Style is a Skill. Here’s How to Learn it.

Photo Credit: Leksi Sterritt Photography

If you’ve ever felt frumpy or not fashionable, trust me when I say I’ve been there too. The first 40 years of my life to be exact. But I discovered a little secret about style that I want to share with you.

You don’t have to be naturally good at it.

Just like math or cooking, style IS a skill that anyone can learn. Yes, of course, there are natural fashionistas that were born to put an outfit together. There are also natural mathematicians (of which I’m also not) but that doesn’t mean I can’t get better at numbers.

So how exactly do you get better at style?

1. Collect intel on your personal style inclinations. Specifically, head over to Pinterest and do a search for outfit ideas. You can make this as broad or narrow as you’d like (women's outfits, fall outfits, soccer mom outfits, you get the idea). Once your search results come back, start pinning anything that appeals to you. Don’t overthink it. Pin about 25–50 looks then start to notice the commonalities. Are you drawn to certain colors or patterns? Are the outfits pretty minimalist or are they accessorized? Do they have boho, preppy, modern, or edgy vibes or are they more eclectic? If you’re not good at assessing on your own, send your pin board to a friend to give you some feedback.
2. Use this inspiration to create outfits from your closet. You don’t have to use the exact pieces pictured but instead think of them in terms of being an Outfit Formula with each piece being a variable. For instance, maybe you see an outfit you love with a black moto jacket, striped tee, medium-wash jeans, and black ankle boots. You could pair it up with any black jacket, blazer, or cardigan, a striped or printed top, your favorite jeans, and any black shoes. Don’t think so literally when you’re copying an outfit, allow yourself to take liberties with the pieces while still honoring the overall look.
3. Clean your closet. You have to know what you have to know what you need. So what does a clean closet have to do with becoming more stylish? First off it removes one major obstacle that stands in the way of getting dressed every day and that’s decision fatigue. When we walk into our closet and see it stuffed full of clothes that we most likely don’t even wear, our brain goes into panic mode. It can’t instantly differentiate between what we actually wear and what no longer fits, is out of style, etc. By keeping only the pieces we’re actually wearing in our closets, we can assess what we have and love as well as determine what gaps need to be filled.
4. Shop with a purpose. Now that your closet is cleaned out, you can take the list of pieces you need to your favorite retailers or shop online with confidence, knowing that every piece you buy is something you actually need. Being armed with a shopping list ensures that you won’t get distracted by things you don’t need.
5. Make sure it’s a heck yes. Don’t settle for pieces that don’t light you up when you try them on. If something isn’t quite right chances are it’s going to be hanging in your closet with the tags still on six months from now. The right pieces are worth waiting for. Curate your closet over time and you’ll have a functional and fashionable wardrobe you’ll love to wear.

Lastly, just like any other skill, it takes time. I’ve taught over 100,000 women how to curate their closets and get dressed every day through Outfit Formulas. Most of them agree that after about a year of guidance, they feel empowered and confident in their style. Nothing makes me happier than a woman telling me she’s gotten outfit compliments from strangers for the first time in her life or she’s suddenly the “stylish friend” that everyone comes to for advice.

Style is a skill and it’s one worth learning. Not only does our appearance impact how the world perceives us but also how we show up in it.