Shopping for clothes can be exciting, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of buying items that don’t truly align with your style or lifestyle. With so many options available online and through social media, it’s easy to make impulse purchases that leave you questioning how to wear them or whether they even represent your style. Rather than filling your closet with unnecessary items, take a step back and shop with intention. If you’re ready to understand your style persona and make thoughtful purchases, here are some tips to guide you through the process.
How to Understand Your Style Persona
1. Understand Your Lifestyle
The first step in identifying your style is understanding your lifestyle. Life is constantly changing, so it’s essential to reassess your wardrobe every so often. Maybe you work from home, are a new mom, or travel frequently for work. You may even do all three! Each of these roles calls for different types of clothing.
Recognize the gaps in your wardrobe based on your different needs. Understanding how to dress for your workday, weekend errands, and professional engagements will help you make intentional purchases that fit into each aspect of your life.
2. Use a Pinterest Board
A great way to start identifying your style is by creating a Pinterest board or inspiration board. Pin outfits that you love and want to refer back to later. As you review these looks, try to identify common threads and ask yourself whether the pieces you’ve been eyeing match the aesthetic you’re going for.
For example, you might realize that you need to invest in a few polished suits for professional engagements or find certain denim cuts that help you recreate your favorite outfits. This process allows you to identify the wardrobe staples you need and creates a streamlined approach to shopping and getting dressed.
3. Figure Out What Makes You Feel Confident
Your personal style should empower you. To understand what makes you feel your best, reflect on your favorite outfits from the past or current pieces in your wardrobe. Ask yourself what it is about these items that make them stand out: the cuts, silhouettes, colors, or the way they flatter your body.
Think about the colors that complement your complexion or the styles that accentuate your best features. Is your vibe more glamorous, classic, or sporty? Everyone has different preferences when it comes to style, and that’s what makes individual style so unique. Don’t be afraid to embrace a combination of different styles for different occasions, such as powerful work attire or relaxed casual looks for the weekend.
4. Get Clarity Before Shopping
Before you make any new purchases, take time to get clarity on your wardrobe needs. Start by reviewing your Pinterest boards or inspiration collections and narrow them down to the most important items. As you get dressed in the morning, keep track of items you feel are missing. For instance, you may realize you need a pair of nude pumps, a new black bodysuit, or even shapewear to complete certain outfits.
Make a running list on your phone and refer to it as needed. This intentional shopping list will guide you in making thoughtful purchases. Try to allocate about 80% of your clothing budget toward these essentials, while the remaining 20% can be spent on impulse buys that add some fun to your wardrobe.
5. Consider Professional Help
If shopping still feels overwhelming, consider hiring a personal stylist. A stylist can help guide you through the seasonal shopping process, especially during busy times like spring and fall. They can help you create a wardrobe that aligns with your personal style and lifestyle needs. If you’d like to learn more, book a consultation with a personal stylist today.
Bonus Tip: Create a Capsule Wardrobe
Once you have a clear understanding of your style persona, consider building a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of versatile, timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched to create numerous outfits. The key to a successful capsule wardrobe is selecting items that are both functional and reflective of your personal style. By focusing on quality over quantity, you’ll reduce clutter in your closet and feel more confident in your daily outfits.
Shopping with intention is all about understanding your style, your needs, and making thoughtful purchases that truly enhance your wardrobe. Take the time to assess your lifestyle, create an inspiration board, and identify what makes you feel confident. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to building a wardrobe that works for you and reflects your unique personality.