Has social media stifled fashion exploration by categorising users into narrow, micro-trendy groups?

Being labelled a “clean girl” creates this bizarre expectation to always look polished, as if wearing sweatpants risks betraying the label. When did discovering your style become so exclusive, forcing people to shrink themselves into restrictive categories?

The idea of finding your personal style feels daunting, almost as if you’re expected to commit to one aesthetic forever. This pressure drains the joy from experimenting with pieces you genuinely like, replacing excitement with the need to maintain a practical, coordinated wardrobe. While styling matters, prioritising practicality can stifle the self-expression that makes fashion meaningful.

When looking for inspiration, Pinterest is a go-to. Creating mood boards for outfits that you love, even if you’re not quite sure why, can help you identify patterns in your preferences. Using your celebrity lookalike as a reference is also a great way to draw inspiration, especially if they share a similar body type or style you admire. I’m not suggesting splurging a fortune on Prada, but rather focusing on colours and shapes that flatter them and adapting those ideas to suit your own style. After all, they often have the highest-paid stylists who do this for a living.

If you’re looking for fashion advice, the internet is an absolute treasure trove. From personality quizzes that assign you a colour palette to tools that help identify your body type, you can find tailored guidance suited to you. Understanding your body type, whether an hourglass or a rectangle, can help you discover clothing cuts and silhouettes that truly flatter your figure.

Take a moment to examine your own wardrobe. Your style may not feel completely cohesive or polished, but there’s a reason you own the pieces you do. Analysing why certain items have become your favourites can be incredibly helpful. Consider aspects like your favourite colours, textures, or even the sentimental value attached to those pieces. 

Finding clothes that reflect your personality is super important. If you’re a bubbly, approachable person who loves standing out, bright colours might be your best friend. On the other hand, someone a little more introverted and gothic might hate the idea of neon outfits. Ultimately, it’s always best to choose colours and styles that make you feel confident and comfortable in yourself.

Edited by Katie Frost