HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR OWN STYLE

HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR PERSONAL STYLE - Lauren Excell

My first tip would be to watch others and take inspiration from what you like in others outfits to develop your own style and figure out what you like. Apps such as Pinterest are great for browsing, discovering fashion and deciding what you like. Otherwise just people watching is also great (just don’t be creepy). Once you know what you want it is easy to then slowly build up your wardrobe buying one piece at a time. Make sure you think carefully about each piece you buy and don’t just fall for trends but think about what this item could go with that you already have and only buy it if it is love at first sight (literally). I know this is what your mum probably always tells you but it is true, if you don’t feel 100% sure about buying it and don’t know what it is going to go with that you already have in your wardrobe then it will most likely never get worn and is not worth buying.

Once you know what you want, next you need to build up your wardrobe. Start with the basics. Basics are always a must have in your wardrobe, lots of big retail shops such as Glassons or Hallenstein Brothers have specific sections already in their stores just to make it easier for you! A black and white top and plain jeans are always essentials for your wardrobe and will pair well with most things. Matching a basic white tee with some bold coloured trousers or skirt will always look great. Most of the time pattern on pattern is a no go, there are too many things wanting the attention in your outfit. Whereas if you pair a basic/plain item with a statement piece the outfit is balanced and the different pieces complement each other. Basics also don’t always have to be just black and white (although they are still essentials), block and neutral colours are great basics too if you need a pop of colour in your outfit. 

It is not always about the trends. Sometimes it can be hard in school and you may worry about what others think and give in to fast fashion trends that will most likely go out of fashion as soon as you buy them. The trick is to buy timeless pieces of clothing that you know you will love and will wear for years on end. But how do I know if it is timeless you ask? Trends that come fast into fashion will most likely go out of fashion just as quickly and that's what you want to stay away from. You need to think about whether you would still wear this in a year because once you have developed your true personal style it shouldn’t change much if you really love it. Timeless pieces can really be anything that you love, something that will be a staple in your wardrobe for a long time. Remember to think before you buy and choose things that you actually like, not just things that are cool at that moment. 

Last minute tips:

• Buy one or two pieces from time to time to spread out your shopping. I know we have all splurged from time to time and brought lots on a whim. Often when you do this you get home and realise they aren't actually what you want and never get worn. It also helps you to not spend as much at one time and to think carefully before you buy.

• Making your own clothes by sewing, knitting or crocheting is a great way to create unique clothing. Nowadays it is super easy and chic, all you need is youtube and fabric/yarn. If you are not so into sewing, knitting or crocheting yourself, ask someone else you know who does! (such as your grandma) I’m sure they will happily help you out.

• A good way to get unique clothes is from thrift stores, you can find lots of these all over NZ. This is a great way to find timeless, affordable and environmentally friendly clothing. 

• Buy from a variety of shops, change up your style from time to time and try different aesthetics if you don’t know what you are into yet. 

• Style 

Once you understand your own style, you need to be confident in yourself and own it!