How the eff do you find your personal style?
- Niamh Macleod
- Jan 8
- 3 min read
Finding your personal style isn’t as simple as just pinning your favourite looks on Pinterest—but it’s a good place to start. As a designer in the fashion industry, it’s ironic—but true—that I’ve neglected my own personal style. For years, I focused on creating for others and let my own wardrobe take a backseat.. As a practical person focused on work, I’ve never felt the need to be centre stage. I've always said, my job is to make other people look/feel good. However, I have had a rethink about this and thought if you can't do something for yourself how well can you do it for others. Whilst this statement could be debated (and please feel free to) I did feel a pull towards taking my style more seriously.
My main goals with finding my style are to feel I can express myself, and to find the pieces that I feel are missing from the world's fashion scene - so that I can make them. Anyways, this has been an interesting journey to start on and I would like to share my insights with you.
Step 1: Actually do make a Pinterest board
This doesn't need to be in the format of a Pinterest board, you can screenshot things you like and put them into an album on your phone. I would say actively do this for 3 months. This seems long but you want to give yourself time to find things you like. What are you putting in here? It could be anything—a bag that catches your eye, a fabric that intrigues you, or even jewellery you love but can’t yet afford
Step 2: Define this clutter
After you've created your collection over the last 3 months, have a look at it objectively. Try and pick out what colours you tend to go for, which silhouettes, what specific details do you like, are there any patterns you are drawn to... etc...
For me when I do this I find that I am in love with Khakis, creams, and blues. I love the Houndstooth pattern. I love silver jewellery but I suit gold. Functionality is the most important thing, and anything inspired by utilitarian style just screams at me. I love baggy sleeves, a cinched waist and corduroy is a texture that makes me happy. Have fun with it - I even put all these random things together in a moodboard... might be crazy to say but maybe I'm missing being a fashion student.
Now... I know this isn't going to look like much to you but when I look at this it is helping me make sense of my style and I can already see myself looking for clothes that I really love.
Step 3: Think practically
Now we've had a bit of fun creating a bit of a moodboard either literally or by writing down some of the main bits that will make up our style but let's get into how this is going to realistically translate to your wardrobe. Going forward to bring this to fruition, firstly I would encourage you to think of the items you really need. I had not bought a few pair of jeans in about 5 years and it is always something I put to the side, waiting for the right one's to appear out of thin air. Make a list of essentials you genuinely need, and prioritise pieces that fit your style but are also practical for daily wear. I think the key to actually improving your style isn't about buying a fancy dress you can wear on the odd occasion but actually starting to bring your expression into your everyday clothes. Can you buy a pair of trousers that are comfortable to wear everyday but that also feel a little bit elevated.
A few tips before I say goodbye:
Clear out your wardrobe before you start buying anything new, ask yourself does this piece fit my style - if it doesn't give it to a friend or recycle it.
When you buy, buy for durability, try to assess the quality of the piece - if it doesn't look good it's not a smart investment.
Buy practical - don't invest in pieces you are never going to wear. There's a difference between style you appreciate and your own style!
What about you? How do you approach finding your personal style? Share your tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
See you next time,
Love,
Niamh x
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