Effortless Confidence: 10 Guidelines to Unlock Your Signature Style
Posted April 22, 2025
READING TIME: 12 minutes
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Picture her: that woman you admire who always seems to have that thing – a vibe that’s effortless, polished, and totally her. Every time you see her, you might think, “Ugh, how does she do it?” You wish you could come off just as stylish, confident, and put-together…
Well, I have a little secret.
Whether it’s true or not, whether other people think it or not…I feel like that woman.
I know – sounds kind of delusional, right? But let me tell ya why I feel this way…
It’s not because I have the world’s best style. It’s not because I own the coolest clothes. It’s definitely not because I have a perfect model-like figure (where my fellow shorties at!? 🙋).
It’s because of this:
👉 I feel ultra-confident in how I look and present myself to the world.
That’s it. Full stop.
And the best part? It doesn’t matter if someone else doesn’t like what I’m wearing. It doesn’t matter if they would never choose the same outfit. Because that’s exactly what signature style is all about.
Effortless style and true confidence doesn’t come from owning a million outfits, or buying the best brands, or rocking the latest fashion trends. It comes from clarity and consistency. From knowing what works for YOU – and having a simple, repeatable formula to achieve your best look and feel amazing.
I created Distinct Style Club because I believe that personal style should reflect who you are and make life easier. And because I believe with allllll my heart that you (yes, you!) can feel like “that woman” too.
So, today I’m breaking down my 10 (not-so-secret-anymore!) guidelines that will help you unlock your signature style, banish the “what should I wear today?” cycle, and show up with ease, confidence, and a lil’ extra pep in your step.
#1 - Know Your Style Anchors
Your style tells your story. And it might tell a lot more than you think!
The research on this is kind of crazy…but it's been shown that people form a first impression about you within just 7 seconds of meeting you!
So, what do you want your appearance to say about you?
This is where your style anchors come in. These are 2-3 descriptive words that sum up the feeling or essence of your ideal style (and self).
Mine are: “Cool, minimal, and refined.” These words nail the magnetic, self-assured vibe I want to portray. They’re exactly what I want my style to say about me – timeless but not boring, confident but not flashy.
Here are a few more example anchor words for different types of style:
Modern muse
Clean, classic & feminine
Chic & intrigue
Bold, modern & tailored
The clothes you buy, the outfits you put together – pretty much everything about your style – should all be rooted in your style anchors. This is how you create a cohesive, signature look that people start to know you by.
They help you decide which trends to skip and what to make space for. With your style anchors, you’re not trying to be everything. You’re not floating between different personas day-to-day. You’re honing in on the few things that truly represent you – and letting those be your guide.
Try this: Think about an outfit you’ve worn that made you feel great and very much like yourself. What 2-3 words would describe it? Do those words also align with how you want the world to see you? Great! Now use these style anchors to guide your future style choices.
#2 - Prioritize Fit Over Everything
You could own the most beautiful, designer pieces in the world – but if they don’t fit well, they’ll do nothing for you.
I’ve learned this the hard way, over and over again. I’ve wasted so much money on gorgeous clothing items that I wanted SO badly to work for me…only for them to go completely unworn because they simply didn’t fit right and never felt flattering on me.
It’s really hard to be confident when you’re constantly fidgeting or tugging at something all day. If the fit isn’t right, you’re going to feel like a child playing dress up. Even if the item itself aligns perfectly with your style anchors, a piece that’s too big, small, boxy, long, etc. will look sloppy or try-hard instead of effortless and aligned.
Learning how clothing should fit your body is a total game-changer for your style. That doesn’t mean dressing for your “body type” in a rigid or outdated way. It means knowing what silhouettes feel good, where you need structure, and what lengths or proportions work best.
The goal: You should feel at ease, confident, and comfortable in your clothes. If you’re worrying about your appearance all day, then the outfit is not serving you.
#3 - Build a Reliable Outfit Formula
The idea that you can’t or shouldn’t repeat outfits is a total scam.
In fact, the most well-dressed women I know are repeating the same outfit formula over and over and over again! It’s how they achieve a consistent, refined look that makes you wonder how they do it.
This is one of the reasons you’ll hear me talk about outfit formulas pretty much all the time…I truly think they’re a major key to developing a distinct signature style.
Whether it’s “jeans + blazer + bold shoe” (psst..that’s one of my formulas!) or “midi dress + sneakers + crossbody bag” – having a signature outfit combo takes the guesswork out of getting dressed.
And don’t get it twisted – outfit formulas do NOT mean boring. They mean reliable ease. You can change up the colors, textures, or accessories while keeping the base structure the same. No matter what, you’ll always end up with a dependable, authentic look.
Try this: What’s a combination you love that always works? Write it down. Now build 3-5 variations of that outfit using pieces you already own.
