Finding Your Personal Style

Finding your personal style can feel like standing in front of an overflowing closet with nothing to wear. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. We’ve all been there—gravitating toward what evre.one else is wearing, like those iconic khaki One Teaspoon shorts or an Anine Bing hoodie. Don’t get me wrong, these staples are great, but personal style is about so much more than blending in. 

Why Playing It Safe Feels... Safe

Let’s be real: dressing like evre.one else feels comfortable. There’s less risk of judgment when you’re rocking the same Sambas or cozy hoodie as your peers. Especially here in New Zealand, where fashion trends can sometimes feel like an unspoken uniform, it’s tempting to blend in.

But when you stick to the “uniform,” you’re missing out on the chance to explore what truly excites you. Ironically, trying to fit in with styles that don’t resonate can leave you feeling even more self-conscious. When you start to understand what makes you feel good and lean into that, the opinions of others begin to matter a whole lot less.

Fashion Should Be Fun

Fashion isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about having fun! Treat it like a creative playground where you can experiment, and uncover what truly makes you feel you. Not every choice will be a winner, and that’s okay. 

Start small. If your wardrobe leans heavily on neutral tones, introduce a splash of pattern—maybe some black-and-white printed pants. If you’re all about oversized loungewear, try swapping in a pair of mini shorts for a change? The cute and colorful hot hot hot shorts from free people are our summer fav. 

It can feel daunting to step outside your comfort zone, but the payoff is huge. The more you try, the closer you’ll get to that perfect mix where your outfits feel like a true reflection of you.

Your Style Is Your Personal Brand

Your personal style is like your brand. It’s a visual representation of who you are, and it should make you feel confident and comfortable. When you’re clear about your preferences and identity, external influences—whether it’s trends or the opinions of others—hold less power over your choices.

When you dress authentically, you stop dressing for others and start dressing for yourself. That’s when you truly shine.

Embrace Individuality

Breaking away from societal norms is tough—especially when those khaki One Teaspoons are practically a rite of passage, one that we have fallen victim to. But stepping away from the crowd is also liberating. When you embrace individuality, your confidence skyrockets.

Start with small but bold choices. Love the OG white Sambas but want something unique? Opt for a colourful pair! At Karen Walker Adidas in Newmarket (tag), you can customise your shoes with charms, giving you the perfect chance to express yourself. See a funky top you’re unsure about? Try it. Giving it a go is part of the process. Each piece you experiment with gets you closer to defining your aesthetic.

Seek Inspiration Evre.where

Need a creative boost? Inspiration is evre.where—fashion blogs, TikTok influencers, vintage magazines, art galleries, or even the street style you spot while grabbing coffee. The goal is to expose yourself to a variety of aesthetics and explore the ones that naturally catch your eye.

Some fabulous fashion influencers to kickstart your style journey include Tobi Innes (tag instagrams of everyone mentioned), known for her polished, chic approach to wardrobe staples, Connie-Lee Brown, who embodies a feminine yet modern and bold vibe, and Millie Dury, the go-to for classic “vanilla girl” minimalism. Whether you’re drawn to sleek, statement-making outfits or pared-down, soft elegance, these girls offer endless inspiration to suit any aesthetic.

To bring all that inspo together, try creating a mood board. It doesn’t need to be anything elaborate—just a Pinterest board or saved folder full of images that resonate with you. Over time, you’ll spot patterns and themes, giving you a clearer sense of the styles and pieces that naturally fit your vibe. The result? A capsule wardrobe that’s effortlessly “you” and endlessly stylish. 

Overcoming Pressure

These days there is undeniable pressure to look a certain way or wear the “right” brands. But the more you embrace your personal style, the less those outside opinions matter. Trends can be fun to explore, but they don’t need to define your entire wardrobe. Take what works for you.

Not evre.girl in New Zealand is going to love those Birkenstock Bostons, and if you’re one of them, that’s totally fine. You don’t have to wear anything just because it’s trending. Stay true to what feels right for you. Number One Shoes and Princess Polly offer a range of summer shoes, you are guaranteed to find something that's your style. We’re obsessed with the Life and Soul Prism Slides, the Ma Belle Sandals from Princess Polly (they come in the cutest summery colours), and of course, Archies—the comfiest sandals ever!

Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Style

Finding your personal style is about discovering what makes you feel confident and comfortable. What outfits make you feel your best? What pieces make you smile when you catch your reflection? That’s the beauty of personal style—it’s a reflection of who you are.

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Fashion is meant to be expressive, so experiment with that bold top or a fresh twist on a classic pair of Sambas. The key is to dress in a way that feels authentic to you.

One of the best ways to find unique pieces is by thrifting. Not only is it more sustainable, but it’s also a fantastic way to discover one-of-a-kind items that will give your wardrobe a personal touch. The Isla Markets in St. Heliers are a great spot for budget-friendly finds—ideal for uncovering hidden gems. You can also check out Boo and Co, a small New Zealand-based business offering stylish, carefully curated pieces that’ll add a fresh vibe to your collection. Supporting local businesses like Boo and Co means you’re not only finding great pieces, but you’re also helping to support the community.