19. September 2024
How to Identify Your Aesthetic: A Fun Guide to Finding Your Personal Style
Let’s talk about something we all love: fashion! Finding your unique style isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling great in what you wear. But with so many aesthetics out there, where do you even start? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into how you can discover and define your personal fashion aesthetic, whether you’re into the moody vibes of dark academia, the whimsical charm of cottagecore, or something else entirely.
Table of Contents
- Get to Know Yourself
- Explore the Aesthetic Universe
- More Aesthetics to Explore
- Time to Experiment
- Curate Your Wardrobe
- Keep it Fresh: Evolving Your Aesthetic
Step 1: Get to Know Yourself
Before you start revamping your wardrobe, take a moment to reflect on what makes you, you. Your personality, hobbies, and even your favorite colors can give you major clues about your aesthetic. Are you someone who loves vintage novels and rainy days? Dark academia might be calling your name. Or maybe you’re more into wildflowers, soft dresses, and picnics, in which case, cottagecore could be your thing.
Think about:
- What makes you feel most comfortable and confident?
- Which colors and textures make you smile?
- How do you want to express yourself to the world?
Your style should be an extension of who you are, so think of this as a fun little journey of self-discovery. To get started, grab a notebook and jot down answers to these questions. This exercise can help reveal what aesthetics resonate with you most.
Additionally, pay attention to the media you consume. Are you drawn to period dramas with moody, intellectual characters? Or do you lose yourself in films featuring idyllic countryside settings? The stories that captivate you might offer insight into your personal style. For example, fans of the Harry Potter series might lean toward dark academia, while those who adore Jane Austen novels could feel right at home in cottagecore.
Step 2: Explore the Aesthetic Universe
Now that you’ve done a bit of soul-searching, it’s time to get inspired! Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are gold mines for fashion inspo. Start searching for different aesthetics to see what catches your eye.
Here’s a quick rundown of some popular aesthetics you might vibe with:
Dark Academia
Tweed blazers, turtlenecks, and vintage-inspired accessories are key. Dark academia is perfect for the mysterious yet scholarly type. If your wardrobe consists of autumnal hues, plaid skirts, and a heavy dose of sophistication, you might find yourself drawn to this aesthetic.
Cottagecore
Perfect for anyone who loves a good picnic in the meadow. Think sun-drenched fields, homemade bread, and time spent in nature. If your closet is filled with vintage dresses, cozy cardigans, and floral prints, the cottagecore aesthetic could be your ultimate vibe.
Coquette
Flirty, feminine, and a bit nostalgic. It’s all about delicate fabrics, bows, and pastel colors. Think lacy camisoles, frilly socks, and charming hair accessories. It’s the style that exudes confidence through softness, blending retro glamor with a modern sensibility.
Goblincore
Embrace the quirky and unconventional! Goblincore is all about earthy tones, oversized sweaters, and finding beauty in the weird and wonderful. It’s a celebration of the imperfect, the strange, and the magical aspects of nature—think moss, mushrooms, and little trinkets from the forest floor.
Cyberpunk
Futuristic, edgy, and full of attitude. Think leather jackets, metallics, and neon colors. Cyberpunk blends technology with rebellion, creating a look that’s both bold and boundary-pushing. If you’re a fan of sci-fi aesthetics, neon lights, and strong silhouettes, this might be the style for you.
Old Money
Classic, timeless, and effortlessly elegant. It’s all about quality fabrics, tailored pieces, and a neutral color palette. Think blazers, loafers, and silk scarves—outfits that wouldn’t look out of place at a country club or on a yacht.
Step 3: More Aesthetics to Explore
The world of fashion aesthetics is vast and varied. While we’ve covered some of the more popular styles, here are a few other aesthetics that might catch your eye:
Ethereal
Dreamlike and otherworldly, this aesthetic draws inspiration from mythology and fantasy. Flowing gowns, soft hues, and delicate fabrics like tulle and chiffon define this style.
Y2K
Channel the fun, futuristic vibes of the early 2000s with Y2K fashion. Expect metallics, shiny accessories, low-rise jeans, and playful, colorful looks. It’s a nostalgic aesthetic for anyone who loves the glam and tech-forward trends of the turn of the millennium.
Grunge
Dark, rebellious, and raw, grunge is all about embracing imperfections. Think flannel shirts, band tees, ripped jeans, and combat boots. This aesthetic screams “I don’t care,” while still making a powerful statement.
Minimalist
For those who prefer clean lines and neutral tones, minimalism offers a sleek, understated look. This aesthetic is all about “less is more,” focusing on high-quality pieces and simple, functional designs.
Step 4: Time to Experiment
Once you’ve got an idea of what you like, it’s time to experiment! Mix and match pieces from different aesthetics to see what feels right. Maybe you’ll fall in love with the coziness of cottagecore but want to add a bit of old-money sophistication. Or perhaps the boldness of cyberpunk with a touch of coquette charm is more your speed.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone—fashion is all about having fun and expressing yourself. Try layering different textures, playing with colors, and accessorizing to make the look your own. This is your opportunity to blend the aesthetics in a way that reflects your unique personality. For instance, adding delicate bows to an edgy cyberpunk outfit or combining dark academia’s structured blazers with the softness of cottagecore florals can create a completely fresh look.
Step 5: Curate Your Wardrobe
Now that you’ve found your style sweet spot, it’s time to build a wardrobe that reflects it. Start by picking out key pieces that you absolutely love and that fit within your chosen aesthetic(s). Think quality over quantity here. You want pieces that you’ll reach for again and again.
While it’s tempting to buy everything that catches your eye, remember to be selective. Invest in staple pieces that can form the backbone of your wardrobe, then mix in accessories or seasonal items that reflect your evolving tastes. If you’re into old money, think of timeless pieces like a tailored blazer, leather loafers, or a silk scarf. For goblincore lovers, an oversized knit sweater in earthy tones could be a versatile go-to.
Step 6: Keep it Fresh – Evolving Your Aesthetic
Here’s the thing about personal style—it’s constantly evolving. As you grow, travel, meet new people, and explore different interests, your fashion sense will likely shift. And that’s totally okay! Fashion should never feel like a box you’re trapped in, but rather a canvas that evolves with you.
Feel free to switch things up, try new trends, or even abandon old ones. Maybe this season you’re all about dark academia, but next year you’re vibing more with cyberpunk. Your aesthetic can and should adapt as you do. Keeping your wardrobe fresh means adding new pieces that reflect your current mood, interests, and inspirations. This could be as simple as introducing a few cyberpunk neon accents to your everyday look or swapping out some cottagecore florals for sleek, tailored old-money elegance.
Final Thoughts
Finding your fashion aesthetic is like finding your personal signature—it’s unique to you and tells the world who you are without saying a word. So take your time, enjoy the process, and most importantly, have fun with it! Whether you’re drawn to the intellectual allure of dark academia, the whimsical world of cottagecore, or something else entirely, remember that fashion is your personal art form.
Ready to dive in? Our store has you covered with everything from dark academia to goblincore and beyond. Happy styling!
