I've struggled with defining my personal style for as long as I can remember. Like so many others, I started my search outward—curating Pinterest boards, saving outfits to private Instagram folders, and frantically screenshotting every fast-paced outfit video that caught my eye. At times, my camera roll has been more screenshots than actual photos I've taken. #guitly
I recently wrote a post titled Mine Your Own Data (and recorded- you can listen to it!) —rooted in the idea that we already hold so many of the answers we’re searching for, we just have to slow down enough to connect the dots.
In a world overflowing with aesthetics and external influences, it’s way too easy to get caught up in what your favorite influencer is wearing, decorating with, or creating. And before you know it, you’re just copying and pasting—picking things because they look good on someone else, not because they actually feel like you. When you don’t give yourself the permission to play, you’re not really making decisions rooted in your own style—you’re just following a template.
Self-reflection has become my anchor in all of this—it helps me slow down, tune in, and actually understand what I love and why. It’s the difference between consuming and creating—between adopting someone else’s vision and refining my own.
This isn’t always easy and building self trust takes time. There comes a moment when you realize that your perspective, your taste, your creative instincts deserve to take the lead. That’s when things start getting interesting.
Since 2020 I’ve been deep in self-development and self-reflection, seeking alignment and balance in every area of my life. I made a major breakthrough last Spring when after spending 6 months feeling completely STUCK and desperate for answers when it came to my career, I did a deeeeeeep dive, with the help of Chat GPT.. and my experience that weekend was the inspiration behind my first product (A Life and Business Audit Notion System).
Through this process, I uncovered that my personal style was something that felt out of alignment for me and it was an area in my life I wanted to give more focused energy to. This isn’t the first time I’ve thought about digging into personal style, I’ve read The Curated Closet and I’ve done the Curated Closet Workbook—and most I’d also recently read Wear it Well by Allison Bornstein (which inspired my approach to defining my style).
If you don’t know Allison, she blew up on Tik Tok during the pandemic for her three word method.
Essentially, it’s a framework for defining your personal style in three words.
The First Word → Describes what you naturally gravitate toward
This is the word that represents the core of your style, based on what you already own and love.
Example: Classic, Feminine, Relaxed
The Second Word → Reflects your aspirational style
This is what you want to incorporate more of in your wardrobe. It’s how you’d like to be perceived.
Example: Polished, Playful, Minimalist
The Third Word → Adds an unexpected twist or personal flair
This makes your style unique and gives it personality. It’s what makes your outfits feel you.
Example: Edgy, Vintage, Eclectic
She did an amazing job sharing examples of the Three Word Method in action with a handful of celebs:
Mary Kate Olsen: Oversized, Refined, Undone
Ashley Olsen: Oversized, Refined, Minimal
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Kate Moss: Sleek, Undone, Vintage
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Harry Styles: 70’s, Textured, Soft
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I love using frameworks—especially as a neurodivergent person with shiny object syndrome. When you’re passionate about so many things, narrowing down can feel overwhelming. That’s why I rely on structured approaches to bring clarity. I’ve used similar frameworks in both interior design and branding, always starting with a set of tone words to anchor the vision and guide the project forward.
I used to be the kind of shopper who would panic when there was an event or something to go to, buy something new, wear it one time and then it would be exiled. As someone who is aiming for more intentionality in all areas of life, I want a closet that’s filled with pieces I’ll wear over and over again. Clothes that I KNOW make me feel confident and empowered.
Wear it Well is a great book and well worth the read. As a mindset coach myself, I wasn’t expecting there to be mindset practices in this book so that was a nice surprise (and honestly, it make SO MUCH SENSE because your style is an outward expression of your inner world).
Ryan and I read the book together (s’cute), and we worked through Allison’s A/B closet editing system before moving on to the three-word method. That’s where I got stuck—because the clothes staring back at me reflected a particular era of my style, but my style has gone through several defining eras (some drastically different). So, I decided to apply my Mine Your Own Data method and look back first.
Gather the Data.
Mine it.
Connect the Dots uncovering patterns and themes.
As a creative, self-expression has always been at the core of how I navigate change. And through this process, I uncovered something so interesting—a groundbreaking pattern: it happens in a trifecta. My style, my home, and my digital world have all gone through distinct eras, each mirroring major life transitions.
Every significant move I’ve made—whether it was leaving a small town for the city, quitting my corporate job, or uprooting my life in pursuit of something bigger—has sparked a shift in how I present myself to the world. Each chapter has been marked by different aesthetic choices, almost like a subconscious reflection of my inner transformation.
Looking back, it’s wild to see how much my outward expression has been a direct response to what I was moving through at the time.
But when it came to my personal style, I always felt stuck. No matter how much I tried, I could never quite define it. After mining my own data, I finally realized why—there were some major patterns making it tricky.
