There’s never a shortage of advice on how to dress to impress, to follow the latest trends or make the most of a killer garment. What’s often harder to find is outfits that you feel good in, ones that make you feel comfortable, confident and showing your best self. Creating a wardrobe that works means building one that works for you, shifting the focus from following the rules to showcasing your personal style – and benefiting from the freedom that allows you.
Consider your lifestyle
Many of the guides you’ll see for standout outfits are based on assumptions: that you’ll be commuting to the office or going to rooftop bars on weekends. The truth is, most of us need outfits that work for school runs, work-from-home days, walks with the dog and the occasional brunch with friends or business clients. When your wardrobe is curated around your actual life, it becomes far more functional, and you’ll feel more confident in it.
Think about the clothes you’re most likely to reach for; they’re probably easy to wear, make you feel like yourself, and don’t demand you make yourself uncomfortable. That’s your personal style pushing through, so let it do so.
Style on your own terms
An authentic personal style has less to do with what you wear and more to do with why you wear it. Possibly, you like loose-fitting layers that move with you or outfits that offer coverage, structure or simplicity. You may have been encouraged to feel that this is boring, but if it’s what makes you feel better, it’s anything but.
The good news is that you don’t need to feel there’s a choice between fashion and feeling grounded in your preferences. Whether you prefer a flowing silhouette, a modest line, or to prioritise comfort without sacrificing elegance, online sources such as Abaya Buth and others offer a great example, with beautiful, well-made clothing that provides style and substance, not a choice between the two.
Invest in Versatility
When you’ve figured out what works for you, your lifestyle, and your principles, it’s much easier to build a wardrobe around quality versatile staples. Choose pieces that work equally well dressed up or down – a longline tunic that layers well, wide-leg trousers that feel like pyjamas but look sharp, or neutral scarves that can elevate any outfit. Your friends are breathable fabrics, flattering cuts and any item that you actually want to wear again and again. This is the kind of wardrobe that not only works, it earns its keep. And when you feel confident in an outfit, it automatically looks all the better as a result.
The key to your personal style is creating a wardrobe that is for you, no one else. It’s a wardrobe that fits your life and your priorities. This isn’t about dressing for a highlight reel; it’s about showing clothes that feel right, reflect your principles, and work within your everyday world. That’s the kind of fashion that’s worth following and investing in.