Your personal style is a reflection of who you are—it’s deeply personal, constantly evolving, and a powerful form of self-expression. As we grow, our fashion choices shift to reflect our changing lives, interests, and even the way we see ourselves.
Designing your personal style is like curating an art gallery where your body is the canvas and every piece you wear tells a story. There’s no wrong or right answer when it comes to style—it’s all about what resonates with you and makes you feel confident.
As Ralph Lauren famously said, “Style is very personal. It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is over quickly. Style is forever.”
In this post, I’ll share how to design your personal style, provide a 2025 update on my own style evolution, and give you actionable tips to define and refine your wardrobe.
10 Questions to Help Define Your Style
If you’re not sure where to start, these questions can help guide your personal style journey.
- What do I feel comfortable and confident in during the week?
- What do I feel comfortable and confident in for nights out or weekends?
- When I go shopping, what types of pieces am I naturally drawn to?
- What are the 4 pieces I’ve worn the most in the past month?
- What are the 4 pieces I haven’t worn at all in the past year?
- What’s one trend I’ve seen recently that I love?
- What trends do I dislike or feel uncomfortable wearing?
- Which pieces or outfits do I receive the most compliments on?
- What’s one inspiration piece I’ve never tried but want to experiment with?
- What adjectives describe my style? Which words resonate with me?
As Nina Garcia says, “Style is a deeply personal expression of who you are, and every time you dress, you are asserting a part of yourself.”
The Power of Personal Style
Your outfit introduces you to the world before you even speak. It’s an extension of your personality and a tool to empower you as you navigate life. What story does your style tell?
Personal style isn’t about chasing every trend—it’s about creating a wardrobe that reflects your unique identity and serves your lifestyle. Here are a few ways to think about your wardrobe:
- It’s your personal brand: Your style communicates who you are and helps you make an impression.
- It evolves with you: As your life changes, your style will too. Embrace the changes instead of resisting them.
- It should feel good: Your wardrobe should empower you. If something doesn’t make you feel confident, it doesn’t belong.
2025 Update: My Style Evolution Through the Years
One of the best parts of curating your personal style is seeing how it evolves over time. I’ve had the pleasure of watching my own style progress, and looking back is a reminder of how far I’ve come in understanding what works for me.
2019: Starting my Self Discovery
In 2019, looking back at my style choices, it’s wild how much my style has evolved. I was wearing the cheap, trendy pieces I wore during my college years while trying to transition into a more elevated, timeless style to reflect my growth as I near my 30s. I’ve always had an edgy flair, but as the years progress you will see I begin to embrace oversized, masculine-meets-feminine fits as I moved away from the form fitting girly outfits I once loved. Starting this blog and style diary was my way of documenting this journey—how life events, personal growth, and even changes in income influenced my style. While some of those past looks feel outdated now, they were key in helping me discover what truly resonates with me.
2020: Experimental and Playful
In 2020, my style became more experimental and playful, with my fashion and blue hair color, as I embraced baggier silhouettes and relaxed fits during the pandemic lockdown. With layoffs from my serving job and spending more time at home, I turned to the internet for connection and inspiration, using this period to reinvent myself both career-wise and in terms of my personal style. It was a pivotal time, and though challenging, it brought me joy through creative expression. My wardrobe shifted toward oversized, comfortable pieces, but I kept my edge—black is still 90% of my closet. I also deepened my love for sneakers, building my collection with gifts and self-treats. A lot of my outfits start with the shoes, and sometimes I build the rest of the look from the ground up. It’s a fun, creative way to mix and match what you already have—anyone else try this?
2023: Streamlined and Elevated
By 2023, my style had really started to evolve and mature. I began focusing more on quality over quantity, moving away from cheap pieces just for the sake of having “more stuff.” My mindset shifted, too—I started prioritizing comfort and function over form-fitting outfits. I realized I really love the way baggier silhouettes shape my body in such a unique way. The balance of masculine-meets-feminine became a defining part of my look, and I finally felt like I was discovering my style.
2024: Confident and Intentional
As of 2024, I’ve really found a style that feels authentically me. I’m all about that modern street style, blending tomboy-femme vibes with structured tailoring and playful textures. My wardrobe is now built on versatile pieces that I can mix and match for endless looks, prioritizing quality and comfort, but always with my version of elegance in mind. Yes, black is still 90% of my wardrobe—let’s be real, it’s my go-to. But in 2025, I’m challenging myself to add pops of bold color to my black outfits, especially during these long winter months. I need the dopamine boost, and I’m embracing color as a way to lift my mood and spark some joy, even when the weather’s gray.
Tips for Designing Your Style
Here are a few key tips I’ve learned over the years:
- Start Small: Begin with a few core pieces you love and build from there.
- Declutter Often: Regularly assess your wardrobe to identify pieces you no longer wear or love.
- Invest in Quality: Focus on fewer, higher-quality items that last longer and elevate your outfits.
- Stay Inspired: Follow style icons, fashion shows, browse Pinterest boards, or create a mood board of looks you admire.
- Be True to Yourself: Wear what feels right for you, not what’s trending or expected.
Final Thoughts
Designing your personal style is an ongoing journey of self-discovery. It’s about understanding who you are, what you love, and how you want to present yourself to the world. Remember, your style is yours—a reflection of your unique identity, creativity, and confidence.
What does your style say about you? Share your favorite outfit, your style evolution, or your go-to pieces in the comments below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
If you love these looks and want to shop more, you can find all the links to my outfits in my Shop My Closet here!
Until next time,
Dominique Ledesma
Wandering-in-Style
Stay stylish and keep wandering!🖤