For a long time, I wasn’t just juggling different aesthetics—I was juggling entirely separate wardrobes that barely overlapped.
What I wore to work.
What I actually felt most confident and comfortable in.
And this other version of me, dressed for nights out at the bar or trips back home to visit friends in the country.
Each one felt like a piece of me, but none of them fully captured me as a whole. And honestly? That disconnect made it impossible to pin down my personal style.
And the more I reflect, the more I see—this wasn’t just about clothes. It was a pattern that transcended eras, spaces, and relationships. I was compartmentalizing different versions of myself for different people, subconsciously curating who I allowed to see what.
The most shocking part? I had never noticed it before. I gathered a few major insights so far:
FREEDOM + LIBERATION = PEAK STYLE ⚡️
Every time I’ve gone through a major transition—leaving my small town, quitting a job, getting out of a relationship—my style has flourished. When I feel liberated, my most authentic self emerges. No rules. No noise. Just me trusting me. (And this is VERY interesting because while yes, these were partially circumstantial- the bigger connection I’ve drawn is that they were also MINDSET SHIFTS.)
MY STYLE GETS STUCK WHEN I’M “PERFORMING” (AND THAT BURNS ME TF OUT)
My biggest ruts? When I’ve doubted myself. Outsourced my style. When I’ve been dressing for the role instead of dressing for me—whether it was corporate office wear, feeling small in a relationship, or worrying too much about perception. I’ve morphed my aesthetic based on my environment a number of times, reflecting what I thought was expected of me. (Read that again.. what I THOUGHT was expected of me….it’s all mindset work y’all.)
STYLE = SELF-TRUST
The moments I’ve felt most alive in my body? The boldest? The most confident? It was when I trusted my own ideas. When I trusted myself.
That’s when I’ve taken the biggest creative risks, worn clothes that made me feel powerful or cool, and embraced pieces that actually felt like me.
Style isn’t just about clothes—it’s a reflection of our self concept. Like a mirror reflecting how we see ourselves, what we believe we deserve, and how we want to move through the world.
SELF EXPRESSION IS A CORE VALUE
My style isn’t just about clothes—it’s an extension of my identity, mindset and energy. I use style as a way to explore new versions of myself, try on different aesthetics and mirror my internal growth outward.
A BALANCING ACT: FEMININE AND MASCULINE
Even in my most boho or vintage phases, there’s always been a touch of edginess, structure or tomboy energy in my looks.
STYLE IS A CREATIVE OUTLET
My best style eras coincided with times of creative expansion, launching my vintage shop, blogging or designing. The process of thrifting DIYing and curating as been as much a part of my style as the final outfits- and vintage has played a major role in every era.
So let’s get into the data, shall we?
I started by gathering the data- digging into the trenches of my Instagram archives, Facebook albums and Google images to start to create visual mood boards of each defining era. Honestly I really enjoyed this process and it’s also helped me cultivate a bit more self compassion. As a recovering perfectionist I’ve spent a lot of my life feeling “not good enough”.. and looking back can sometimes offer a completely different viewpoint.
MY PERSONAL ERAS TOUR:
My Early 20’s : The Festival Era (Age 21-24)
My early 20’s win for the most FUN era. I had just moved from my tiny hometown to Toronto and it felt like complete liberation. A new city. A new life. I could be anyone. I could dress however I wanted, and I did. I wore whatever the fck* I wanted and I loved it.
Diplo, VELD, Porter Robinson, Skrillex, WEMF.. the EDM scene was absolutely popping off and I was raving at every show.
My style was wild.
I was making my own cut off shorts and studded vests, I went through an entire “galaxy” era where I was painting combat boots with galaxy paint. I was tye dying, thrifting, dancing on tables. I wore my Jeffrey Campbells and American Apparel disco pants religiously. I loved studs and spikes, camo print, blackmilk tights.. I had a studded leg brace I loved wearing. My favorite accessory was a Jagermeister snapback. One of my fav combo fits was my eagle cut off shirt with a cool bra, knee high socks, spiked JC’s and a studded purse.
THESE were the outfits that made me feel most alive..
From Chat GPT:
This style embodies a bold, edgy, and playful aesthetic reminiscent of early 2010s Tumblr and festival fashion. It features a mix of grunge, boho, and rocker influences, with high-waisted shorts, knee-high socks, graphic tees, cropped tops, oversized sunglasses, and statement accessories. The outfits incorporate elements like leopard print, leather, ripped denim, layered jewelry, and bold patterns, giving off a carefree, rebellious vibe. Hair is often styled in loose waves, with beanies, headbands, or braids adding a casual yet styled touch. The overall look feels expressive, confident, and rooted in music-festival-inspired culture.
