Finding your style is a crucial part of self expression, which is why teenagers like to experiment with different styles to see what aesthetic fits them best.

One common mistake that teenagers make when choosing clothes, shoes and accessories is that they tend to follow micro-trends and buy whatever is trending at the moment. By doing this, it’s harder for teens to wear what they want without being influenced into thinking that they need to dress like everyone else.

Here is a simple guide to finding your own style!

1. Take a “What Aesthetic Am I?” quiz

To begin, start by searching up quizzes on Google or Safari and find one that you would like to take (feel free to take more than one). You must answer all of the questions truthfully, and it will reveal your result based on your answers. These quizzes can be resourceful if you’re indecisive about which aesthetic feels most like you. In case you’re stuck between multiple choices, pick a random one and do some research to see what makes it unique and how it might work for you.

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Take the Quiz: What Aesthetic Are You?

Let us find out your aesthetic for this summer!

2. Find reference photos or videos

To continue, head over to apps like Pinterest, Google or YouTube and search for inspiration photos and videos. If you’re unsure where to start or what to look for, here are a few tips that helped me get started :

1. Go to your Pinterest account — or sign up for one if you haven’t already — and create a new board.

2. Search specific keywords — Type in things like “clean girl outfits” or “how to dress like Serena van der Woodsen” to narrow it down.

3. Save what stands out — If something catches your eye, save it to your board! It is preferable that you have up to 30 pins saved.

4. Observe all of your pins and take note — See if you can spot certain similarities such as : same colour palettes and patterns, themes, or silhouettes. Write them down in your phone or on paper.

This can allow you to get a better idea of what to look for when going shopping or thrifting. You can also find tutorials and tips on how to build your dream wardrobe, how to pair certain clothing items, and how to revamp your old clothes into something new!

Image Credit: Jacek Dylag from Unsplash

3. Experiment

Try recreating outfits you see on Pinterest, social media or in real life. By experimenting with various kinds of tops, bottoms, jackets, shoes and accessories, you’ll start to figure out what fits you best and what you feel most confident in. If you ask me, the best way to challenge myself and shake things up is by styling pieces I already own but rarely wear — and I always discover something new when I do. Use your creativity and imagination to create your own vibe!

Image Credit: Junko Nakase from Unsplash

4. Build your wardrobe

The final step would be to gradually start expanding your wardrobe! Although, one thing I like to keep in mind while shopping or thrifting is to ask myself the following questions :

• Would I wear still wear this two years from now?
• Do I really need another one? (Ex; same top but different colour)
• How would I style this?
• Is it worth buying for such a high/low price?
• Does it feel like an impulsive buy or well thought out?

Ask yourself these questions to prevent wasting money on stuff you’re not actually going to wear. The secret to achieving your Pinterest-like, dream wardrobe, is by making thoughtful purchases over time — and not buying everything at once. This can assure that you will not run out of room in your closet because of overconsumption.

Image Credit: Anastasia Shuraeva from Pexels

In conclusion, choosing your own style can be difficult, especially with weekly trends circulating on social media, but, this guide can encourage you to try new things, use your creativity to unlock your personal look, or get you started if you don’t know how! Personally, it has taken me years to find my own style and figure out what I love most, and that’s completely okay. There are so many possibilities and opportunities in the fashion world since it doesn’t require perfection, nor does it expect you to follow strict rules — it’s all about expressing yourself!