#4 - Curate Signature Style Essentials
Some elements of your style will do more work for you than others. They’re the things that you always fall back on. The ones that make you feel instantly elevated and usually earn you a few compliments. These are your signature style essentials.
Let me break this down for you by taking a look at my signature style essentials:
Slim, cropped, raw-hem jeans → Even when the trends change, this is pretty much the only style of jeans I wear! I own this exact fit in several different colors and rinses. The more specific you can be about your signature essentials, the better! This helps you really drill down to your own distinctive style.
Minimalist gold earrings → I have a few pairs I rotate through – little gold huggies, paperclip drop-style, and gold knots – but most of my everyday outfits will be accompanied by a pair of understated yet interesting gold earrings. I mix it up with my bags and shoes more often, but my earring choices almost always stay the same. Thus, making them a signature style essential for me.
Simple, classic tops → I rarely wear patterned, printed, or textured tops. And when I do? They never feel right. I’ve learned that simple tops in classic silhouettes and natural colors suit me best, so I have a few dependable, well-fitting options in each style (short-sleeved, sweaters, etc.) that I build my outfits around.
Tailored jackets → This is usually a blazer, but most of my outfit formulas include some version of a tailored, slim-fit jacket. This is not only a style choice for me, but one of function…because I’m always cold! Fashion should always be functional, folks.
Loose curls → Your style essentials don’t just include what you style, but also how you style. Maybe you always wear belts or red lipstick or neutral almond-shaped nails – these all can be part of your signature style. For me, I have worn my hair in long, loose curls almost every day for over seven years! This is not a case of laziness or being stuck in a rut – it’s an intentional choice I make about my style and the appearance I want to portray. If you ask a friend or relative to picture me – odds they picture me with loose curls are probably pretty high. And if that’s not a signature style, I don’t know what is.
Looking through these style essentials, you should be able to trace them back to my style anchors (cool, minimal & refined). They all contribute towards representing those descriptors. And yours should work the same way!
For you, your signature style essentials could be a flowy dress, a great-fitting pair of pants, or a standout bag. Whatever they are, they shouldn’t be throwaway items or pieces that you’re constantly replacing.
They’re the staples that quietly define your style. So prioritize investing in quality for your essentials. They are worth spending a little bit more on because they’ll carry your look effortlessly, season after season.
Pro Tip: If you aren’t sure what your signature style essentials are, pay attention to what you wear the most and what you reach for when you want to feel your best.
#5 - Personalize Your Palette
The psychology of color is powerful. It can spark a feeling, make a bold impression, or simply add a little variety to your favorite looks.
And while I’m definitely a believer in shaking things up by trying out fun or trendy colors from season to season – there is no doubt that having a consistent personal color palette changes everything.
From shopping to packing for a trip, the ability to mix and match pieces within a cohesive set of colors brings a whole lot of ease to your wardrobe. It makes coordinating an outfit super simple, and gives you assurance that those new pants will fit seamlessly into your existing wardrobe.
And the coolest part? Your connection to color is totally personal. The colors you’re drawn to are shaped by your story, your memories, and your taste. That’s why some colors just feel so right.
Sure, color analysis to find the shades that complement you can be one helpful tool (and I made this painless cheat sheet to help you find your best colors!). But, the ones you gravitate toward and love to wear will be the most successful colors for you. Not only will your personal palette help you curate a more cohesive wardrobe, they will also tell a little bit more of the story about who you are.
Here’s how I suggest you create your own personal style color palette:
Start by identifying a few core colors that you love to wear often and that make sense for your tone and lifestyle.
Select a couple neutrals that help tie these core colors together.
Add in a few accent or statement shades or prints that showcase your personality (for me, my accent shades often change with the seasons even though my core and neutral colors stay the same!)
Don’t Forget: Texture! Just like color, interesting textures like leather, knits, silk, denim, suede, or shimmer are all ways to add dimension and interest to your signature style.
A signature color palette is based on both your personal color analysis AND the colors you prefer to wear most.
#6 - Learn to Layer
One of the easiest ways to quickly elevate your style is to lean into the art of layering.
You might feel like you’re lacking personal style if you are only wearing your clothes, instead of styling them. This mistake makes your outfits look “flat” or boring. Instead, we want to create visual interest and dimension which appeals to the eye…all of which we can accomplish with layering!
Layering can be executed in many different ways to suit your signature style. A soft sweater set topped with pearls can convey polish and intention, while an oversized, unbuttoned denim shirt gives off an effortless, laid-back vibe. Either way, the added dimension brings life to your look.