Three Words:
Edgy, Playful, Rebellious
My Mid 20’s : Corporate Girlie/Blogger Era (Age 24-27)
And then, I got my first “big girl job”. Enter dress pants, heels, blazers, blouses, and the occasional summer dress—an entirely separate wardrobe with one purpose: to be work clothes. These outfits never saw the light of day past 5 PM.
During this era, I was working at Leon’s, and let me tell you—I was committed to being on brand. My entire wardrobe was yellow for years LOL. Hello yellow core. I would say I definitely had a bit more fun with my outfits when I was leaving the office to do work things not at the office, but at the office it was strictly biz and was a lot of uncomfortable dress pants and blouses.
Looking back, it’s wild to see how much I shaped myself to fit the environment I was in. I do distinctly remember I was terrified to get my nose pierced. I wanted it done so bad but I was so afraid of what my coworkers would think. (Andddd once again, that was self imposed. I got the guts to do it spontaneously before a photography class I was taking and literally nobody even noticed lol)
From Chat GPT:
This style is polished, warm, and expressive, combining classic silhouettes with vibrant colors and playful textures. The dominant use of mustard yellow, deep greens, and neutral tones creates a signature, cohesive aesthetic. Statement pieces like bold blouses, structured outerwear, pleated skirts, and wide-brim hats add a touch of sophistication, while soft curls and red lips enhance the overall feminine and confident vibe. The mix of casual and elevated looks, featuring cozy knits, tailored pieces, and delicate lace, strikes a balance between approachable and refined.
Three Words:
Polished, Warm, Expressive
This was around the official launch of Instagram, and when I wasn’t at work, I was starting to build my personal brand. I was still raving—but not as much—and shifting my focus toward blogging. I was writing for Apartment Therapy and Porter Airlines jet setting to different hotels in Canada and my blog was primarily focused on sharing great design, travel, and creativity. (hmm haha).
Because I was working a well-known corporate job, my style toned down quite a bit and took on a more feminine form. Less cut off shorts, more boho floor length dresses, kimonos and overalls. I had a Dusen Dusen dress I got from Easy Tiger Goods that was def one of my fav pieces. My signature look was a long yellow jacket from Zara paired with a wide brimmed hat (I had a few). I had a pair of chunky mustard yellow heels that were my go-to, a long floral kimono and my splurge piece was my Cleobella floor length dress that I bought because Bri Emery had it in pink. I was thrifting loads of blazers and jackets (loved a good fur coat), and I swapped my spiked Jeffrey Campbells for a pair of studded Chloe knockoff boots that I wore into the ground, so much so that I actually took them to a cobbler and had the soles redone.
From Chat GPT:
This style is bohemian, bold, and eclectic, blending vintage-inspired pieces with modern, fashion-forward elements. It features rich textures, earthy tones, and statement accessories, including wide-brim hats, oversized coats, and flowing dresses. The mix of structured and free-flowing silhouettes, paired with striking colors like mustard yellow, deep greens, and warm neutrals, creates a visually dynamic aesthetic. Layering is key, with cozy outerwear, scarves, and mixed prints adding depth. The overall vibe is artistic, confident, and effortlessly chic, exuding a sense of individuality and adventure.
Three Words:
Eclectic, Bohemian, Bold
My Late 20’s : Make Moves/Blogger CORE Era (Age 27-30)
After the Leon’s Era, another revolutionary shift happened—I moved downtown and opened my vintage shop, Make Moves Vintage. I moved from a shitty basement apartment into an absolutely stunning Victorian main floor- that I immediately dubbed #OurBadassMainFloor with my signature mascot Jackson at the helm.
This was peak blogger era—the golden age of the perfectly curated Instagram grid, flat lays, and taking photos at Oretta. I was thrifting left, right, and center for my apartment, uncovering Parisian treasures like a gilded brass headboard and an Art Deco chandelier. Naturally, my personal style followed suit. I was collaborating with loads of brands, decorating my apartment and reupholstering, everything. At any given time I would have a handful of chandelier crystals in my pockets.
This was my vintage-meets-Parisian-chic era—structured blazers, delicate lace, retro silhouettes, and an endless rotation of thrifted gems. I had a tiered polka dot dress that I LOVED, I also had a couple blouses with big bows on the front. I had a matching Cher Horotiwitz -esque plaid skirt and blazer combo (that I still have and still love).. and my major splurge outfits were dresses I probably literally wore one time like the heart two piece set from Lirika Matoshi or the satin pink floral dress from For Love and Lemons.
It’s funny—I’m making these mood boards based on what I shared, and honestly, a lot of those outfits were just for the gram. No way was I sourcing vintage or writing at home in a floor-length striped dress. I curated an aesthetic outward style, but in reality, I was working in grubby pajama pants and outsourcing in Lulus (some things never change.. lol). My style was a creative outlet, but it wasn’t practical for how I actually lived.
