8 Style Tips to Help You Dress Like You, Not Everyone Else
Finding your unique style in a world that runs on short-lived trends feels tedious and impossible, but alas! It is not. Coming from a girlie who has spent the last several years curating her own individual style while navigating trends, body changes, and what seems like ever-evolving preferences (I get bored easily, ok?), I think I’ve somehow become an expert in finding a style that is unique to you, while honoring that sometimes trends are okay and changing your mind is okay and body changes are also more than okay.
I remember in High School, when “Truth is” statuses were a thing (if you have no idea what I’m talking about; we did this thing where we would post “Truth is …” on our page, and those who liked the status would get a lil message on their page about our true feelings about them. Gag), I received a message from a girl who told me “Your style doesn’t make any sense. It’s like you have a different aesthetic everyday”. As an adult I’m like “yeah, and?” but as a teen that was absolutely detrimental to my personal image. I can’t have people thinking I’m a different person everyday based on what I’m wearing that day. So came years and years of trying to stick to ONE aesthetic when it came to my style, which usually leaned towards “emo/scene girl”. I have a picture to prove it. You’re allowed to laugh.
Ah! Jump scare!
Peep the caption. A true “rawr means I love you in dinosaur” girl.
I basically stuck to black skinny jeans, the same five band tees, and anything black.
I do still wonder where that Blink-182 shirt went though.
The funny thing is, humans are so multifaceted that for most, sticking to one style aesthetic for your entire life is impossible, and quite honestly, boring. We live such colorful lives that our style should reflect that. One day you might want to dress as a pretty princess, and the next you’re feeling Adam Sandler vibes, and that’s a-okay. I support it. Adam Sandler is living his best life in baggy shorts and oversized t-shirts and I’m peanut butter and jealous.
In my self-proclaimed expert opinion, I’ve compiled 10 tips to finding your unique style and owning the hell out of it. But hey, if this doesn’t work for you, don’t blame me. I actually have no idea what I’m doing.
Tip One – Get Familiar With Your Body
I know it can feel intimidating, but I promise — you’ve got this. And just think about the result: better style, more confidence, and fewer “why doesn’t this look right on me?!” moments.
While digging into research for this post, I came across a couple YouTube videos that really hit home. They broke down how understanding your individual proportions and fit can seriously level up your personal style.
Getting to know your body (like, really know it) will help you figure out what works, what doesn’t, and can even save you money — no more buying something that looks cute on the hanger but never gets worn. Ever buy a piece you wanted to love, but it just didn’t sit right? Odds are, it came down to proportions. Once you know what suits your shape, it gets way easier to say “nah” to stuff that’s not actually right for you.
Side note: I’m all for finding clothes that flatter your shape — but I also fully support wearing whatever the hell makes you feel amazing. If it brings you joy and confidence, that’s what matters most. Not the “rules.”
Anyway, check out this YouTube video — the creator explains it way better than I ever could. Great starting point.
Tip Two – Start a Mood Board
We. Love. Pinterest.
It’s truly the GOAT for mood boards and inspiration — for basically everything.
Once you’ve got a better idea of your proportions, you can start building a mood board around styles that work for you. Got narrow hips? Try searching “outfits for narrow hips.” Broad shoulders? “Winter looks for broad shoulders.” YouTube is also a goldmine — try “how to style for my body type” and plug in your shape.
Then just start pinning what speaks to you. What catches your eye over and over again? Streetwear? Clean-girl aesthetic? A little grunge? A little glam? (I personally like a little bit of everything.) This is all part of the process — let it be messy and fun.
Bonus: after a few days of pinning, Pinterest will start showing you more of what you like. It gets creepily good at reading your vibe.
Bonus Tip – Identify Your Style Icons
Think about people whose style you admire. They can be celebrities, influencers, friends, even fictional characters. What about their look speaks to you? Is it the color palette? The confidence? The simplicity? Try making a Pinterest board just for them and see what patterns emerge.