Here are a few ideas for using layering to achieve a more finished outfit:
Add accessories like a belt or scarf to play with the depth or modify the silhouette of your clothing
Think beyond the jacket as a top layer – a sweater thrown over your shoulders, an open button-up, or a long cardigan can all act as a “finisher” for your look
Play around with bag strap lengths and positions (i.e. crossbody vs. over the shoulder)
Pro Tip: Find a happy medium with layering. Too much, and you’ll look weighed down and overdone! Just enough, and you’ll give off the perfect combination of effortless yet pulled-together.
#7 - Keep Your Closet Streamlined
A cluttered closet = chaotic style.
When your wardrobe is overflowing with pieces you don’t love or don’t wear, it makes getting dressed way harder than it needs to be!
Regularly streamlining your closet creates space for the pieces that actually work for you. Whether you’re a big once-a-year cleanout kinda woman or more of a ‘edit as you go’ gal, it’s a great practice to keep your wardrobe clear of what doesn’t fit, feel good, or reflect your current style. This way, you know that whatever you reach for will be on brand with the signature style you’re going for – no time wasted sifting through outdated and unloved clothing items.
As long as you’re editing your wardrobe, an effortless personal style is also far easier when you keep your closet organized in a way that makes sense for you. The best way to organize your closet is the one that helps you get dressed quickly and easily – and that’s going to look different for everyone.
A few different closet organization strategies I use with clients:
By item type – shirts here, pants there, dresses here, etc.
By activity – office clothes separated from going out clothes separated from lounging outfits
By function – basics in one area, essentials in another, and statement pieces in another
Freebie: To keep your closet streamlined, download my free “Should I Buy This?” Guide – it’s the key to successful shopping trips: a quickie flowchart to help you make those daunting dressing room or checkout page decisions. Stop wasting time and closet spaces on items that you don’t love and don’t serve you!
#8 - Choose Accessories that Speak for You
Accessories are where your personality can really shine through. They finish off a look, can completely change the tone of an outfit, and showcase who you are on full display.
While trendy and fun accessories are often an inexpensive and low-risk way to play around with different looks, I also recommend picking one or two signature accessories that can become your trademark and make your outfits feel uniquely yours.
Remember when you were a kid and you practiced signing your name in different signatures until you found the perfect one? The one that was super unique and stood out John Hancock style? Well, that’s exactly what I want you to do with your accessories!
For me, it’s my signature scent (La Vie Est Belle by Lancome) and a monochromatic gold bracelet watch I wear every day. For you, it might be a pop of color in your shoes, a special necklace you never take off, or a dark purple lipstick that makes you feel mysterious. These little details are like your style signature.
Pro Tip: Don’t force a signature accessory. If there isn’t an obvious choice that jumps out as your “trademark” – experiment with different bags, beauty products, jewelry, and belts. Over time, some favorites will emerge and you’ll have grown an organic, signature look without even trying!
#9 - Dress for Your Life, Not Somebody Elses
This one is big. Probably the biggest on the list, tbh.
Because it’s way too easy these days to get caught up in what looks good on Instagram or what your stylish friend wears. But if your clothes don’t match your lifestyle, they won’t stick.
A signature style isn’t aspirational—it’s authentic. It reflects who you are right now, in your current season of life.
You don’t need 10 pairs of heels if you’re chasing a toddler all day. And you don’t need to dress like you’re in a corporate office if you work from home. Trying to force these proverbial square pegs into round holes will just make you look (and feel!) uncomfortable and out of place.
Instead, when you embrace your reality and build your wardrobe around your life, style becomes second nature. You can get dressed with the confidence that your clothing works for your lifestyle, body, goals, and preferences.
Worksheet: If you need help pinpointing how your clothes need to work for you, you can download my free Lifestyle Analysis Worksheet to get started.
#10 - When in Doubt, Ask for Help
We all go through periods where we stray from what works and need a little help reconnecting with what we like and feel good in. And the fact of the matter is that even the most stylish women don’t do it alone!
Sometimes you need a fresh perspective. Whether it’s a trusted friend or a personal stylist or personal shopper like Distinct Style Club, getting support can save you time, energy, money, and frustration.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just ready for a style reset, I’m here for you. My goal is to help you discover your signature style, simplify your wardrobe, and show up with confidence — every. single. day!
The truth is that effortless style – and the unshakeable confidence that comes with it! – isn’t about having it all figured out.
It’s simply about knowing what works, letting go of what doesn’t, and showing up in a way that feels grounded and true to you.
When you define your style anchors, build signature outfit formulas, and curate your wardrobe with intention, it takes the pressure off to be the most fashionable or own the trendiest new items.
This creates the space for true creativity, joy, and confidence in your style to flourish.
And before you know it, others will be watching you across the room wondering…”how does she do it?!”
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Which of these guidelines speaks to you the most? I’d love to hear!
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Here’s to showing up as your most confident, radiant self…effortlessly. 🥂
