Style can be a confusing subject for a lot of people. The difference between what is stylish and what is trendy, can tend to get a little bit murky. What is the difference anyhow? Let’s cut to the chase. What we all really want to know, is how to find our own unique style.

Style is pretty much having something that works for you, that is classic, sustainable and flattering. Your style takes time to find and after great intentionality you will find it. Style isn’t cookie-cutter either. It can be creative and predictable at the same time.

Here are five basic, but useful tips, on how to find your style. 

Know your body shape

It’s important to find out what your body shape is. There are generally five body shapes: apple, triangle, hourglass, inverted triangle, and rectangle. 

Diagram: TADM Fashion Blog |  "Different Body Shapes Women"

Your shape is calculated by body measurements and ratios.  Knowing your shape will help you pick clothes that compliment your frame. This is an important first step. 

Figure out your colour scheme

It is also important to know what colours make you feel good, happy and confident. Neutral colours usually flatter most shapes, but maybe not the same shade works for everyone. 

For example, creams rather than white, can look better on certain skin tones. White can make some people look pale and washed out, but an off-white cream or ivory colour can flatter better. The same could be said for the reverse. Cream and white are in the same family, but the shades work differently on everyone. Finding what colours look best on you is mostly determined by your skin tone.

This is where you need to determine your skin tone. There are usually three types: warm, cool, or neutral. Are you warm with golden, peachy or yellow undertones, or cool with pink or reddish undertones or a combination of both, as a neutral? The easiest way to find out is through the colour of your veins. If it’s green, your tone is warm. If your veins look blue, your tone is cool. If you have a combination of green and blue, then you are neutral. 

Define your style personality

The other question is this—what do you want your clothes to say about you? Do you want to appear organized and put together? Or do you want to show a relaxing side?

Maybe both? Interestingly, clothes say a lot about you to others. Knowing this, you could use clothes to your advantage to showcase your personality. The individuality of your clothes can be a fun aspect of dressing. 

Make sure you buy the right "fit"

Knowing your “fit” is usually connected to your body shape. But it is also connected to your height. Fit refers to how a clothing item falls on your body.

Purchase clothing that fit your body, regardless of the size number. 

For example, a triangle shaped individual looks really good in an A-line or fit-and-flare dress. A fit-and-flare fits smaller shoulders, and the A-line bottom gives comfortable room for wider hips. For an apple-shaped individual, a wrap dress looks really flattering because it creates the illusion of a more defined waistline. 

Keep an inspiration board

Another important thing to do in trying to define your style is—notice the people who wear styles that you like. When you see someone famous, a blogger, or someone in your life, where you think “I want to emulate that style,” or “They have my body type and I like the way they dress” – take note. 

Keep a vision board of different outfits that you’ve seen that inspire you. It’s always a good place to start if you aren’t sure what your style is. Over time, you will become a pro.

It can be complicated at first to figure this out. But if you follow these five tips, you will be able to express your individual style within a year. And, it doesn't need to be pricey; it's just all about what makes you feel your best.

Have fun discovering!