Ever look at someone with a vibrant personal style and think, “Wow, she wears that well?” Maybe it’s followed by a second thought: “I could never pull that off.” The truth is, if you copied her outfit one-to-one, it probably wouldn’t quite hit the same. It’s not because you don’t have good taste or look differently. It’s about knowing how to find your personal style.
There’s a difference between liking a certain look and actually identifying with it. Nine out of ten times, when you see an inspiring outfit, it has more to do with the person wearing it than the clothes. They style their pieces so well that it looks completely natural, easy even. What you don’t see is the thought process behind picking that exact shade, length, and fabric. It’s never just a red sweater; it’s the red sweater.
The reason why your outfit might feel like it’s not working could be because you’re relying too much on inspiration and trends. It’s good to take note of what catches your eye, but you have to filter those notes through your own personality before buying in. This also applies to the e-commerce models on the sites you’re shopping from. Do you like the actual pants, or do they just look good on the model? Always picture yourself in the clothes before purchasing.
I’ve done it one too many times myself—I see something that looks good on a ton of people, but when I try it? It just doesn’t sit right. Stripes, straight-leg jeans, funnel-neck jackets… I could go on with the number of trends and silhouettes I’ve tried and ultimately dropped. No matter how hard I try, the colors and fits I choose, some items simply do not look good on me.
I’ve learned I can admire something without wanting it for myself. Because in the end, what makes an outfit pop is the confidence to wear it well. Picking and choosing pieces that you deeply love is the real key to finding your personal style. Ahead, you’ll find some reasons why your outfit might not be working—and what you can do about it.
You’re relying too much on trends
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The biggest shopping mistake you can make is deciding whether something is worth buying based on how trendy it is. The goal is not to look like everyone else; it’s to look like your most authentic, comfortable self. Sometimes your tastes and the trends align, and that’s when it’s safe to buy into a specific moment. Otherwise, if you want to find the pieces that really pop on you, forget the trends and listen to your heart. Go where your gut leads you, and shop the pieces that give you a burst of excitement, regardless of what the masses may say.
