Personal Style: A Simple Framework
A straightforward framework to defining, refining, and owning your personal style.
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Foreword
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I had some life stuff happen, but I love writing about fashion
These are my thoughts on personal style—how I approach it, how I've refined it over time, and what’s worked for me. Take it with a grain of salt. Style is deeply personal, and what resonates with one person might not with another. But if anything here sparks an idea or pushes you to experiment, then I’ve done my job. The key is to make it your own.
I think most people want to dress better. Sure, some might say they don’t care, but deep down, I believe most would love to elevate their style if they could. So why don’t they? Is it because building a versatile wardrobe takes time and effort? Is it the cost of "good style," where quality pieces seem out of reach? Or is it the fear of being judged for standing out? (Which, as A$AP Rocky says, “When did it become not cool to try?”)
Whatever the reason, I believe that if someone wants to build their style, they should be able to. Yes, it takes time. Yes, you’ll have some bad outfits along the way. But think of it like going to the gym: you’re not expected to be an expert the moment you step in, and you don’t expect instant results.
Building personal style is a mental muscle that takes time to develop, just like any skill in the gym. And here’s the thing: no one cares. No one is judging your outfit the way you think they are, just like no one’s worried about how much weight you’re lifting or what speed you're running on the treadmill. The truth is, everyone’s too focused on themselves to notice you trying new things. And if someone does make you feel bad about it, they’re probably just jealous.
My Personal Framework:
1. Define Your Style (This Takes Time)
Start with a basic idea of what works for you. This could be something as simple as a color palette or a broader theme—like menswear, streetwear, or even something more niche like vintage or athletic-inspired looks. For example, I gravitate toward workwear and durable pieces that are built to last. It’s practical, timeless, and aligns with my values of longevity and utility in clothing. But it’s not just about picking a theme; it’s about finding the vibe that resonates with you.
A key part of this is finding people who dress the way you aspire to, and these don’t have to be celebrities or Instagram influencers with millions of followers. In fact, many of my style inspirations have fewer than 10k followers. These could be people whose outfits catch your eye on social media, in your everyday life, or even in fashion blogs and independent publications. They don’t need to be famous; they just need to have a style you admire and relate to. Follow their lead, observe their choices, and start to understand why their looks resonate with you. Pay attention to the details—how they mix textures, what colors they lean toward, or how they effortlessly combine casual with elevated pieces.
Another aspect to this is incorporating things you're genuinely interested in. It’s not just about following trends, but about weaving your personal interests into your style. For instance, I’ve become a fan of hiking gear and western wear, not because I have a deep tie to either, but because of my growing love for hiking and old country music. I try to incorporate those passions into my wardrobe. This process helps you refine your own style, while also giving you a more specific vision for what you want your wardrobe to reflect.
2. Live in It
This is the most important part of the process. The step that often holds people back is not fully committing to their style. Too many people reserve their "good" outfits for special occasions—dinners, parties, or nights out. But if you want to be someone who is known for having great style, you have to live in it. You can't treat your personal style like something that's only for "special" days. It needs to be part of your daily routine.
Think of it like working out: you can’t expect results from one workout a week. If you only go to the gym once or twice a week, you’re not going to see the kind of progress you want. But if you make it a habit, going 4, 5, even 6 times a week, your body has no choice but to adjust. Dressing well works the same way. The more you dress well, the quicker you’ll get at curating outfits that reflect your personal style. And the more you practice, the more natural it will feel.
If you only wear your best outfits for specific events, you’ll never get to experiment with your style in everyday settings. You’ll never get the “reps” you need to improve. That’s why I think it’s crucial to dress well every time you leave the house, whether you’re running errands, grabbing a coffee, or heading to work. Every moment is an opportunity to practice, to experiment with new combinations, and to get better at putting outfits together.
It’s not about dressing perfectly every single time; it’s about getting comfortable in your own style and seeing how it evolves over time. The more you wear your outfits, the more you’ll start to understand what works and what doesn’t, and the faster you’ll start finding combinations that feel effortless.
The key is to make dressing well a lifestyle. You don’t have to go all-out every time—just make the effort, even in small, everyday moments. I try to dress well whether I’m going to the grocery store, running errands, or just meeting a friend for coffee. It’s part of my routine. The more I dress intentionally, the more I flex that creative muscle, and the better I get at putting together looks.
It doesn’t hurt that dressing well makes you feel better, too. When I put on an outfit I like, I feel 10% more ready for whatever I’m about to do, whether it’s work, a casual meeting, or even something as simple as going for a walk. I recently wore a look I loved to a surgery—did I need to? No. But it made me feel more confident in an otherwise nerve-wracking situation.
This isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency. The more you commit to dressing well, the easier it will become to refine your style, experiment with new looks, and feel more confident in your choices. Making an effort to dress well every day is, in my opinion, the most straightforward and effective way to elevate your style over time.
3. Refine It as Your Interests Evolve
Don’t settle for “good enough.” Style is fluid—it grows and shifts as you do. What works for you now might not feel right six months from now, and that’s the point. Style isn’t about rigidly sticking to one thing; it’s about adjusting as your tastes and influences change. It’s not about following trends just because they’re popular, but rather staying aware of what’s going on in fashion and letting it inform your personal choices.
As your interests evolve, so should your wardrobe. Pick up a new hobby? Let it bleed into your style. If you’ve taken up running, for instance, don’t just save your running gear for the track—make it part of your everyday outfits. Try styling sneakers with a tailored look or mixing performance fabrics with your usual pieces. If you’re getting into something like vintage gear or even just exploring new textures and fits, play around with it. Don’t be afraid to experiment, even if it feels a little out of your comfort zone. Style isn’t about sticking to the same formula forever; it’s about staying open to change and refining as you go. Your style is a reflection of who you are, and as you change, it should too.
Conclusion
In the end, style is about more than clothes—it’s about how you express who you are. It’s personal, it takes time, and it demands that you’re willing to put in the work. Just like any skill, it requires practice, failure, and plenty of trial and error. So don’t rush it. The more you embrace the process, the more your style will reflect your true self—unapologetically and confidently. Style isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being authentically you. The journey is where all the growth happens, and that’s where the magic is.
What I have picked up recently
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Great article! Best quote - "If I can wear a fit with 1 ACL, you can too." :) True true
Great article, very insightful!