Can You Describe Your Personal Style?

by Lelalo

If someone asked you right now, “Can you describe your personal style?” how would you answer? You might be tempted to rattle off words like minimalist, bohemian, or edgy. Or maybe you’d hesitate, because none of those labels really feel like you. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. For most people, this question is surprisingly hard to answer.

Why It’s Hard to Define

On the surface, knowing your style seems simple. If you could describe it in a sentence, shopping would be easier, outfits would feel more intentional, and you’d always know what to wear. But style doesn’t usually fit neatly into a single box. I say this not to discourage you but to give you some freedom in building a style that is uniquely you.

Think about your own closet. Some days, you might reach for neutrals and clean lines, while on others, you might want bold colours or something cosy. Which version is your true style? The one you wear to work, polished and professional? The one you wear on weekends, casual and effortless? Or maybe the dressed-up version you pull out for special occasions?

The truth is, your style is probably a blend of all these versions, and that’s perfectly okay. Each of these boxes will have elements that you love, and it's your lifelong journey to patchwork together small pieces from each category that build a style that is uniquely yours.

Style as a Story

Instead of trying to pin your style down with one word, think of it as a story you’re telling. Every outfit says something. A structured blazer might communicate confidence, while a flowy dress might express ease and freedom. Even your favourite T-shirt is making a statement - about comfort, fandom, or even nostalgia.

So when you describe your style, you’re really describing the story you want your clothes to tell. Is it a story of elegance? Of creativity? Of comfort? Or one that takes multiple pieces and communicates all 3 at once? Once you frame it this way, you’ll see that you don’t need to lock yourself into one aesthetic. You just need a set of themes that reflect you.

Looking at Your Style in Practice

Here’s a way to try it. Open your closet and look at what you actually wear most often. Do you notice a pattern? Maybe you live in jeans and sneakers but like adding one sharp piece, like a tailored jacket or boots. Or maybe you stick with a neutral base and bring in colour through accessories.

That mix- the pieces you repeat, the choices you keep returning to - that’s the foundation of your personal style. It might not be flashy or perfectly defined, but it’s yours.

Remember That Style Evolves

Think about how your style has changed over time. Maybe in high school you dressed to blend in. Maybe in college you experimented with thrifted finds or bold accessories. Now, you might lean toward polished pieces for work or streamlined basics for everyday life.

Your style today is just one snapshot of who you are today and how you feel in this moment. It will change again as your life changes - and that’s normal. You don’t have to describe your personal style as something final. You only have to lean into where it is right now.

Breaking Free of Labels

It’s easy to feel pressured to label yourself: minimalist, preppy, vintage, or something else that fits neatly into an aesthetic. But labels can be limiting. What happens if you call yourself “minimalist” and suddenly crave a colourful pattern-clashing outfit? Or if you say you’re “casual,” does that erase the effort you put into dressing up? You do not need to limit yourself in this way.

Instead, try describing your style through values. Do you value comfort? Do you prefer simplicity? Do you enjoy little touches of creativity? These values are far more flexible - and more accurate - than a single label could ever be.

Finding the Right Words

So, can you describe your personal style? Yes - but don’t worry if it isn’t perfect. Your style doesn’t need to be summed up in one word. Instead, think of it as a mix of comfort, personality, and mood. Maybe it’s comfortable with a polished edge. Maybe it’s simple, with a spark of creativity. Or maybe it’s classic, with playful twists.

Whatever words you choose, let them guide you without boxing you in. Style terms are there to help you find items that you're looking for, they are not supposed to be a description of you as a complex and wonderful human being.

The Bottom Line

When you’re asked to describe your personal style, remember: you don’t need to give a label, and you don’t need to have it all figured out. Style isn’t about perfection - it’s about authenticity. It’s about aligning what you wear with how you want to feel.

So the next time you think about your style, don’t stress about whether it’s “minimalist” or “bohemian.” Instead, ask yourself: Do my clothes make me feel like me and do I like how they look together? If the answer is yes, then you’ve already described your personal style in the best possible way. Your personal style is just that - my personal style.

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