It’s time to turn down the noise of trend cycles and the voices of self-doubt. It’s easy to create a closet based on the latest fads. However, by doing so, it often leads to overconsumption and making impulse, fast fashion buys. Instead, you want a closet full of quality, timeless items that you can wear for years to come. 

Many fashionistas focus on building a capsule wardrobe for this very reason. While it might cost more up front, purchasing quality, sustainable and durable items will save you money in the long run. It’s also much better for the environment.

Here’s how to lean into what clothes make you feel good and figure out your personal style, according to fashion stylists.

A Form of Self-Expression

Fashion stylist Aisya Washington defined personal style as a person’s unique way of expressing themselves through their clothing, and overall appearance. It also can include hair and makeup.

“Clothing is a powerful form of self-expression that can bring excitement when something looks great on you!” she said.

Tiffany Daniels, a film costumer, e-commerce stylist, and personal stylist, echoed Washington’s sentiments, explaining that everyone is an artist and that personal style is a form of self-expression. In order to figure out your unique aesthetic, it’s important to understand what personal style is and define it.

“Personal style is an outward expression of who we are within,” Daniels said. “The colors, silhouettes, and accessories we wear give insight into how we think and feel.”

The process of developing personal style is all about learning yourself. You can be a self-aware person with no sense of personal style. However, Daniels explained that when you find ways of connecting the two, you can be and show the world who you are. 

“The journey of developing personal style is, dare I say it, personal,” she said. “It requires looking within and telling the truth.”

Common Fashion Mishaps

In the process of figuring out your personal style, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is trying to copy and paste another person’s established style.

“We just can’t,” Daniels said. “It would be like trying to adopt a personality.” 

While you can follow trends and look to some for inspiration, a person’s personal style should come directly from your own mind and ideas. 

“That way, when building a wardrobe, you’ll never feel like an imposter in your closet,” she said.

Washington also added that a common mistake she sees women make is buying popular or impulse pieces that don’t suit their specific body type. 

“While certain clothes might look cute online, they may not translate well in person,” she said. “This ties into the frustration of not fully understanding one’s body shape, which can make shopping exhausting.” 

Clothing sizing is another challenge. Washington explained that women’s bodies fluctuate in size. Without reading reviews and sizing charts, the likelihood of an outfit not fitting properly increases.

Deciphering and Curating Your Aesthetic 

One great way to get started on the journey of learning your personal style is to consult a professional. 

“As a personal stylist who assists others with this journey, I make sure to get to know my client,” Daniels said. “Because style comes from the inside.”

Daniels asks her clients questions about themselves and who they desire to be. Washington ask clients whose style they admire and why. Both of these provides a starting point for exploring pieces or aesthetics in your individual style. Daniels advised that women who are honing their personal style should prioritize finding out who they are. Then, get to know your body type, what compliments your body shape and what part of your body you want to show off or divert attention from. 

“Developing a personal style can be approached like a puzzle, piecing together color, fabric, length, and silhouette to create a look that is tailor-made to you,” she said.

Washington also encouraged women to experiment with different looks while shopping. They should also build on their existing wardrobe pieces to save money.

Once you figure out what you like, it’s time to purchase it. Build your wardrobe around that personal style, and find stores that sell it. This is what is called a closet staple. 

“With closet staples, you’ll buy materials that can last a long time,” Daniels said. “This is better than buying a trendy piece made from cheap material that you will toss quickly and that will create environmental waste.”

When you move away from trends, Washington added that it reduces impulse buys, and you gravitate toward pieces that align with your individual style. 

“These timeless items won’t go out of style,” she said. “A staple closet allows you to shop sustainably because you understand what you want in your wardrobe long term.”