Every person in this world has a unique story, something to share with the world. We often share this story through words, telling of experiences and sharing anecdotes, and some people even write down what they’ve been through. Other people stuff their stories away, trying to appear as neutral and “normal” as possible. But through expression of ourselves, we have the freedom to say who we are and tell a bit of our lives. Words aren’t always necessary, however. Sometimes we can express just as much by what we wear.

A person’s clothing style can say a lot about who they are. It’s a way to outwardly express oneself and creates an impression to others before you say a word. It’s a form of personal expression that can be practiced every day. It’s a way to share a little bit of your story with those around you.

But sometimes it’s difficult to pinpoint what specific style you have. Some people, in trying to manifest their personal style, look to celebrities and try to copy exactly what they are doing in order to achieve a specific style. However, there is no right or wrong way to develop your style, and there’s not a certain formula to follow. In mixing and matching different pieces and styles, you create a unique look that is all you.

Garance Dore, fashion photographer and illustrator, said, “I think you can’t create your own style by trying to conceptualize or reproduce someone else’s or some celebrity’s or some movement, whatever it might be (Minimalist? Retro? Rock?) . . . but just combine the things that you love and let your ideas have room to roam . . . By not being like everyone else and listening only to your taste, you make your own style.”

It can be helpful to pinpoint what general style you fit into, then mix it up with pieces from other realms to create a style that is all your own.

If you have more of a classic style, invest in wardrobe staples that will never go out of style but remember to have pops of something current. Scarves are a great way to spice up a classic, chic look. If you have an edgier style, invest in a nice leather jacket and search for some vintage band tees. Mix it up with some softer colors and fabrics to tone down the look. With both vintage and modern styles it can be easy to go too far in one direction, so be sure to balance out a vintage style with modern pieces and an ultra-modern style with some timeless pieces. By mixing different styles, you put together a look that is unique to your personality and interests.

It is always those who are bold enough to step out of the traditional box, to be a little outrageous and to make a statement with what they wear that are most remembered. Sometimes, in trying to put different styles or ideas together, you may end up looking like a bit of a mess on occasion. But, as in anything in life, you have to hit a few snags before achieving greatness. It’s okay to experiment and to not quite know what direction you’re moving in with your personal style, but just discover things along the way. Try different things together and see if they work; the worst that can happen is that you feel a little silly and never try that combination again.

If you aren’t sure where to start, pay attention to what other people are wearing, and take the bits of what you like and translate it into your own look. In seeing people from all areas and styles, and just holding on to the bits that you like, you put together something that is uniquely yours. And when you wear things with confidence, knowing that your style is all your own, people will recognize that. Even if they would never wear what you are wearing there is a level of respect for others when you know they are doing what they love.

Fashion is such a unique venue of self-expression. It delves into all facets of life, and though it may take a bit of digging, there really is something for everyone. You don’t have to be limited by what styles are coming off of the runways and what the season’s biggest trends are. When you take pieces you love and mix them together you are creating a visual story of your life. You will change over time, and your personal style is something that can evolve with you, fitting into the new areas of life you face and visually manifesting what you are going through. As your personal style changes, you will have a visual trail of where you have been and will be able to see how far you have come.