Your Authentic Edge: 6 Steps to Developing a Personal Style That's Timeless
Every day we're bombarded with too much information. Everyone's wearing this. You have to wear this. Like a lot of things in life, we overcomplicate looking stylish. But we don't have to. Looking sharp and feeling confident can be simple with a personal style mantra.
Developing your personal style takes effort and intention. But eventually, it makes looking polished effortless by guiding your day-to-day choices and directing you toward outfits that make you look good, feel good, and play your best.
Stop putting together sloppy outfits that are all over the place. Use this guide to assemble a personal style that's classic, timeless and best of all, effortless.
Step 1: Learn the Pillars of Style (And Looking Good)
Developing your personal style requires a journey of self-discovery, introspection and experimentation. It's not a one-size-fits-all process, but there are tried and true keys to looking stylish that turn everyday outfits iconic.
Fit - We can't overstate the importance of fit enough. An ill-fitting suit can make you look like you're playing dress-up. But a fine-fitting one will exude confidence, professionalism, and sophistication. No matter the occasion, the right fit ensures comfort and complements your body shape, so you always present your best self.
Read more about how your clothes should fit in our free eBook, Pillars of Style: Fit.
Quality - Superior materials and craftsmanship ensure your clothes retain their shape, colour, and texture over time. A rich burgundy merino wool sweater will look much better than a sweater made of synthetic materials. Investing in quality allows for a curated wardrobe of classic items that transcend trends, offering versatility and longevity.
Simplicity - Emphasizing clean lines, classic cuts, and neutral colours that never go out of style is crucial to always looking good. Avoiding trends and ostentatious elements allows your natural style and confidence to shine. Aiming for understated elegance also creates versatility, making mixing and matching pieces for different occasions easier.
Developing your personal style needs a compass. Use these pillars of style to guide you through the next steps in your journey.
Step 2: Get Inspired to Develop Your Personal Style
Armed with your knowledge of the pillars of style, it's time for you to explore. Use different resources online, such as blogs (like the Aklasu Journal), YouTube, or social media like Instagram.
Pay attention to what resonates with you. Which colours catch your eye? What kind of silhouette do you find attractive? Which brand's visual identity do you gravitate to? Aklasu client and financial literacy advocate Bruce Miller finds inspiration for his classic, conservative and comfortable style from brands like Sid Mashburn.
Another effective way to find inspiration is by studying style icons that align with your aesthetic goal. Do you aspire for a rugged yet refined aesthetic like Paul Newman? Or a laid-back sophistication like George Clooney?
Analyze what makes their style appealing to you. Note specific details like their colour palette, how they use accessories, or how they mix and match formal with casual pieces. Pick out the pieces that appeal to you. It'll come in handy for the next step in developing your personal style.
Step 3: Review Your Wardrobe
You've got the inspiration. Now it's time for some perspiration. Review your current wardrobe to gain insight into what you like. Ask yourself these questions:
- What colours do I gravitate towards?
- Which pieces do I enjoy wearing?
- Which outfits make me feel confident?
- Which pieces look good on me?
Evaluate your clothing choices to determine which pieces reflect your personality, fit your lifestyle, and align with your evolving taste. You can also take this opportunity to remove items that don't fit well or are worn out. While you're at it, say goodbye to clothes that remind you of trends that time has mercifully left behind (we're looking at you, baggy jeans).
The review process highlights gaps that help you create a cohesive and functional wardrobe. It will guide future purchases and help you make intentional choices.
Step 4: Build Your Wardrobe
Completing a review means you're primed to mindfully fill in your gaps and build your timeless wardrobe. Building your wardrobe according to the timeless personal style you develop takes time. Don't run to the store yet. Lay the foundation using these principles to develop a timeless and classic style.
Consider Your Needs - A closet full of fine-tailored suits sounds great. But how many suits do you really need? Account for your lifestyle and work when building your wardrobe. Try choosing pieces you can wear to transition from weekdays to weekends.
Versatility is King - Fill your wardrobe with pieces you can mix and match effortlessly. Aim to own versatile pieces you can dress up or down, depending on your day (or night).
Stick to the Understated - Loud designs and overly-branded items don't create a timeless personal style. These items don't age well, and they make pairing more challenging than it needs to be.
Lean on Classic Colours - Neutral colours like grey, navy, black, olive, and brown make it easy to assemble timeless outfits that exude an effortless elegance.
Show Your Quality - You're done messing around with synthetic materials. The merino wool sweater costs more than acrylic, but it will last longer, look better, and radiate sophistication for a day in the office or a night out.
Be Wary of Trends - We've all fallen prey to the latest trends. But we've also learned (hopefully) that trends don't last. Choose timeless style, and you'll have fewer clothes that make you say, "What was I thinking?"
Now that you have these principles on hand to develop your personal style, check out our article on building a timeless capsule wardrobe: Mastering Timeless Style: A Guide to Building a Capsule Wardrobe for Men.
Step 5: Experiment and Get Feedback
Here's where the rubber meets the road. With the few pieces you've collected to express your style, it's time to experiment.
Experimentation is crucial. Incorporate elements that inspire you. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Over time, you'll discover what feels authentic and comfortable. Trying different outfits allows you to develop a personal style that's versatile and adaptable to different settings while being true to yourself.
But just as experimentation is key, so is getting feedback. You'll get lost sometimes on the journey to developing your personal style. But remember that you're not alone. Seek advice and input from a diverse collection of people. Your spouse and friends are a good start, but getting feedback from critical individuals is just as valuable. Don't take it personally. Listen and learn, and you're on your way to smashing personal style.
Step 6: Refine and Keep Refining
You should never stop developing your personal style. It's an ongoing journey that requires a growth mindset that empowers you to evolve. You'll continue discovering styles and pieces that complement your timeless aesthetic. Embrace the new and approach each day with openness and enthusiasm.
Stay attuned to your changing needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Adapt your style as you navigate different life stages, new activities or physical changes. Let go of pieces that no longer serve you and make space for items that align with your current self.
Stay curious, and continue exploring and seeking inspiration that grows your personal style. Regularly review your wardrobe, experiment with new pieces, and watch for outfits that excite you. This mindset will inspire you and ensure your style stays fresh and true to who you are.
