6 Reasons Why Your Outfit Isn’t Working—and How to Find Your Personal Style

Ever look at someone with a vibrant personal style and think, “Wow, she wears that well?” Maybe it’s followed by a second thought: “I could never pull that off.” The truth is, if you copied her outfit one-to-one, it probably wouldn’t quite hit the same. It's not because you don't have good taste or look differently. It's about knowing how to find your personal style.

There’s a difference between liking a certain look and actually identifying with it. Nine out of ten times, when you see an inspiring outfit, it has more to do with the person wearing it than the clothes. They style their pieces so well that it looks completely natural, easy even. What you don’t see is the thought process behind picking that exact shade, length, and fabric. It’s never just a red sweater; it’s the red sweater.

The reason why your outfit might feel like it's not working could be because you’re relying too much on inspiration and trends. It’s good to take note of what catches your eye, but you have to filter those notes through your own personality before buying in. This also applies to the e-commerce models on the sites you’re shopping from. Do you like the actual pants, or do they just look good on the model? Always picture yourself in the clothes before purchasing.

I’ve done it one too many times myself—I see something that looks good on a ton of people, but when I try it? It just doesn’t sit right. Stripes, straight-leg jeans, funnel-neck jackets… I could go on with the number of trends and silhouettes I've tried and ultimately dropped. No matter how hard I try, the colors and fits I choose, some items simply do not look good on me.

I've learned I can admire something without wanting it for myself. Because in the end, what makes an outfit pop is the confidence to wear it well. Picking and choosing pieces that you deeply love is the real key to finding your personal style. Ahead, you'll find some reasons why your outfit might not be working—and what you can do about it.

You're relying too much on trends

The biggest shopping mistake you can make is deciding whether something is worth buying based on how trendy it is. The goal is not to look like everyone else; it's to look like your most authentic, comfortable self. Sometimes your tastes and the trends align, and that's when it's safe to buy into a specific moment. Otherwise, if you want to find the pieces that really pop on you, forget the trends and listen to your heart. Go where your gut leads you, and shop the pieces that give you a burst of excitement, regardless of what the masses may say.

You're trying to copy someone else’s look

Have you ever looked at an inspiring Pinterest photo or an extremely stylish influencer and tried to copy their look? Unfortunately, that rarely yields the results you're seeking. Just because something looks good on one person doesn't mean it will have the same effect on you. Your clothes should reflect how you feel inside, and no two people ever share the same soul. Instead of trying to copy an outfit one-to-one, see which specific piece speaks to you. Envision yourself wearing said item and try to decipher how you feel in it. I also really recommend shopping at department stores like Nordstrom or Bloomingdale's, where you can get a quick overview of what’s available in one location in person. Try on a bunch of different styles in order to get a good understanding of what suits you and what doesn't.

You don't know your exact measurements

Nothing throws an outfit off quite like ill-fitting clothes. Wide-leg trousers are gorgeous, but when they awkwardly crop at your ankles? They instantly lose their appeal. The best clothes are the ones that look tailor-made for you, so it helps to know your exact measurements. This rings especially true if you do most of your shopping online.

You haven't been visualizing your best self

I think a good old visualization exercise can go a long way. Take your commute time or those moments before sleep to envision yourself in aspirational scenarios. See what you are wearing when you're picturing yourself in your highest form—those are the clothes you'll feel the most confident in. Instead of looking at other people and the clothes they're wearing, turn to yourself for inspiration, which will lead you to the outfits that best suit you.

You own too many basics & not enough of what excites

I've fallen into the lure of a capsule wardrobe myself, just to end up with a completely uninspiring wardrobe and no real personality pieces. I eventually got tired of dressing in basic white tees and jeans and wanted something a little more unique, which is why my recommendation is to buy more pieces that excite. Don't be afraid to test the bounds of your comfort zone and try something new, perhaps some animal prints or bold colors.

Your basics don't feel tailored to you

Speaking of basics, I can't stress the importance of getting the right ones enough. White tees are not all made the same—find the one with the fabric and form that most flatters your silhouette. When you've found the perfect button-down and tailored-to-perfection pants, then those two alone can serve as a killer outfit, as seen above. If it's one thing worth splurging on, it's the piece that looks like it was made just for you.