How to Create Your Own Personal Style: A Guide for Women

How to Create Your Own Personal Style: A Guide for Women Over Fifty

Creating a unique personal style is a powerful tool for self-expression and confidence at any age. For women over fifty, personal style becomes even more meaningful, as it can reflect a lifetime of experience, inner strength, and refined taste. Let’s dive into how you can develop your own style, elevate your wardrobe, and express the best version of yourself with grace and authenticity.

I have recreated my personal style numerous times, especially as the various rolls and goals in my life have changed.  In these later years, I have honed in more on my signature style as I have gained confidence in myself, and am less inclined to follow trends and more interested in figuring out what looks good, feels good and transmits  how I feel about myself.  I know that many women feel invisible as they head into their middle years, but I have found that working on cultivating my style has helped boost my confidence.  Remember that we are always evolving, and life ebbs and flows.  Our wardrobe and clothing choices move with our moods and how we see ourselves.  Don’t be afraid to use clothing to draw you forward into the life you want to live–use color to brighten your mood, by an athletic outfit to encourage yourself to add more fitness activities into your life, choose some sexy lingerie to remind you that you still have “it”.  All these things contribute to your building a signature style that reflects the woman you are and who you are becoming.  

1. Start with a Self-Assessment

The first step to discovering your unique personal style is understanding who you are now and what style means to you. Consider questions like:

   – What is my lifestyle?

   – What makes me feel confident and beautiful?

   – Which fashion choices have I always gravitated toward?

Building your style around these answers will ensure that it aligns with your personality and everyday needs. A good idea is to create a Pinterest board or mood board that features images, colors, and looks you find inspiring. Look for common themes in your saved images—like particular colors, simple lines, or signature pieces that could become the foundation of your unique style.

2. Analyze Your Current Wardrobe

Your current wardrobe is a great starting point for identifying your own style. Take some time to go through your closet, noting which items you truly love and feel comfortable in. If there are pieces that you find yourself wearing often, consider why they work for you. Are they timeless pieces? Do they fit your body type well? Perhaps they’re versatile enough for different occasions.  I like to see how versatile my wardrobe is as well.  How many pieces can I style in different ways to make lots of different outfits?  I also take note of what I pull out most often and why.  Am I in a style rut because my clothing doesn’t fit or is outdated?  Does my current wardrobe reflect my lifestyle and who I am today?  

Identify any gaps or things you’d like to improve upon. Adding new clothes that enhance your favorite items can create a fresh yet cohesive style.  

3. Define Your Signature Look

A signature look helps streamline your outfit choices and gives your style a unique touch. A signature piece could be anything: a structured blazer, a particular pair of pants, or even a scarf in a bold color that reflects your personality. Finding this piece can add a personal touch and consistency to your overall look. Many women in their fifties find classic pieces like a good-quality handbag or a pair of stylish, comfortable shoes to be the best investment as they create a lasting impression.

4. Experiment with Color Palettes and Patterns

When selecting your color palette, take your skin tone and preferences into account. Neutral colors are timeless, but don’t be afraid to incorporate bold colors as statement pieces to elevate your look. Trying different color combinations, like pairing a muted tone with a pop of color, can breathe new life into your wardrobe.

If you’re uncertain, a color analysis or the guidance of a personal stylist can be helpful. Additionally, consider selecting colors that align with your overall mood and comfort zone, whether that means sticking with classic neutrals or exploring new things with brighter hues.

5. Consider Your Body Type and Comfort Zone

Understanding your body type can help you choose clothing pieces that enhance your best features. Whether you’re curvy, athletic, petite, or tall, aim for clothes that offer the perfect fit and flatter your figure. Fashion magazines and blogs can offer inspiration, but the most important thing is that you feel confident and comfortable. You might start with versatile pieces that work for multiple occasions and look good from day to day.

6. Incorporate Timeless and Statement Pieces

Building a wardrobe with a mix of timeless and statement pieces ensures you have the flexibility to dress for any occasion. Classic items like a well-tailored blazer, little black dress, and neutral-colored pants are perfect starting points, while statement pieces can add excitement to your outfit. Whether it’s a brightly patterned scarf or a uniquely cut jacket, adding unexpected pieces can help you avoid a style rut.

7. Find Style Icons and Fashion Inspiration

Looking to style icons or fashion bloggers can be a great way to understand different aesthetics and styles. Whether you admire the classic style of someone like Audrey Hepburn or the modern edge of a current fashion blogger, studying how they pair items or blend different styles can inspire new looks. Following fashion blogs or magazines can also keep you updated on current trends without overwhelming your personal preferences.  I love creating mood boards with style inspiration then try putting together outfits in different ways to see how I feel and look when I style clothing the way people who inspire me dress.  It has given me lots of clues that have helped me come closer to my inner self.  

8. Create a Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of interchangeable clothing pieces that work well together and can be worn for a variety of occasions. This concept is beneficial for any age, but it’s particularly freeing for women over fifty as it minimizes decision fatigue while maximizing outfit choices. Start with the basics, like a pair of classic black pants, a neutral sweater, a few signature blouses, and a great jacket. Add a personal touch with accessories or a unique color palette that aligns with your own sense of style.  I love creating what I call mini capsule wardrobes that are built around the seasons, my favorite color combinations and my current mood.  This helps prevent some of the boredom of having a closet full of basics that are always worn in the same way.  I am always interested in trying new styles, while maintaining my over all classic look.

9. Curate Outfits for Different Occasions

When curating outfits, think about the type of clothing that suits various parts of your life—from special occasions to professional settings. For everyday wear, you might want comfortable, versatile pieces, whereas for formal events, it’s worth investing in well-fitted, elegant options. Having a few go-to outfits ready for different settings ensures you always feel prepared and stylish.  I think it is very important to focus on your actual lifestyle, and make sure you are curating a wardrobe you will actually wear, but also to stretch yourself a little so you don’t get into a rut  always wearing the same things over and over.  This is another reason I love making mini capsules as described above.  I can make sure I can create looks for different occasions.  

10. Stay True to Yourself

The only way to develop a truly unique personal style is by staying true to yourself. Trends come and go, but your own preferences, the fit of your clothing, and your personal brand are all things that will make your style timeless. Remember, style is about self-expression, and the most inspiring outfits are those that reflect inner confidence and authenticity.  You can get a lot of insight about yourself by noting what colors and styles you are drawn to, as well as what you actually wear day to day.  I like to take note of what I am pulling from my closet and occasionally ask myself why I chose a given item.  Sometimes, it’s convenient, other times it can be a mood thing and yet other times I choose clothing on the basis of the weather.  Tuning in to why you keep choosing certain clothing items can help pull you out of a rut, or can show you what you love in your wardrobe and about yourself.  

Creating a personal style that feels like “you” is a journey of self-discovery. Whether you’re a complete fashion newbie or looking to elevate an already defined look, focus on what makes you feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable, and enjoy the process of building a wardrobe that reflects the incredible woman you are.  This is why I love the journey of finding my signature style so much–what we wear reflects our moods, how we see ourselves and can also be used to draw yourself forward into the life you want to live.