How to Develop Your Personal Style

Make getting ready for the day a cinch!

Do You - Think of the most stylish woman you know: You likely have an image in your mind of her look, but you probably couldn’t begin to recount what designers she rocks or what season her frocks are from. That, my friend, is a sign that she has tapped into her personal sense of style, her own idea of what makes her look good and — more importantly — feel good. Here, tips for crafting your own unique approach to getting ready for the day. Because fashion is fleeting, but style lasts forever. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel  (Photo: Granger Wootz/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Do You - Think of the most stylish woman you know: You likely have an image in your mind of her look, but you probably couldn’t begin to recount what designers she rocks or what season her frocks are from. That, my friend, is a sign that she has tapped into her personal sense of style, her own idea of what makes her look good and — more importantly — feel good. Here, tips for crafting your own unique approach to getting ready for the day. Because fashion is fleeting, but style lasts forever. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel  (Photo: Granger Wootz/Blend Images/Corbis)

Purge and Edit - First, get an idea of what you truly like. Go through your closet and pull out anything you haven’t worn in the last year. Of what’s left, what makes you feel the most yourself when you wear it? Those pieces are the foundation of your look. (Donate the rest — why let them hang around, taking up space?)  (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/ Getty Images)

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Purge and Edit - First, get an idea of what you truly like. Go through your closet and pull out anything you haven’t worn in the last year. Of what’s left, what makes you feel the most yourself when you wear it? Those pieces are the foundation of your look. (Donate the rest — why let them hang around, taking up space?)  (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/ Getty Images)

Flair for Fashion - Known for her drop-dead gorgeous style (particularly her stunning coats), what would a baller's wife be without some fly new 'fits? Crystal will need to take a page out of Olivia's lovely book and register at Burberry for a trench-coat that's as fly as this one!(Photo: ABC/Craig Sjodin)

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Think About the World - Without saying a word, your look projects an image to those who have the pleasure of being in your presence. It will, of course, vary with the occasion, but a sound sense of style will have an underlying thread that runs through every outfit, telling folks that you are “carefree,” “cool,” “in control” like Olivia Pope or whatever adjective you choose. What do you want to tell the world?  (Photo: ABC/Craig Sjodin)

Think Beyond Your Clothes - Your personal style is so much bigger than your #OOTD. Your hairstyle, makeup, perfume, shoes — everything adds up to an overall sense of what you want to present those you meet. (Photo John Ricard / BET)

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Think Beyond Your Clothes - Your personal style is so much bigger than your #OOTD. Your hairstyle, makeup, perfume, shoes — everything adds up to an overall sense of what you want to present those you meet. (Photo John Ricard / BET)

Hot! - Solange slays in this fuschia pantsuit at the Gucci beauty launch event hosted by Frida Giannini in New York City.(Photo: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Gucci)

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Pick a Muse - Your personal style is just that, personal, but you can find inspiration in someone whose look you love, whether it’s a fab celeb like Solange or your cousin who always gets it right.  (Photo: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Gucci)

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Gabi Gregg - There’s one “F” word we’d use to describe Gabi Gregg: “fabulous.” The fashion blogger, stylist and model better known as Gabi Fresh is famed for cranking out the chicness on her successful blog, and she even designed a contemporary plus-size collection with Swimsuits for All. Inspiring us to love our curves and find peace in our own skin, Gabi is an inspiration for all women. (Photo: Gabi Fresh via Instagram)

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Consider Your Shape - Whatever your style, it should be flattering to the body you inhabit. Look to outfits that accentuate your favorite areas and camouflage the ones that perhaps make you self-conscious.  (Gabi Fresh via Instagram)

Choose a Signature - Whether it’s a big Afro, a red lip, a favorite pair of oversized sunglasses or black and white all over like Janelle Monáe, find one thing that you adore and that you’re rarely seen without.  (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)

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Choose a Signature - Whether it’s a big Afro, a red lip, a favorite pair of oversized sunglasses or black and white all over like Janelle Monáe, find one thing that you adore and that you’re rarely seen without.  (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)

Tread Lightly With Trends - Just because high-waisted stonewashed denim is a thing doesn’t mean it fits into your look. You can incorporate small touches of trends, if you like them. For example, instead of going all out with distressed denim this fall, try cutting-up an old pair of jeans that pairs nicely with your overall style.   (Photo: Stewart Cohen/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Tread Lightly With Trends - Just because high-waisted stonewashed denim is a thing doesn’t mean it fits into your look. You can incorporate small touches of trends, if you like them. For example, instead of going all out with distressed denim this fall, try cutting-up an old pair of jeans that pairs nicely with your overall style.   (Photo: Stewart Cohen/Blend Images/Corbis)

Enjoy Yourself - The clothes you wear should always make you smile. If you’re not excited to put on an outfit and confident once you’re in it, it doesn’t belong in your closet, and it certainly doesn’t contribute to your overarching style story.  (Photo: Mango Productions/Corbis)

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Enjoy Yourself - The clothes you wear should always make you smile. If you’re not excited to put on an outfit and confident once you’re in it, it doesn’t belong in your closet, and it certainly doesn’t contribute to your overarching style story.  (Photo: Mango Productions/Corbis)