Bring Back Personal Style: Where Do We Go Wrong?

Too often, we find ourselves trapped within a never-ending cycle of style slump—cluttering and decluttering our personal closet and going after the next best article of clothing. The pressure of staying on top of trends and getting ourselves into the pattern of trial and error leads, more often than not, to losing the authentic fashion expression that is individually ours. While it’s reasonable that we would make an unimpressive style mistake once in a while, squandering our creative vision in expressing personal style is a mistake we should so avoid, or at least try to.

So, what’s the game plan? Is it breaking fashion rules to pivot our direction or discovering unique wardrobe ideas that we will copy and paste? This might just be a fashion identity crisis waiting to erupt—where the more you dig into the advice of style experts, the more you steer away from finally making the leap to start your own style evolution. Then, what’s the move to overcome fashion conformities that thwart individuality? It’s all good and nice giving simple advice on how to find your personal style—in the framework of: find your body type, take inspiration from trends, divert your gaze from the runway, and copy style icons of the century, whether that’s Audrey Hepburn, Jacqueline Kennedy, or Britain’s beloved princess we all hold dear and esteem, Princess Diana. 

Though there is no situation where a little black dress doesn’t save us women from an emergency breakdown, or where the simple act of putting on a pair of bicycle shorts and a jumper secures the comfort we need before running our unavoidable errands, that just doesn’t scream style, does it? Don’t get the wrong impression, there is no rule that proclaims you have to be stylish all the time, but it goes a long way for self-esteem. After all, what woman doesn’t crave a wardrobe that boldly expresses her identity?

Now, I know you’re on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what the fuss is really about. If the commonly-found advice doesn’t work in reviving, rediscovering, or building personal style, what does? What I’m trying to say is, let’s f-ing find out.

The Allure of Trends Is a Lost Cause: Take FOMO Out the Way

Personal style is an integral part of self-discovery, individuality, and our unique character. What’s the point of losing your unique self chasing fleeting trends and ever-changing Pinterest boards? Let’s get real–trends leave little to no impact on who you are, while the power of personal style transcends wardrobes–showcasing all aspects of one’s selfhood, including diverse tastes and long-cherished experiences. 

FOMO: The Real Style Killer

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) has become the unwelcome sidekick of our fashion choices. You see that celebrity rocking the latest fad, and suddenly, your wardrobe feels outdated. You see Margot Robbie on Barbie’s press tour, showing up and showing out; suddenly, you want to become a part of the experience. You convince yourself that to be considered stylish, you need to keep up with all that’s going on in the culture.

Step out and take a breath– FOMO isn’t your friend; it’s a thief, robbing you of your authentic self and turning your closet into a playground of on-trend ensembles that will go out of style in a matter of months–if not minutes. 

Instead of allowing FOMO to dictate your fashion choices, just flip the script. What truly resonates with your soul, personality, and values? The moment you start answering some questions about yourself will be the moment you hold the key to a timeless style for eternity. 

Records of Personal Style: How to Make Individual Fashion Choices? 

Diving headfirst into the Fuss records of fashion trends versus personal style, one thing becomes clear—sincere originality is rare. That’s not to disrespect anyone who follows the trends or to compliment those who are self-claimed individualists. I follow ‘em too. Trends are there for a reason—they’re fun to play with and define eras very uniquely. More than that, trends kind of make us relate to each other on a societal level; they connect us, yet they also erode individual expression—a bit of a pickle. 

But I know what really helped me as a relentless fashion devotee—getting to know me on a deeper level. The question was never, 'What looks good on me?' It was, 'What do I like, really?' Where in the book does it say I have to wear what society thinks will look good on me? While I experimented with layering, patterns, era codes, and various inspirations from Pinterest, it came to a point where my inspiration and spirit faded among the copycat outfits, sending me into a pit of apathy and chronic boredom. Where is the fun in that? I’m thinking– I thought this was supposed to be a fun way to express who I am? Wait though, so does this mean I have no idea who I am? Now, that’s a bigger problem than figuring out what I’m going to wear on a date. So, here goes the takeaway:

Self-Discovery is Key

I’m aware this is a modern-era magazine and not your therapist’s office, but hear me out–- start introspecting to find out what truly brings you joy. What colors, patterns, fabrics, and moods highlight the essence of who you are? This is going to be a long, fussy journey.

Shift Your Mindset

A shift in perspective can bring you the clarity you’ve been after for years. Instead of asking “What looks good on me?” focus on “What do I genuinely like?” Be honest and transparent with yourself–this will encourage you to be more authentic and allow you to truly, even fearlessly reflect yourself without a single filter. 

Recognize Core Influences

Everyone has a style icon they look up to and a particular style that they think really resonates with them. Reevaluate what inspires you to make the fashion choices you’re making. Understand that this is a journey and your preferences can change as you take the necessary steps in self-discovery. Explore your values in the process, what do they say about you and how can you reveal it through your fashion picks?

At Fuss, we’ll explore all aspects of building personal style through our personal style course that will soon be available for purchase. There, we’ll dive deeper into how you can build and revive your authentic wardrobe step by step. Until then, make sure to take the key steps to embrace fashion as a medium of self-expression and discovery. 

Stay tuned for what’s next by visiting us weekly, or subscribe to get the tea while it’s still hot. We don’t want you missing out, no FOMO though.