5 Tips for Establishing a Unique Personal Style

Last weekend, Poshmark asked me to be on a panel at their annual PoshFest entitled “Fashion Pros Help Elevate Your Look,” so I’ve been thinking a lot about personal style lately.

And then Kim Kardashian’s ass broke the internet and everything seemed meaningless.

Then again, Kim Kardashian certainly has a strong personal style. It might not involve much clothing at times. And when she is wearing clothing, it’s very tight. A full face of makeup, always. Her style might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s recognizable. And no one could argue it’s not working for her.

But we’ve all witnessed Kim struggle with finding her style. Her missteps are public. Ours are too! Because we post our outfits on the internet. Maybe not as many people are looking, but it can still be cringe-inducing.

So how do you establish a personal style that’s unique, and that won’t induce blogger’s remorse? Here’s what I learned from my fellow panelists and my own introspection:

Start with a mood.

Having style role models is a great place to start, but recreating someone else’s style can only take you so far. For me the vibe I want to create is relaxed and beachy, with a touch of 70s rock and roll glam, which is helpful to remember when I get obsessed with photos of Cher.

Shop carefully.

When splurging on a luxury item, make sure you love it. You’ll wear it often and it will become a key component of your personal style. But don’t buy it because it’s on sale but in an off color, or not quite a style you love. You’ll probably end up taking photos of it for reselling purposes rather than for an outfit post on your blog. Or, you’ll force it into an outfit and it won’t look or feel good.

Find your signature piece.

Darci Wolfgang of Diaries of a Southern Shopper—who also happens to be a parole officer, how awesome is that—said on the panel that her signature is a tailored jacket. Have a few go-to pieces in your closet that you love and that make you feel comfortable and stylish, because sometimes (most of the time for me) you won’t have leisurely hours to think about what to wear. Have some items that you can always grab and go and feel great in.

You’ve heard this before, but be wary of trends.

Trends are personal style’s kryptonite by definition—they’re trends because everyone is wearing them. Unless of course you started the trend, in which case, kudos to you! Or, if the trend fits with the personal style you’ve established, then obviously go for it. When maxi skirts were everywhere in the past few years, I was pretty happy.

Don’t be afraid.

Maybe this is just me, but I often love something and feel like it’s so my style, but when it comes to wearing it out in public I get nervous. What if people don’t like it? A rejection of your personal style is kind of a rejection of you, and that never feels good. But I try to remember that it’s just fashion. No one is going to die because of your floral harem pants (ooh I think I need these). No one is thinking about your outfit nearly as much as you are. Unless of course you’re Kim Kardashian.

This is a short list of what works for me, and I know you guys have your own great tips. Please share in the comments!

(Image credit: Shutterstock.com)