What Does Personal Style Mean?
- Leah Milsom
- Oct 11
- 3 min read
By Lelalo
When people talk about “personal style,” it can sound vague or intimidating, as though it’s something you either magically have or you don’t. In reality, personal style isn’t about expensive clothes, designer labels, or fitting neatly into a fashion category. It’s about self-expression. At its core, personal style is the way you use clothing, accessories, and even grooming to communicate who you are and how you want to be seen.
More Than Clothes
Personal style is often confused with fashion. Fashion is external - it’s the industry, the trends, the collections released every season. Style, however, is internal. It’s the filter through which you interpret fashion, culture, and practicality to create a look that’s uniquely yours. Two people can wear the same jacket, but their personal style will determine whether it’s paired with jeans and sneakers, a dress and heels, or layered with jewelry and a scarf.
A Reflection of Identity
Personal style is closely tied to identity. It’s not just about looking good - it’s about feeling authentic. The colours you gravitate toward, the silhouettes that make you feel confident, the accessories you can’t stop wearing - all of these reflect your values and personality. For some, personal style leans minimalist and refined, signalling a love for simplicity and order. For others, it’s bold and eclectic, showing a desire for creativity and playfulness.
This connection to identity is why personal style can feel so important. It’s a nonverbal way of saying, “This is me,” before you even open your mouth.
"It’s the filter through which you interpret fashion, culture, and practicality to create a look that’s uniquely yours."
Comfort and Confidence
The most essential part of personal style is the way it makes you feel. The “right” outfit isn’t just the one that earns compliments - it’s the one that feels like a second skin. When your clothes align with your personal style, you feel more confident, comfortable, and at ease.
On the other hand, when you wear something that doesn’t match your true preferences - maybe because it’s trendy or because someone else thought it looked good - you might feel self-conscious or disconnected. Personal style is about finding that sweet spot where your clothes reflect both your inner self and your outer comfort.
An Evolving Process
Personal style isn’t fixed; it evolves as you do. The way you dressed in high school might not match who you are in your 30s, and that’s normal. Changes in lifestyle, career, and personal growth all influence style. What stays consistent, though, are the core elements that feel like “you.” Maybe you’ve always loved bold jewellery, or maybe sneakers have been your go-to since childhood. These anchors carry through even as the details shift.
Beyond Trends
Perhaps most importantly, personal style isn’t about following trends. While it’s fine to be inspired by what’s popular, true style is built from pieces you genuinely love, regardless of whether they’re “in” this season. When you focus too much on trends, your wardrobe can start to feel like it belongs to someone else. When you focus on your preferences, you create a style that lasts.
Conclusion
Personal style means more than clothes - it’s about expression, confidence, and identity. It’s the combination of choices that make you feel most like yourself, whether that’s in a tailored suit, a flowing dress, or jeans and a T-shirt. It reflects who you are and evolves with you, but it always comes back to authenticity.
At its heart, personal style isn’t about what you wear - it’s about how you tell your story through the pieces you choose.
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