

“Beauty is pain.” We’re all familiar with this saying, yes? If not, it basically means that sometimes you need to go through a bit of pain in your quest to feel more beautiful. Those five-inch stilettos that are impossible to walk in but are so cute you need to have them? Painful beauty. No doubt you will come across fashionable items that are easy on the eyes, but not so easy to try on or move around in. I’m one for making an exception once in a while but don’t compromise your comfort often for fashion. A happy wardrobe is one you feel confident AND comfortable in. If you don’t feel natural in what you wear you won’t enjoy what should be a happy experience.

13) Find your muse(s)

Choose 1-3 people (or more) whose style you admire and study them regularly. Draw inspiration from what they wear and how they wear it. What colours do they wear? Which outfits do they put together for specific occasions? What kind of person are they channeling? What message do they convey through their wardrobe? Once you are able to answer these questions, you’ll understand how their style aligns with your own lifestyle.

14) Dress for yourself

Ignore the rulebook and dress for yourself. As I already mentioned, the minute you try to dress for someone else is when you lose your sense of self. In addition, don’t let anyone tell you you can’t wear something. If you feel good in it, wear it. Having style isn’t about pleasing others, it’s about owning who you are and showcasing that confidence to the world. Be yourself always!

14) Don’t break the bank

Please don’t feel pressured to spend beyond your means or go into debt trying to revamp your wardrobe, it’s not worth it. In the words of Christian Dior, “it is not money that makes you well dressed: it is understanding.” Having style is not tied to how much money you spend. It takes creativity, patience, courage, research, and skill which you acquire through experience.

15) Have fun!

Don’t overthink it, dressing up shouldn’t be a stressful process. It sounds intimidating at first but you’ll be fine. Just take your time with it. The good news is that being indoors for so long gives you the freedom to experiment and make mistakes. All of us have committed fashion faux-pas throughout our lives, don’t be ashamed to make more.

Recap

1. Get creative
2. Find your signature look
3.  Mix and match
4. Take in clothes for alterations
5. Play around with colours
6. Ask for help
7. Accessorize
8. Invest in good footwear
9. Clear out your wardrobe
10. Know your measurements
11. Prioritize comfort
12. Find your muse(s)
13. Dress for yourself
14. Don’t break the bank
15. Have fun

I hope you all have fun this year exploring your personal style. Give it time and enjoy it!! If you have any other tips that myself and others might find helpful please write them in the comments. See you next time!

Xo, Kundi