The Big Misconception About Personal Style

Many people struggle with personal style, feeling like they’re not executing on-trend looks properly, or they are completely lost in a sea of options. There’s a loud societal message that there are “right” decisions to make in fashion, so it’s easy to believe that style is about fitting into a mold, aligning with the norms of others, and projecting an image that pleases the world around you. But this view typically results in fashion being a ball of unfulfilling pressure to avoid.

The truth, or at least the truth that is followed at Right Side Out, is that personal style isn’t about aligning with others—it’s about aligning with yourself. Your style is about reflecting who you are on the inside and the message you wish to send to the world around you. It’s about authenticity and self-expression, not conformity.

Fashion is an art form. While it’s functional, it follows the same ideas of more traditional art. Think about hanging a painting in your home. There are people who buy pictures that follow the aesthetic of the recent trend in order to have a current “on trend” home. But most people prefer to seek and purchase art that somehow “speaks” to us. When we hang up something in our home, we want to gaze upon a piece that resonates with us. When we have a guest come over, we want them to see bits of us in the art we display. We hope they enjoy it, but also that they see part of who we are. Style is no different, we just walk around in the art rather than hanging it on our wall.

Much of the advice out there about learning personal style starts with curating a specific wardrobe or mastering basic styling tricks. While these tips can be helpful, they’re not the right place to begin. Personal style doesn’t start with your closet—it starts with a conversation with yourself. It’s a search to understand how you feel. How do you want to see yourself when you look in the mirror? What do you feel is so clearly a part of yourself internally that you’re not communicating properly externally? What makes you feel comfortable and like your favorite version of yourself?

Once you can hear your own voice loudly it makes it easier to quiet and ignore the societal narrative. You learn to ignore the voices telling you what you “should” wear or how you “should” look. Instead, you discover what truly resonates with you. That’s the moment when style becomes empowering—when it’s about your self expression.

If you are struggling with your style, avoid the tips and guides for a moment. Start looking to yourself and amplifying your own voice.