Personal style is no longer just about fashion—it’s about identity. In a world overwhelmed by fleeting trends and influencer-driven aesthetics, the struggle to define an authentic style has become more complex than ever. Many of us find ourselves dressing not from a place of self-expression, but from the pressure to belong, to keep up, to conform. This article explores the evolving meaning of personal style in today’s oversaturated culture—why we hesitate to define it, how societal expectations influence it, and what it truly means to reclaim our individuality through fashion.
When someone asks me to describe my fashion style, I hesitate because it’s never a straightforward answer. Honestly, my style feels more like a mix of recent trends than something distinctly my own. I’ve never really put much thought into defining it, because to me, personal style is all about knowing yourself. Sounds simple, right? But in reality, it’s not that easy. Most of the time, I feel the most comfortable in my PJs, and that’s where the conflict begins.
Trends come and go so quickly, and the constant influx of new ideas makes it hard to separate what we genuinely like from what’s just popular right now. Societal pressures and cultural norms only complicate things further, making it difficult to find that sweet spot between staying true to myself and fitting in with what’s expected. It’s a struggle to strike a balance between being authentic and stylish. And the democratization of fashion, thanks to mass production and global distribution, has made it easier for trends to spread across the globe in the blink of an eye. As a result, there’s less room for authentic personal expression, and it feels like individuality is getting lost in the rush to keep up. Clothing has become a quick fix, something we wear for a moment before it’s replaced, which only makes it harder to cultivate a lasting personal style that feels true to who we are.
This reminds me of a conversation I had with a friend who told me they’ve never put any thought into the outfit they wear. They just pick whatever is in their line of sight. I couldn’t believe it. Who would do that? Meanwhile, I meticulously plan my outfits ahead of time, which, let me tell you, is incredibly stressful most of the time.
This got me thinking about Mina Le’s video on ‘The Death of Personal Style’, where she explores the conflict of building an outfit every single day. In the video, she experiments with dressing using a capsule wardrobe for 10 days and describes how it was a freeing experience. She questions why “basic” clothing is often considered bad. Personally, I have no issue with basic clothing; in fact, I’m all for it. It only becomes problematic when there’s a mix of “cores” and aesthetics that dilutes what the clothing is meant to represent.
The flood of influencer content and “fit check” videos on our “For You” pages only adds to this saturation of constantly shifting trends. We’re conditioned to keep up with the fast-paced lives of wealthy influencers who effortlessly adopt the latest fads, which can make us feel like we’re falling behind if we don’t do the same.
So, how do we navigate this oversaturated space? I believe the key lies in shifting our focus inward—drawing inspiration from within rather than constantly looking outward. While this may sound simple, it’s challenging in our social media-driven culture. To preserve personal style, it’s crucial to “resist trends.” But this advice can be tricky to follow when some of the current trends align with our own sense of style.
Ultimately, the goal is to find a balance between expressing our individuality and embracing trends that resonate with our authentic selves. Personal style is a fluid concept—one that evolves over time, shaped by both personal experiences and external influences. It’s about reconciling the desire to fit in with the need to stand out, all while staying true to what makes us unique.
