A Guide to Developing Your Own Personal Style

Personal style isn’t about following every trend that pops up - they come and go at lightning speed these days! It’s about finding what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and effortlessly chic. In my humble opinion, style should be a celebration—of experience, personality, and a wardrobe that truly works for you. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to discover your style and develop a personal style that feels authentic, stylish, and fun.

What Is Personal Style vs. Fashion Trends?

Fashion trends are fleeting—what’s in today might be forgotten by next season. Personal style, on the other hand, is timeless. It’s about discovering the pieces, colours, and silhouettes that make you feel fabulous, no matter what the runway dictates. The goal? To curate a wardrobe that evolves with you, rather than one that requires a complete overhaul every few months. Having said that, if a trend speaks to you there is no reason to eschew it - jump on board and have fun (but do consider if it's something you'll still wear in a year)! 

A small selection of inspirational women in the spotlight who have their own signature style, from left to right: Maye Musk (yes, Elon's mum), designer Carolina Herrera, Jane Fonda, Lauren Hutton, Sofia Loren, Kristin Scott-Thomas and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Why Personal Style Matters

Your personal style is a form of self-expression and can be a powerful confidence booster. When you dress in a way that aligns with who you are, you project an image of self-assurance and elegance, and most importantly you (hopefully) feel comfortable and authentic. I also believe finding your personal style is more financially and environmentally responsible. If you can find your "thing" and hone in on that successfully, you'll avoid wasting money and precious resources on unsuitable pieces that end up unworn and then discarded. 

Self-Expression

Your wardrobe is an extension of your personality. Whether you prefer classic tailoring, bohemian flow, or structured minimalism, your personal style tells a story—your story. The human brain loves a shortcut - and judging a book by its cover is definitely something we all do, subconsciously categorising people into easy to understand boxes. Your style can show people which box(es) you might fit into, or it can show people just how far outside the box you are!

Confidence

When you feel good in what you’re wearing, you radiate confidence. The right outfit has the power to change not just how you look, but how you feel.

Empowerment

Style isn’t necessarily about impressing others—it’s about feeling your best! When your wardrobe is full of pieces that fit and flatter, getting dressed becomes a joy rather than a chore. My post-partum fashion journey over the past year has been a lesson in strictly purchasing only those pieces that make me feel confident and my best self. Being a parent to a toddler is pretty unglamourous so, for me, dressing to feel my best is an important part of keeping my pre-baby identity, however I think this is a rule that applies to everyone at any stage of life. Why shouldn't we all feel amazing?

How to Discover Your Style

If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry. Finding your fashion style is a process, not a one-time decision. Here’s how to begin:

Understand Your Lifestyle

Your wardrobe should reflect your daily activities. Do you need smart-casual looks for lunches and events? Comfortable yet stylish pieces for travel? Outfits that transition seamlessly from day to night? Consider what works for your life. As a mum I need comfortable, robust styles that flatter my new body shape yet also reflect my interest in a slightly more masculine/androgynous fashion look, so I usually turn to baggy fit jeans, birkenstocks or sneakers, and quality relaxed cotton shirts or tees for my everyday outfits. 

Identify Your Fashion Influences

Think about the people whose style you admire. They could be celebrities, bloggers, or even stylish friends. Gather inspiration and pinpoint recurring elements—whether it’s structured blazers, flowing dresses, or statement accessories.

Make a Moodboard

Platforms like Pinterest or Instagram are perfect for curating style inspiration. Save outfits that appeal to you and look for patterns. Do you gravitate toward neutral tones or bold prints? Do you prefer relaxed silhouettes or tailored pieces?

Here's a little peek into my current Pinterest moodboard for the upcoming autumn/winter season - you can see my style leans toward casual, grungy tailoring and a more masculine edge, and Debbie Harry from Blondie is someone who I take inspiration from. I do also wear some colour, I swear... but I really feel most like "myself" in these colours and styles.

