Personal Style 101
Welcome to class!
One of the questions I get the most is, “Cat, how the hell do I find my personal style??” In a world where we are literally inundated with information from the second we check our phones in the morning to the second we plug them into the wall at night and roll over, personal style is well, kind of f*^&ed.
We see models on IG, cool European 20-somethings on Pinterest, and NYC fashion influencers on TikTok. We are constantly bombarded with “trends,” and it honestly makes it difficult to discern … wait, do I even like this?
I honestly think we put too much pressure on ourselves. (In general, but that’s a post for a different time.) We definitely, as a society, place too much emphasis on fashion aesthetics. This may be hypocritical of me to say given that my job is to explore these aesthetics and trends as they arise. But my point is that most people don’t fit into one aesthetic — Thank God.
Personal style is so much more interesting when it actually is personal to you. If you’re buying all the sh*t you see in the New Arrivals section, you absolutely do not have personal style. Sorry, but I’m right. Personal style takes years, decades to cultivate. I am not saying don’t participate in trends. I love a trend!! But trends need to be balanced within your wardrobe by things that make you feel “you” — old things, worn things, special things.
Now, to the action items …
Step one — look in your closet. I know, scary, right? Clothing has energy, and if something makes you feel like sh*t, you should absolutely get rid of it. It doesn’t matter why. You have my permission.
Step two — get your sh*t together. Once you’ve gotten rid of what no longer serves you, now you need to curate the new “you.” If you feel like your wardrobe is just a mix of fashion mistakes and dated trends. This one’s for you. Go through everything. Take pictures of the items individually (this is an important step for later). Then, have an espresso martini because that was a lot.
Step three — get some inspo. I know everyone recommends Pinterest, but it really is one the best ways to get style inspiration. You don’t even have to love the outfits, though. It’s all about the vibe. Are you into the idea of a skirt with a graphic tee, but you don’t necessary like the ones you’ve seen on Pinterest? Pin them anyway, and stop taking things so literally. You have to use your imagination, and check in with your inner child. What does she want to wear?
Step four — style some looks. Go through your inspo pics and the indivdual item pics you have from earlier and notice patterns. Do you own a lot of denim? Did you pin a lot of denim? Great. Download an app that allows you to remove the background of your images so you can begin styling the items you already have in your closet. You could try a blouse + midi skirt + kitten heels. You could try a dress + sneakers + a blazer. Continue to check your reference photos for inspo.
Step five — arguably the most fun step: shop. What’s your wardrobe truly missing? Do you need more timeless tops (black tee, white tee, white tank)? Do you not have any toppers (blazers, denim jackets, cardigans)? Only buy stuff you’re ACTUALLY going to wear. Even if you love something, it doesn’t necessarily mean it has a place in your closet or in your life. Not everything has to be “practical” to others, but it needs to be practical to you. For example, my closet does actually need mesh flats, polka dot skorts, and a raffia tote. YMMV.
Step six — feel yourself. Not literally … well, whatever works. Put on your fave hyper pop song + pour a glass of wine or an Olipop, and try on what you’ve curated. Everything should make you feel like yourself — comfortable, confident, and fabulous. Everything else should be listed on Poshmark or donated to a friend or someone in need. Clothes ARE energy, and if they don’t enhance your vibe, good riddance.
xx
Cat