Tip Three – Clean Out the Closet
Ever heard of decision fatigue? It’s a real thing — and I see it all the time when it comes to getting dressed. We keep so many pieces that don’t fit, don’t work, or just don’t spark anything, and suddenly we’re standing in front of a stuffed closet going “I have nothing to wear” (cue the Grinch meltdown).
Now that you’re clear on your body and style goals, it’s time to go full Marie Kondo. Take everything out of your closet and lay it out. Try things on. Ask yourself:
How does it feel?
Does it fit well?
Does it match the vision I have for myself?
Sort everything into three piles:
Discard
Maybe
Hell Yes
Important side rant: Do NOT throw your clothes in the trash.
Break that discard pile down into:
Donate (local charities, shelters, etc.)
Sell (consignment, Marketplace, Poshmark, etc.)
Recycle (cut into rags, upcycle, or send to textile recycling programs like For Days)
After this, you’ll have a closet that actually supports your style journey. If it feels a little empty, that’s okay. You’re not starting over — you’re starting right. The hard part’s done. Now the fun begins.
Bonus Tip – Keep a Style Journal
Okay, hear me out: take note of the outfits you wear (or even snap pics in the mirror). Over time, you’ll see what you gravitate toward most, what pieces you repeat, and what combos actually work for your lifestyle. It's like a personal lookbook.
Tip Four – Define Your Uniform
Most people have a “go-to” outfit formula — jeans and a tee, oversized blazer and wide-leg trousers, midi dress and sneakers, etc. What outfit do you feel best in every time? Defining your personal “uniform” helps you shop smarter and build a cohesive wardrobe.
You might love editorial streetwear or coastal cowgirl vibes, but if your day-to-day is mostly errands, school runs, or working from home, you want pieces that blend your dream aesthetic with your reality. Otherwise, your closet becomes a museum of “cute but unwearable” things.
Bonus Tip – Create a Color Palette
A small, curated color palette can make mixing and matching so much easier. You don’t have to stick to it forever, but starting with a few go-to colors (neutrals + 2–3 accent colors) helps build cohesion.
If you’re into visuals, here’s another YouTube video I found really helpful around creating your “uniform”!
https://youtu.be/jenfPeWb5Q4?si=zPnbYQlnxqxWPID3
Tip Five - “Research”
Aka: we’re going shopping 👀
But listen — this doesn’t mean you have to buy anything. This part is about experimenting. Go to a thrift store, mall, or boutique and just try stuff on. Try colors, silhouettes, textures, styles you normally avoid. Surprise yourself.
You’re not buying unless it’s a hell yes. Ask:
Does it fit perfectly?
Do I feel good in it?
Can I style it multiple ways?
Is it within my budget?
This is hands-on learning. No pressure — just play.
Tip Six - Try it Out
If your new style feels a little bold or out of your comfort zone, start small. Wear it around the house. Do laundry, read a book, vacuum in it. Seriously. Just live in it for a while.
A lot of that “this feels weird” energy comes from the unfamiliar. The more you see yourself in it, the more normal (and amazing) it’ll start to feel.
Tip Seven - Wear It Out
Wear it out - flaunt that new style of yours! I bet you’ll get compliments! And if you don’t, thats okay! Humans rarely speak up with they like something, but I promise people are thinking “wow, they look good. That outfit fits them perfectly”.
Tip Eight - Spend the Rest of Your Life Curating Your Style As You See Fit
Yes, it sounds dramatic. But honestly, this is a lifelong process — and that’s what makes it fun.
Your style will change as you change. Let it. There’s no final destination here. You can always reinvent, experiment, and circle back. Your wardrobe should evolve with you.
Final Thoughts
Finding your personal style isn’t about following rules — it’s about getting to know yourself and dressing in a way that feels true to you. Take your time. Play. Be curious. And remember: confidence is always the best thing you can wear. Everything else is just the cherry on top.