There’s more choice than ever before when it comes to fashion. With so many brands, styles and choices, plus the options of shopping in-store or online, it can be a confusing world out there in terms of buying clothes that look great and make you feel good. Plus, with so much judgement out there, especially on social media, it can be very daunting to be a woman just trying to find her style.
When it comes to personal style, the key word is personal. While it’s fun to keep up with the trends, everyone’s style is different. And there is no right or wrong style. Also, as we age and mature, our style matures too. For example, mums will have a remarkably different style to 20-year-old women.
To make life easier when it comes to style, here are some tips from some exceptional fashion bloggers.
Find inspiration in your surroundings
“I have to say that a lot of my style inspiration does come from beautiful buildings and structures from cities I’ve travelled to” – Margaret Zhang, Shine by Three.
Image from Shine by Three
Some of the best inspiration for style comes from the places we visit. And it doesn’t always have to be the clothes people are wearing. It could be the architecture or the scenery as well.
Remember the staples
Of course, there are must-have pieces of clothing that any woman should have in her wardrobe. How she uses them is completely her choice though.
“A pair of well-made black heeled boots and a really beautiful watch that you can keep forever”
– Margaret Zhang, Shine by Three.
A really great, well-made jacket is also a great starting point. You’d be surprised at how your style can be so heavily influenced by a single piece of clothing in your wardrobe.
Be confident with your choices
“Find out what makes you feel your best, and then stick to it. Black, white and grey gave me confidence, whereas colours did not. It’s as simple as that”
– Sarah Donaldson, Harper and Harley.
Image via Harper and Harley
But if colour, bright and bold is your thing, go for what feels best.
Ultimately, your personal style will be influenced by how you feel in certain pieces. If you hate high-waisted pants, well then, they’re simply not going to feel comfortable. And style and comfort definitely go hand in hand.
Less is sometimes more
“I love designer pieces, but I pair them right down with high street or vintage finds” – Jessica Stein, Tuula
Image via Tuula Vintage Instagram
While sometimes it feels like you’re simply not accessorising enough, a simple necklace or a nice pair of earrings is, at times, all you need to compliment your style. It’s here where the ‘invest in classic pieces’ advice is most relevant. Margaret Zhang advises, “It might be hard to part with the money upfront, but I’ll tell you now: one pair of good boots will last you a hell of a lot longer than three pairs of bad boots.”
Classic wardrobe essentials are the perfect place to start when looking at personal style, because you can always play around with your accessories and layers. Plus, that classic wardrobe piece is unlikely to go out of style. So, while it may seem ridiculous to spend all that money on a single suit, chances are you’ll have that suit for many many years.
Evolve over time
“Every season I kind of stick to the same things. I love bright colours, I love really clean lines like white on white. I think as I’ve grown up, I’ve become a little bit more streamlined”
– Nicole Warne,Gary Pepper Girl.
Image via Gary Pepper Girl Instagram
Of course, as you grow, your style will too, and as your circumstances change, so too will your fashion choices. Don’t be afraid of this change. Embrace it. Your style needs to suit your personality and let’s face it, no one is the same person they were 10 years ago.
Also, as the trends change, it’s best to adapt these to your style, rather than the other way around.
“Brooke doesn’t follow trends; she moulds them to fit her own personal style” – Brooke Testoni.
Image via Brooke Testoni
You’ll feel a lot more comfortable sticking to your own style and bringing in new, trendy, fashion-forward pieces, rather than trying to keep up with a trend that simply doesn’t suit you.
Take risks
“I think my look is quite feminine with my hair, so if I wear a really overly girl outfit, it’ll usually be with sneakers, unless I’m going to an event, but even then I’ll try and toughen it up with my accessories or makeup” – Carmen Hamilton,Chronicles of Her.
Just because you have feminine undertones in your style, doesn’t mean you can’t mix it up with a tailored blazer or some funky sneakers. Mixing your style with another is all about playing with fashion to figure out what works and what doesn’t.
Be consistent
“I’ve always been told that when it comes to personal style, it’s important to be consistent. Decide what you like, find what works for you, and stick to it” – Carmen Hamilton, Chronicles of Her.
Image via Chronicles of Her
In saying this, try not to be predictable. Tricky, we know. But being consistent doesn’t mean that everyone should know what clothes you’re going to rock up in.
When in doubt, monochrome
“Black and white always works!” – Talisa Sutton, Badlands.
Image via Badlands
But don’t be afraid to bring in some print. If you are going to stick to a limited palate, a stripe, polka dot, stars or touch of floral can help mix things up. Very few women will feel uncomfortable in black. It’s safe, it’s neutral and it matches everything. So, if you’re really struggling to find your personal style, stick to a neutral palate. You may even find your style will evolve from there.
Seeking inspiration from Australia’s fashion bloggers
Establishing your own personal style is a lengthy process, and usually happens with trial and error over a period of time. Take the time to experiment and figure out what works for you. And in the meantime, looking to the fashion bloggers of Australia for inspiration is a good idea too.
