Wear What Feels Like You
I used to spend too much time standing in front of my closet, overwhelmed by options yet convinced I had nothing to wear. One day, I realized it wasn't about having enough clothes—it was about not knowing who I wanted to be when I walked out the door.
That's when I started thinking less about trends and more about what made me feel like myself. I began noticing patterns: certain colors made me feel calm, specific cuts gave me quiet confidence, and some accessories just clicked with my personality.
What I was doing—without realizing it—was developing a signature style.
Why Trends Aren't Everything
Yes, trends can be fun. Neon sleeves? Puffed shoulders? We've all seen them come back around. But following trends doesn't always mean feeling good in what you wear. I remember trying to pull off an oversized blazer phase after phase, only to feel like I was wearing a costume instead of clothes.
The 1980s taught us that fashion can be bold, expressive, and even experimental—but the most memorable styles from that era weren't just copies of runway looks. They were interpretations. People took what resonated and made it their own.
So if you're feeling pressure to dress a certain way because it's “in,” pause. Ask yourself: Does this fit me , or am I just chasing the moment?
How to Start Building Your Style Identity
There's no one-size-fits-all formula for finding your signature look. But here's what helped me:
- Observe what draws you in : Scroll through your saved outfits on Pinterest or Instagram. What repeats? Are there common colors, silhouettes, or moods?
- Think about your lifestyle : Do you need comfort more than flair? Or do you love dressing up, even for small moments?
- Identify your energy : Some people thrive in minimalism; others shine in maximalism. There's no wrong answer.
- Try things on without judgment : Not everything will work, and that's okay. Think of it as experimenting, not failing.
- Notice how different clothes make you feel : Confident? Restricted? Energized? That emotional feedback is powerful.
You're not trying to copy someone else's look—you're uncovering what makes you feel whole in your skin.
The Power of a Core Wardrobe
Once I had a clearer sense of my style, I built a core collection of pieces that worked together and reflected me. These weren't necessarily expensive items, but they were intentional.
My base included:
- A few well-fitting tees in neutral tones
- A tailored coat that felt polished without being stiff
- Jeans that flattered and didn't fight me
- Accessories that added interest without shouting
From there, I could layer in bolder pieces or seasonal favorites without losing my sense of self. This approach made getting dressed easier—and actually enjoyable.
Real Confidence Comes from Clarity
One of the biggest shifts happened when I stopped questioning whether I looked “right” and started trusting my instincts. Once I owned my style, I stopped needing external validation for every outfit.
It reminded me of something I read once: Style isn't about looking perfect—it's about showing up as yourself, unapologetically.
When you know your style, you walk differently. You move through your day with a little more ease, a little more grace. Because you're not pretending to be someone else—you're simply being you.
Ready to Own Your Look?
If you're still figuring out your fashion identity, give yourself permission to explore. Try new combinations. Keep what works. Let go of what doesn't.
And if you ever want to revisit where some of today's boldest looks came from, take a peek at this deep dive into 1980s fashion influences—it's full of inspiration that reminds us how far we've come and how many rules we can keep breaking.
For more styling ideas and curated fashion insights, explore trending looks and tips that help you build a wardrobe that tells your story.
Because the best outfit you'll ever wear is the one that says, “This is me.”