Understand How Certain Pieces Make You Feel

Try on different styles and pay attention to how they make you feel. Some cuts and fabrics will naturally feel more ‘you’ than others.

Gradually Introduce New Pieces and Styles

You don’t need to reinvent your wardrobe overnight. Start by adding a few new pieces that align with your evolving style and see how they fit with what you already own.

Curating a Wardrobe That Reflects Your Personal Style

Once you have a clear idea of your personal style, it’s time to build a wardrobe that works for you.

Start With Wardrobe Essentials

Timeless essentials like a well-tailored blazer or coat, quality denim, cashmere staples and a classic white shirt provide a solid foundation. These versatile staples make outfit-building effortless.

Invest in Statement Pieces

Statement pieces—whether it’s a bold jacket, unique accessories, or striking footwear—add personality to your style. These are the items that make your wardrobe feel truly yours.

Build Versatility

A wardrobe that works for multiple occasions is key. Look for pieces that can be dressed up or down, like a silky blouse that pairs beautifully with both tailored pants and relaxed denim.

Know Your Colours

Finding your most flattering colours can make all the difference. Whether you shine in earthy neutrals, jewel tones, or pastels, stick to hues that enhance your natural features.

Experimenting With Your Look Over Time

Your personal style isn’t set in stone. Allow it to evolve while staying true to what makes you feel confident and comfortable.

Keep Your Eye Out for Fresh Inspiration

Follow women whose style you admire, browse fashion blogs, and explore new brands. There’s always fresh inspiration to be found. My favourite place to find inspiration is on the street, I am always checking out other people's style and making mental notes on how they are putting pieces together and accessorising, I love to people-watch! 👀

Mix and Match

Experiment with combining unexpected pieces—like pairing structured tailoring with soft, flowing fabrics or adding a pop of colour to a neutral outfit.

Don’t Be Afraid to Evolve

Style is about growth. What worked for you ten years ago might not be what makes you feel great today—and that’s okay!

Understand What You Do and Don’t Like

Trying different styles helps you refine what truly feels like ‘you.’ Don’t be afraid to let go of trends or pieces that no longer fit your aesthetic, and don't judge a piece of clothing before you try it on. Sometimes a piece has absolutely no hanger-appeal, but once it's on your body it's magic. Take risks in the fitting room, give your sales assistant the benefit of the doubt and you might discover a new wardrobe hero.

Final Tips for Confidence and Consistency

Don’t Forget to Accessorise

Accessories can elevate even the simplest outfit. From scarves to statement earrings, the right accessories add polish and personality. Rings are one of my favourite accessories, and a cool spectacle frame. Don't overlook your hairstyle - a change up here can do wonders for your whole look and how you feel. 

Wear What Feels Right

As we discussed earlier, the most stylish outfit is the one that makes you feel amazing. Comfort and confidence go hand in hand.

Choose a Signature Piece

A signature piece—whether it’s a particular style of jacket, a favourite colour, or a go-to pair of shoes—creates a distinctive personal touch. 

Invest in Timeless and Neutral Pieces

Classic, high-quality pieces withstand changing trends and make styling effortless. Australian designer Mela Purdie is a master in this field, creating capsule wardrobes that move from work to travel to weekend activities seamlessly and always make you feel draped in luxury. Her timeless pieces are the building blocks of a wardrobe that makes getting dressed each day easy. 

Mela Purdie's latest collection offers quality and timeless style for building an easy, chic wardrobe.

There Are No Wrong Answers

Personal style is just that—personal! There are no hard rules, only what works for you.

Are You Ready to Start Your Journey to Personal Style? Let us Help!

Developing your personal style should be an enjoyable and empowering process. If you’re ready to curate a wardrobe that reflects your personality, explore Impulse Boutique’s collections for pieces that fit your style journey. Whether you’re drawn to timeless classics or contemporary chic, we have something that will make you look and feel fabulous.

Who are your style icons? Let us know in the comments! 

By Beck x