Ditch Trends: Discover Your Signature Style

We've all been there: scrolling through social media, tempted by the latest trends. But before you rush to buy those chunky clogs or layered necklaces, let me show you why spending more money on fashion doesn’t always translate to better style.

But first, let's define what I mean by...

‘Style’ vs. ‘Fashion’

On a normal day, I’d probably use these terms interchangeably, but for the sake of this post, here’s the difference:

• Fashion is all about trends—the hot looks of the moment.

• Style is your unique, signature aesthetic—something deeply personal and reflective of who you are.

Now that we’ve got that straight, let’s dive into why discovering your signature style is a far better use of your time and money than chasing the latest trends …

#1 Fashion is all about trends (and trends keep changing)

Trends are temporary. One minute it’s bold prints, the next it’s all about neutrals. You try to keep up, but before you know it, everything you own feels outdated.

Your signature style? It evolves at your pace. It shifts according to your tastes and lifestyle, allowing you to embrace change in a way that feels authentic to you.

Having a signature style doesn’t mean you’re stuck in a time loop, wearing the same hairstyle or jeans forever. It’s about discovering the clothes and accessories that express who you are right now, knowing that as you grow and change, so will your style.

#2 Your signature style is your little secret

Not chasing every new trend means you’re free to experiment and create looks that feel uniquely you.

Imagine having a personal toolkit of styling tricks that others admire but can’t quite figure out. As the best stylists will tell you, style is a skill, and skills take time to master.

Signature style goes beyond the clothes you wear; it’s in how you wear them. Whether you’re popping collars, mixing unexpected prints, or playing with structure, it’s all part of what makes your style yours.

The more you experiment, the more you learn how to combine pieces and create outfits that make you feel confident. This is where your style journey begins.

#3 Your signature style is your brand

When everyone is following the latest trends, their looks start to blend together. Every few weeks, their style shifts along with the trends. It’s hard to stand out or be remembered.

But when you have a signature style, whether you wear a dress today or a pantsuit tomorrow, there are elements of your style that remain consistent. It could be your choice of materials, your go-to colors, or the way you accessorize. These subtleties make your style memorable.

People might not be able to pinpoint exactly what makes your look unique, but they’ll recognize it—just like they’d recognize a Coldplay song or a Wes Anderson film. It leaves an impression.

#4 Trends cost dollars—Lots of them

As trendy items pile up in your wardrobe, the numbers in your bank dwindle. By trying to keep up with every new "must-have" item, many of us end up watching our savings disappear.

Focusing on your signature style helps curb that impulse to buy everything. You’ll become more selective, spotting trends that fit your wardrobe rather than constantly chasing after what's new.

Being selective means you buy less but better. Instead of grabbing fast fashion, you’ll choose quality pieces that last. Fewer, better items mean your money goes further.

#5 Trends are terrible for morale

Chasing trends messes with your confidence in two major ways:

1. It makes you feel like you need new outfits for every event, constantly comparing your wardrobe to others. You can’t wear the same dress to a party twice, right?

2. When a trendy item doesn’t suit you, it’s easy to feel disappointed and start questioning yourself—I wish I were thinner, taller, curvier, etc.

A signature style eliminates both these issues. You don’t need new clothes for every occasion, and if something doesn’t work for you, you simply say “pass” without second-guessing your body.

#6 Your signature style makes your confidence soar

When your wardrobe is filled with pieces you love, you feel more confident wearing them over and over again. You enjoy getting creative with your outfits, mixing and matching in ways that feel fresh, without feeling pressured to always look “new."

Most importantly, you stop tying your worth to what you wear. You could wear the same dress to three different parties—and still feel great each time. Your confidence comes from within, not from the latest trend.

Ready to Cultivate Your Signature Style? Here’s How to Start…

No need to rush out and splurge on high-end pieces right away. Start with what you already own.

• Take a look in your closet—what do you already have? Are there patterns or styles you keep coming back to?

• Scroll through your Instagram and see which outfits made you feel your best. What stands out about those looks?

Your closet, whether it’s full or a bit neglected, is the key to discovering your signature style. Don’t start at the mall—start right there at home.

The more you experiment, the clearer it will become what’s missing from your wardrobe, and what you can let go of without buyer’s remorse. Soon, you’ll have a wardrobe that works for you—one that makes you the most stylish (and confident) person in the room.

Excited to take the first steps? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's inspire each other to embrace our unique style journeys.

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