Crafting a Personal Style and Doing it Thoughtfully

Lifestyle

Jan 10

It seems like instagram and social media at large can greatly impact our style and where we spend our money. Have you ever stopped to wonder if you didn’t have SM, would you just wear and do whatever pleased you? I do! We care what people think and value other’s opinions. Input from trusted friends is much different than from a stranger on the internet, so consider that next time you feel influenced.

I have by no means mastered my personal style, but I am trying to follow a few principles as I curate a closet I love. I want to say, I am not idolizing clothing or wanting my wardrobe to be the center of my world. I am, however, desiring a closet that is easy, simple, thoughtful, and aligns with my season of life and personal style. I hope these few ideas to put into practice help you to streamline your spending and wardrobe in whatever season of life you’re in.

01. Identify your personal style

Not too long ago, I listened to an amazing two-part podcast by The Lazy Genius on the topic of personal style & highly recommend you do so too! It got me inspired to really figure out my personal style.

When it come to your personal style, use visuals like Pinterest or moodboards, be specific, and go with your gut. I tend to overthink things and want it to be perfect (shocker!), but give yourself grace. It can be a work in progress. As women, our bodies change and so will our taste and preferences. Come up with a few words to describe your style and run with those as you are shopping for your next clothing piece.

02. Shop your own closet first

Many times we jump to thinking, “I need purchase something new NOW,” but first, we need to take a step into our closets and try things on. Try EVERYTHING on for that matter. As you try things on, ask yourself some questions:

How do I feel?
Am a confident/ comfortable/ chic? (This can be whatever feeling or word you want to exude.)
What do I like about my outfit?
Where would I wear this outfit?
Would I grab for this outfit for just a fancy event or multiple times a week?

If you feel AMAZING in something, don’t be afraid to wear it because it’s technically not “in-style.” You get to decide what in-style is for you!

Once you have shopped your own closet, set aside things you want to come back to. These may be things you invested more money in, but don’t fit right now. Or a family heirloom piece but you aren’t sure how it fits into your wardrobe. Donate or consign anything that is worn, old, damaged beyond repair*, and/or that you genuinely dislike.

*A note on repairs…I am in a season of life where getting things tailored and repaired isn’t the easiest. I have to ask myself if it’s worth it to 1. spend the time to get it tailored and 2. if I think the cost to alter it is even worth it.

03. Shop local, small, secondhand

Finding high quality pieces that will last you years (maybe even decades) is your goal. Fast fashion is no place to look for these items. Even I can get swept up by the super cute sweater at Target that catches my eye, but, truthfully, these will pill by this time next year (or before) and you will likely not reach for it because of that. Now, this isn’t true for everything from Target, but it is for most of their things. Their pieces aren’t made to last years — they are great for this season and can be thrown away next.

Search local and small boutiques for your staple pieces. Check the material. Ask them about the brand and how it’s made.

Browsing a thrift store is another way to find long-term staples. Thrifting could be considered on of my love languages, but it does require a certain level of consistency and patience. There are pros and cons to it though. Let’s start with the cons. You have to make relatively quick decisions because if you leave without it, it may not be there if you return. Most thrift shops don’t offer a return policy either, but be sure to ask just in case! You also can’t size up or down in an item because it’s likely the only one. Some shops are wildly unorganized and can take time to sift through things.

I do believe the pros definitely outweigh the cons though! Thrift and consignment shops carry a variety of colors, silhouettes, and materials— not just what’s in-style. It’s very sustainable to shop secondhand as well. Because there are so many things to choose from, you will likely find some really unique pieces. You may also find name brand items at a hefty discount. It’s a great way to save some money or take a risk on something that is a bit outside your comfort zone, but doesn’t cost a fortune. Low risk for potentially a very high reward!

04. Save for & prioritize staples

In order to make room for more “ideal” pieces you want, they may require a monetary investment. This may involve researching different brands or products to find your ideal one and then taking time to save for it. Honestly, there’s something to be said about setting a goal, working hard towards it, & reaping the benefits!

Also, consider items that will work for you if your body does change. It’s inevitable that your body will incur changes, so consider silhouettes that can be flattering during different seasons of life.

Another piece of information to consider when shopping for staples is to look for clothing that’s versatile. It seems to me they create women’s clothing, unlike men’s clothing, to be for a specific situation or event and not as universal. Step outside the box and look for shops and pieces that can be worn in a variety of seasons, events, and purposes.

Here are a few brands worth shopping at to look for your next staple:

ABLE: amazing leather goods with a lovely mission.
- Referral Link: get 20% off
Brass Clothing: great work/ office wear
- Shop: Use code PAULINA for $25 off your order
Everlane: bit more fashion-forward, but great pieces & timeless colors
- Referral Link
Madewell: great denim and many brick and mortar shops to try on
Quince: their cashmere has amazing reviews (& prices!)
- Referral Link: get $20 off
Pact: great basics
Rowan: new to me company with a more relaxed style, but a passionate mission
- Referral Link: get $30 off
Up West: comfy and cozy sustainable pieces

Please share any other brands and companies to check out!

In conclusion, crafting a personal style can take some time, but, in my opinion, is worth it! My continued desire for my life is to decrease distractions and excess and doing this within my wardrobe is one of the ways to accomplish this goal!

Cheers to a closet that you enjoy opening!