Alright y’all, let’s talk about something that can leave even the most stylish among us feeling a little panicked: defining your personal style. But don’t worry, today isn’t about stress or second-guessing. It’s about fun, fearless self-expression, and discovering what makes you feel fabulous.
If you’ve been around here for any length of time, you know we’re obsessed with color. It’s the secret sauce to making your style pop, whether in your home or your wardrobe. But defining your style isn’t just about color (although we’d be lying if we said it didn’t play a starring role!). It’s about curating a look, a vibe, and a life that reflects you—and no one else.
Yes, You Can Use Pinterest (In Fact, You Should!)
Let us clear something up right off the bat—we’re not here to shame your Pinterest boards. In fact, we’re here to celebrate them. Pinterest is a fantastic way to gather inspiration and see what you’re naturally drawn to. Scroll through your boards and take a peek—what colors, patterns, silhouettes, styles, and textures are making repeat appearances? What pins make you stop and think, “Yes, that’s so me”?
Your Pinterest boards are basically your style mood board—they’re a great starting point for defining your personal aesthetic. Don’t overthink it. Just pin what speaks to you and let the patterns (both literal and figurative) reveal themselves.
How to Start Defining Your Style
Now that we’ve established that Pinterest is your friend, let’s talk about how to start zeroing in on your personal style. And no, it doesn’t need to feel like a scavenger hunt. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you figure out what your style really is:
1. Check Your Closet
Your wardrobe is like a style cheat sheet. What are the clothes you wear over and over again? What’s the common thread among them? Maybe you gravitate towards tailored pieces in bright colors or flowy dresses in soft neutrals. Pay attention to the colors, shapes, and textures that make you feel the most confident, and take notes. Notice which pieces feel more like “you in a rut” than you kicking butt.
2. Look at Your Home
How do you currently decorate? Do you lean towards bold statement pieces and colorful accents? Or is your space more understated and minimalist? Your home is often a reflection of your personal style—whether you realize it or not. The things you choose to surround yourself with can be a big clue in figuring out what makes you feel at home, literally and figuratively and you can use those cues to help define and refine your wardrobe or vice versa.
3. Think About How You Want to Feel
This one’s a little more abstract but stay with us. When you define your style, it’s not just about the “look.” It’s about the feeling it gives you. Do you want to feel bold and adventurous? Or calm and grounded? Or a little of both depending on the day. Your style should make you feel like the best version of yourself, whether you’re stepping out the door or walking into your living room. We like to feel glamorous and pretty but also comfortable, and believe it or not, those things aren’t mutually exclusive.
Let Color Be Your Guide
If there’s one thing we’ll always champion, it’s that color is the key to unlocking your personal style. Color is energy. It’s personality. It’s the difference between a room or an outfit that feels like a snooze fest and one that lights you up. But here’s the best part: your color palette doesn’t have to be wild and bold if that’s not your vibe. Maybe you love soft pastels, or perhaps earthy tones speak to your soul. The goal is to find colors that make you feel alive—and that’s going to look different for everyone.
Find Your Signature Colors
Think of your style as a personal color palette. Do certain colors make you feel you? You can start small by incorporating these signature hues into your wardrobe or decor. Whether it’s jewel tones, neon brights, or calming neutrals, identifying the colors that make you feel fabulous is the perfect way to define your style.
Use Patterns and Textures to Your Advantage
Yes, color is huge, but don’t sleep on patterns and textures. If you find yourself gravitating toward wild florals or geometric shapes, don’t shy away from incorporating those into your look or your space. Patterns are a fun way to add depth and playfulness, and they’re a perfect way to make your style stand out. The same goes for textures—whether it’s the softness of velvet, the coziness of a chunky knit, or the sleekness of leather, textures can speak volumes about your style without saying a word.
Experiment Without Fear
If you’re not sure where to start, experiment! Your style doesn’t have to be locked down in a day. In fact, it shouldn’t be. Try new things. Wear a bold color you’ve always admired from afar but thought you couldn’t pull off. Add a funky, patterned pillow to your couch or swap out your usual black blazer for something a little wilder. The more you play, the more you’ll realize what you love—and what feels authentic.
And remember, this is your style we’re talking about. There are no rules. If something makes you feel good, it’s working. If it doesn’t, scrap it. Defining your style is about trial and error, and the joy is in the discovery.
Stop Worrying About Trends
I’m going to say it loud for the people in the back: Forget about trends if they stress you out. Trends are fleeting, but can be fun if you let them. It’s about you, not what’s splashed across the latest magazine cover. That Pinterest board full of trendy neutrals might look gorgeous, but if it doesn’t light you up, what’s the point? Style is about feeling confident, authentic, and like yourself—not about ticking off a list of what’s “in” this season. But if trends pique your interest, don’t be afraid to give them a go.
Now, Let’s Talk About Color in Action
If you’re ready to start defining your style and color is speaking your language, lean into it. Start adding bold hues to your wardrobe—whether it’s a bright blazer, a patterned scarf, or even a pair of shoes that make you feel like a million bucks. In your home, don’t be afraid to swap out those neutral throw pillows for something with a little more pizzazz. Color isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about energy and mood. So why not infuse your life with a little more of both?
And if you need a little help getting there, you know where to find us. Fairley Fancy is packed with colorful, fun pieces to help you start expressing your style in ways that feel authentic, bold, and oh-so-you in your wardrobe and your home so let’s have a chat.
Xo, Tobi, Bebe and Ellison
