How to Discover and Refine Your Personal Style: Practical Tips and Insights
Jun, 17 2025
If you’re staring at a closet packed with clothes and still feel like you have nothing to wear, you’re not alone. It’s wild, right? A 2023 survey by Thread revealed that 74% of Brits admit they find their wardrobes confusing or uninspiring. You’re probably scrolling Instagram, seeing people nailing their looks, and thinking, “How do they figure it out?” Truth is, most of those style pros started exactly where you are—clueless, overwhelmed, secretly hoping nobody notices they’ve worn the same jumper three days in a row. Let’s dig into what actually works when you want to figure out your own style, without feeling like you’re trying to be someone you’re not.
Understanding What Style Means to You
First off, style isn’t about copying what you see on fashion runways or squeezing into trends that don’t fit your life. It’s about finding clothes that feel like a second skin—comfortable, authentic, and, honestly, a bit of fun. Think of it as a silent introduction. You might ask: “Who even needs a personal style?” Here’s a wild fact—psychologists at the University of Hertfordshire found people build trust faster with others who look comfortable and confident in their clothes, even before a single word is spoken. That means the way you dress is not just about clothes but about how you carry yourself through the world.
But that doesn’t mean you have to settle on a single look and wear it forever. Your personal style can shift with your mood, your work, or even just the weather (especially if you’re living in Bristol—you’ll know all about the unpredictable rain!). The trick is knowing your base. Think about your day-to-day life. Do you spend most of your time in meetings? Chasing after your kids? Exploring parks and city streets? Your style should help you do all of that comfortably, without sacrificing who you are.
So, how do you actually get started? Here’s what works:
- Notice what you already love: Grab your favorite outfit—maybe it’s your most-worn jeans and a t-shirt, or that dress you always wear when you want a bit of extra confidence. These are clues about what floats your boat.
- Take a look at the stuff you avoid. Is there a shirt you never touch unless everything else is in the wash? Figure out why. Maybe it’s the color, the fit, or the fabric.
- Save photos of outfits you like—scroll through Instagram or Pinterest and screenshot anything that catches your eye. Forget if it’s trendy or not, just go with your gut.
As British designer Paul Smith once said,
“You can find inspiration in everything. And if you can’t, look again.”
Building Your Wardrobe: Practical Steps That Actually Work
Forget about the idea that you need a whole new wardrobe to nail your style. Most of us don’t have an unlimited budget, and honestly, you only need a few solid pieces to make your look pop. Here’s where most people go wrong—they try to change everything at once. Instead, the best move is to build slowly. One piece at a time. Make it work with what you already own.
This is the method that many stylists swear by: start with basics that can be mixed and matched. In fact, a recent study by the London College of Fashion found the average person only regularly wears about 20% of their wardrobe. That chunk of clothes you actually use? That’s the core of your personal style. Everything else is usually impulse buys or well-intentioned gifts that just don’t click.
So, let’s talk about the bits you want to invest in:
- The perfect pair of jeans — You know, the ones you’d wear almost anywhere. Don’t settle for ‘just okay’. Try on a few brands. Go for the cut that makes you feel good.
- Shoes that work hard — Whether you’re into trainers, boots, or loafers, pick pairs that fit your day-to-day life. No point owning stilettos if you never go out.
- Versatile shirts or tops — You want stuff that looks good solo but also under a jacket or jumper. Layers are your friend, especially in unpredictable UK weather.
- A go-to outer layer — Think a solid leather jacket, tailored coat, or even a smart hoodie. Something you can throw over anything and feel pulled together.
Fill in with accessories only when you’re sure about the basics. Scarves, hats, belts—they can give a boring outfit a bit of personality. If you want a quick practical tip, try the ‘hanger test’: Next time you wear something, hang it facing the opposite way in your wardrobe. After a month, look at what you haven’t touched. Those are the pieces to reconsider.
Check out this breakdown of what typical wardrobes look like, based on a 2023 UK study:
| Wardrobe Item | % Frequently Worn |
|---|---|
| Jeans | 34% |
| Basic T-Shirts | 28% |
| Shirts/Blouses | 13% |
| Jumpers/Sweaters | 10% |
| Shoes | 8% |
| Other (Dresses, Jackets, Accessories) | 7% |
Notice how just a few categories take up most of your wear time? Focus there instead of chasing after every single trend.
Expressing Yourself Without Second-Guessing
Real talk—there’s always a bit of doubt when you decide to wear something that feels different. Ever put on a bold jacket or bright trainers and thought, “Can I really pull this off?” That hesitation is normal, but don’t let it kill your vibe. Confidence comes from repetition, not just having the “right” clothes. Try wearing one new thing at a time. See how you feel after a few hours—not just right after putting it on. You get used to it, and soon it feels like the most natural choice in the world.
Here’s another hack: ask someone you trust about your outfit. Not your mate who thinks joggers are formalwear, but someone who gets you. Most of the time, they’ll notice stuff you missed. Maybe a particular colour lights you up. Maybe your current jeans just don’t do you justice. Real feedback, delivered kindly, makes a difference. According to a YouGov poll from 2024, people who regularly ask for honest style advice report feeling twice as satisfied with their clothing choices.
And don’t worry about sticking to one “look” for the rest of your life. Style is meant to evolve. Most style icons—think David Beckham, Emma Watson, Stormzy—didn’t settle on one look and freeze. They played around, tried different things, and kept what worked for them.
- Show off your interests: Love music? Rock a band tee or vintage concert jacket. Into sport? Go subtle with a cap or branded trainers.
- Mix high and low: You don’t need to wear head-to-toe designer. Some of the coolest outfits I’ve seen mix street market finds with one standout piece.
- Find a signature: Maybe it’s glasses, a watch, a certain jacket—one thing you always wear can become your calling card.
- Be patient: It can take a year or more before your style feels totally ‘you’. That’s normal. Enjoy the experiment.
If you’re ever feeling stuck, remember how much of style is about attitude. Try this tomorrow: Pick one thing you own but rarely wear, and find a way to work it into your day. Often, breaking your own routine opens up new possibilities. After all, nobody else has your mix of experiences, influences, and quirks. Your style is as much about your story as it is about your clothes. And if you’re still unsure what your style says, that just means you’ve got a head start on making it something really personal—and really yours.