Green Fashion: How To Find Your Personal Style

Did you also know that being aware of your personal style is also a perfect way to go green and practice sustainability? Personal style in my opinion is your own personal image and how you choose to allow your clothing and accessories to represent who you are. It is a documented fact that people form an impression of you within the first three seconds of meeting you, so therefore it is important to make a good first impression.

The reason finding your personal style is green, is that if you know your own style and know what kinds of clothing and accessories looks good on you, it will prevent over- consumption and wasting of the resources in our environment.

Choosing the wrong clothing or following style trends that do not look good on us, makes us purchase apparel that we may have to discard later. If most people knew their personal style, they will purchase exactly what they need and be more confident when they get dressed. Knowing your own personal style is a perfect way to go green since the clothing manufacturing industry also contributes to water and air pollution in a major way. When you buy less, production needs go down.

Style doesn’t have anything to do with status or celebrity representations in magazines, it represents your identity. The way we dress is of utmost importance so that we can let others know who we are. Moreover, the clothing we wear has various impacts such as psychological, social, practical, and emotional benefits.

When we talk about style or fashion, we know the strength and significance of clothing. For instance, if you go for an interview, you should wear classic interview appropriate clothes rather than sweatpants or athleisure clothes.

Personal style allows you to represent yourself in a unique way. It is a technique and approach that you choose for yourself to portray who you are as a person.

We all know that to look and feel confident your facial expression and personality matters. However, we simply can’t ignore the fact that the right outfit will also make you feel more confident and positive.

According to Diane von Furstenberg, a Belgian Fashion Designer “Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it.”

Here are 13 Ways To Find Your Personal Style:

1. Know your Body Type and Shape

Knowing your body type is probably the first you should do when you’re starting to find your personal style. It’s not because physique matters and people with good body type can only own style. But knowing your body type will allow you to know what kind of clothes will look good on you. This will help you know which clothes are best for you and you can buy them accordingly.

2. Know What’s in Your Own Wardrobe

Look at the clothes in your wardrobe that you’ve bought in recent years. Observe which clothes you have worn most of the time, the items which are kept in a pile unopened, clothes which you don’t fit you now, clothes which are an impulsive purchase, the ones which you feel are more comfortable and confident in, which ones do you get compliments in all the time? The ones that give you positive feedback, positive feelings of confidence and you that you feel most comfortable in may be the items that most represent your style and should perhaps be your preferred styles.

3. Create Your Basics

Now that you know your body type and have gone through your wardrobe, it’s time to shop for some basic piece of clothing that you can mix match with others. Some classic basic items are T-shirts, jackets, white shirts, a black dress, pants, flat, jeans, basic sweaters and so on. Have them in your wardrobe and then mix & match according to your style and body type.

4. Assemble Your Looks

Go through your past photos and make a folder of all the photos of yourself that you like the most, clothes you often wear, accessories which you love to carry, etc. This will allow you to know what you love the most and what you need to create your best look. Use magazines or the internet to cut out or save looks that you like and then go to a local department store or boutique and try them on. Remember trying on items do not make it mandatory to purchase so feel free to try different looks and ask the opinion of a trustworthy person. After gathering clothing, you can create variations to your outfits by adding items such as add a scarfs, belts, a piece of jewelry, or hat.

5. Follow Your Favorite Style Icon

Ask yourself, who is that person, you think as your personal icon? Who is that style icon you want to follow and can look up to? This will let you know who you are, what you love, and which style icon you want to look like. Your style icon will help you find your own personal style. Personally, I have always admired the personal style of Jennifer Lopez, she has an elegant, sexy and casually comfortable appeal to me and the items she wears will also work for my body type.

6. Know What Inspires You

Ask yourself a question, “What defines you?” Is it Bohemian, classy, feminine, casual, formal, athletic, yogini, ethnic, looks? According to a quote stated earlier we all have a style within ourselves, sometimes we know it, and sometimes we need to know. If you do not know and want to know what defines you, then hunt for your inspiration. Scroll through social media such as Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration.

7. Know Your Favorite Colors and Combinations

Color can add life and personality. The type of color combination you choose for yourself should reflect your soul. Some people like vibrant colors, some like soothing colors like white, and some are comfortable with dark colors such as black or navy. The same goes for patterns. There are floral, stripes, paisley, etc. Therefore, start experimenting with colors & patterns and see what looks best on you and what represents what truly you are. Remember color need to enhance your hair, skin tone and personality.

8. Stay in Tune With Your Personal Beliefs and Ideologies?

Ask yourself, if you believe in slow fashion or fast? Do you go for cruelty-free products? Items made without harming animals? Would you love to be updated with the latest trend or would you like to go with minimalist fashion? Identifying these ideologies will help you decide a lot on finding your own style.

9. Think About Your Favorite Brands

For some people, Brand is extremely important but for some, they don’t care much about the brand. You just have to think about what you want. Ask yourself, if you’re one of those people who value branded clothes more or you are one of those who think they will look good whatever they wear. Me personally. I like the classic elegance of brands such as Reformation who strive to make fashion and style more sustainable.

10. Know What Accessories or Shoes You Prefer
Accessories and shoes play a major role when it comes to styling. They define your entire outfit. Adding a statement glasses or piece of jewelry to a simple outfit can change your look entirely. For this look, find out what kind of accessory suits you best. This also applies to footwear. Footwear can be important in any outfit, since people notice your shoes first.

11. Have At least One Signature Item

Make sure you keep one signature piece of apparel to complete your entire look. This can be anything, a handbag, a jacket, or a piece of jewelry. Use these items to complete your look and add to your signature style

12. Be Open To Trying New Things

By looking through your old pictures, you might have observed that you’re wearing the same color, or the same pattern, or the same type of attire. Be adventurous and try something new.

13. Ask For Guidance

If you think you’re unable to find your style or have confusion, ask for help. There are various style experts, personal stylist or your friend who will help you with your style. These individuals will give you honest feedback and good advice to set you on your green fashion journey.

Style is not something restricted to only certain people. Finding your own personal style doesn’t require a lot of money. Just be creative, take risks and follow the steps given in this article. Who knew fashion could be a contributor to green and sustainable living? You do not have to wear an outfit made from an organic carrot to make this happen, just being able to reduce waste and overconsumption in our environment is an active role.