Here’s my hot take on personal style:
You don’t have to pick a lane.
Yesterday’s outfit was sporty, trendy, colorful, and kinda maximalist. Today’s outfit is chic, neutral, and minimalist.
And I love both equally.
I spent the last decade or so trying to pick a lane and define my style. As a person who thrives within structure, I love Allison Bornstein’s three word method — the idea that your personal style can be encapsulated in three words. I’m drawn to this concept like a moth to a flame.
But lately, every time I *officially* decide on my three words, I almost immediately find that they don’t cover it. Within days, I’m wearing outfits that contradict the three words I’ve carefully selected.
I totally get that the three word method is meant to be taken loosely, as a guideline that will change over time — it’s not supposed to be rigid or inflexible. But right now, the idea of picking a lane at all just isn’t jibing with me.
I’m in an exploratory phase, style-wise. And honestly, I’m pretty excited to just let that happen freely and see where it takes me.
(In case you’re wondering, here are a few of the styles I ping pong around these days: 60s, 70s, 90s, 00s, trendy, timeless, minimalist, maximalist, playful, chic, sporty, prairie, colorful, neutral, etc. Whew!)
What about you? Are you in a define-your-style phase or a no-labels-please phase? Feel free to share your three words — or a whole long list of ’em!
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OUTFIT DETAILS
(If you see something you like, you can shop it and support my blog at the same time by using the affiliate links throughout this post.)
Reformation Addy Top (wearing XS)
Abercrombie Low Rise Baggy Jeans (back in stock! wearing 26) | Similar: Reformation Cary Low Rise Slouchy Jeans
Roxy Gabbie Flip Flops | Similar: Madewell Gabi Thong Slide Sandal (these are gorgeous!)
Anine Bing Canvas Tote | Similar: Revolve NY Tote
JEWELRY
Madewell Sculptural Droplet Earrings
Monica Vinader Heirloom Woven Fine Chain Bracelet
Vintage Pave Ring | Similar: Quince Pave Diamond Slim Signet Ring (under $250) & Quince 14k Gold Micro Pave Ring
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Thanks so much for reading my blog today! Take care. <3
OMG GORG!!!
Working on my 3 words – they change each time I sit with them! I know there is a thread that ties all my ping-ponging but I’ve yet to nail it down concretely – but it’s my chief aim this decade! I came across romantic minimalism [I don’t prefer fussy]…sure it’ll be something else soon lol
The thing that helped me with style words was thinking of 3 things I wanted to reflect based on my personality, versus based on what describes the clothes! For example one of my words is friendly—it’s not a particular aesthetic, but reminds me that I like wearing one item that’s playful, whimsical, humorous, or bright! :)
Okay I love this idea Rebecca! I feel like all my different aesthetics could possibly fit well under the umbrella of “feeling” words like that. Thank you for sharing!
I’m pondering my words also, but they too are more towards feelings – I have casual, elevated, and character :) I love that you’re sharing your style exploration process, it encourages me to think more flexibly about my own!
I was thinking – maybe yours are something like minimal, maximal, and Un-fancy? 😜
Yes! I’ve definitely thought of using unfancy as one of my words — it has resonated with me for SO LONG NOW! Also love the idea of using minimal AND maximal in my 3 words — it gives me so much room to play. :) :)
Cool! It could work like minimal (practical word), maximal (aspirational word), and unfancy (emotional word) 🥰
I use the 3 word method more as a mental checklist to filter something as a “yes, buy it” or a “nope, this is for someone else.” My words are: comfortable, versatile, practical. I find that if something meets those basic criteria, it’s going to get worn a lot and blend right in with everything else :)
I think your three words could be minimal, creative, and unfancy.