For the longest time, it felt like my wardrobe was a mix match of clothes gathered through the years with no fashion sense, no correlation, and no identity. I looked at my wardrobe with disappointment and a lack of understanding to be able to curate a wardrobe that was the perfect reflection of myself.
Through trial and error, copy and paste, and an obsession with a trend, I have managed to create a style that I love. Here are seven ways to help develop your fashion sense:
How do I get a fashion sense?
1. COPY AND PASTE A SENSE OF STYLE
Copy your friend, an influencer, a celebrity. You may think their style is original, but it’s not. Here’s the thing. There is no originality. Fashion is a cycle. It’s no secret that everything has been done before and will come back around. So how can you be original in an infinite loop? Just make sure the person you copy doesn’t find out. That would be awkward.
2. LISTEN TO COMPLIMENTS
If you haven’t received a compliment on an item of clothing, in the space of a year, burn it. That’s a bit extreme, but there might be a reason why no one has commented on your clothes. On the other hand, if more than one person tells you something doesn’t suit you. Listen to them. If you get a compliment, use it as a starting point.
3. FALL IN LOVE WITH A TREND
Trends get a bad rep. But if you stumble onto a trend that works for you, roll with it. Let it be the basis of your style. Create variations of it. Before you know it, people will associate that trend with you.
4. UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU LOVE
Look through your wardrobe and find a common thread. Review your outfits and what you like about them. Do you have a significant amount of denim? Do you love to mix and match tailoring with sportswear? This constant assessment allows you to create your wardrobe staples and a sense of style.
5. EXPERIMENT AND FAIL
I’ve had many occasions where I’ve initially loved an outfit in my mind. However, when I leave my house and catch a glimpse myself, it looks like I got dressed in the dark. In an ideal world, every look you put together would be perfect. But that’s not the case. Fashion is about experimenting. Fail, fail and fail until you learn what works for you.
6. DON’T THROW YOUR CLOTHES AWAY
One of my biggest regrets is periodically throwing things away because I was bored. I didn’t understand that there are wardrobe staples that will never go out of fashion. When you get into that mood of hating a garment, sit with it for a while before making an impulse decision to get rid of it.
7. KEEP UP TO DATE WITH FASHION
I bookmark my favourite fashion sites and visit them regularly to see new arrivals and new trends. I scroll through looks to get a sense of how the stylist curated looks together for the photoshoot and take inspiration. There are always new ways to wear clothes and old trends come back into style. Apart from fashion brand websites, a blog is an excellent tool for keeping up to date. Blogs allow you to see fashion from the bloggers perspective. Don’t forget about Instagram. Follow influencers, friends and colleagues who have a fashion sense that you admire.
What are some of the things that have helped you develop your fashion sense?