Chat GPT:
This style is whimsical, vintage-inspired, and feminine, blending classic silhouettes with playful, retro elements. It features a mix of structured and flowy pieces, from tailored coats and fitted dresses to ruffled skirts and wide-leg pants. The color palette leans towards warm yellows, soft pinks, and neutrals, often paired with bold patterns like polka dots and stripes. Accessories such as berets, headbands, oversized sunglasses, and straw hats enhance the nostalgic, European-inspired aesthetic. The overall look is charming, elegant, and effortlessly playful, exuding confidence with a touch of storytelling.
Three Words:
Whimsical, Vintage, Feminine
Single Era 1.0 75 Slow Era (Age 31)
Enter: My Single Era.
Doing this exercise was honestly therapeutic because this was, without a doubt, my biggest era for self-development.
And when I asked ChatGPT to define my style in three words, it gave me: Sporty, Edgy, and Playful.
Two of those words—Edgy and Playful—were the same defining words from when I first moved to the city. And reading that felt like a homecoming.
After years of ebbing and flowing, shapeshifting, and following all these unspoken rules, for the first time in my adult life, I was completely on my own.
No boss.
No boyfriend.
Just me.
And my self-expression became the ultimate full-circle moment—not about fitting into a box, but about returning to myself. Writing my own permission slip.
It was peak COVID so I wasn’t going anywhere so my style finally started to evolve into something a bit more practical.
This was the year I did the 75 hard challenge and we all know the mega impact that had on me (it changed my entire life).. For the first time ever, I spent 75 days consistently working on myself. My mindset, my body, my health and nutrition. My body changed before my eyes, for the first time in a long time I could SEE all of my efforts, it was a surge of confidence and feeling incredible in my body meant I wanted to be SEEN. I wanted to wear clothes, play with makeup, express myself. I starrted shuffling, I was was using social media as a creative outlet- showing up fully as myself, connecting to my audience, sharing my story. Looking back it was such an interesting time, so much pain contrasted by so much beauty. Loneliness contrasted by empowerment. So much self discovery and growth. This is when my track suit era started (and it hasn’t stopped, I loveeee mee a good matching set haha). My fav set was a green two piece with a big traditional style tattoo panther on the leg from Indestructible. I got my first pair of Nike Blazers (thanks Barry!). and a pair of Doc Martens (if you haven’t gathered yet, I f*cking love shoes lol).. I was wearing vintage bomber jackets, checkered yellow pants, an iron maiden t-shirt and ripped jeans. I think this was the first time I really started to mesh my feminine and masculine styles together. I was getting more tattoos, wearing tonnes of matching workout fits and playing with hair styles (this was a major space bun era).
From Chat GPT:
This style is sporty, edgy, and playful, blending athleisure with bold, fashion-forward elements. It features fitted activewear sets, plaid prints, chunky boots, oversized outerwear, and cropped tops, creating a mix of comfort and attitude. The color palette includes earthy neutrals, soft pastels, and vibrant greens, adding contrast to the look. Accessories like statement sunglasses, gold jewelry, and claw clips give off a cool, effortless energy. The overall vibe is confident, dynamic, and unapologetically expressive, with a mix of streetwear and retro influences.
Three Words:
Sporty, Edgy, Playful
Lost Beige Girl Era (Age 31-32)
And then, I lost myself. Oups.
I recently read a quote that said:
"Never date an insecure man because they will steal your confidence."
Now, I’m not here to place blame on anyone else—but the truth is, I did lose myself for almost an entire year. I sublet my apartment to save some money (becoming single and all the suddenly DOUBLING your rent can really knock you down. When I met my boyfriend at the time, I was definitely in a financial bind and he offered to let me move in with him a few blocks over for a few months to save a bit of money.)
SO I packed up and moved into a basic King Street Condo with my 24 year old boyfriend (LOL DON’T GET ME STARTED) and his ROOMMATE who loved to smoke on the balcony and play COD in the living room full blast. He didn’t love doing dishes so he would do what any adult would do and drink from red solo cups on an everyday basis.
It was a temporary solution so I put on headphones and worked away in the shared living room space, and I just felt all parts of me start fading away. I stopped thrifting. I started shopping at Aritzia. (Great way to save money LOL).. We loved eating pizzas …rolls eyes.. so I quickly got comfy and saw all my hard work from the first 75 challenge turn into pizza dough which also contributed to my dip in confidence. I had no space, no privacy, a tiny cramped little shared closet.. and he was vegan. (LOL I’M SO SORRY GUYS BUT NO).
I basically stopped posting on Instagram during this time because I didn’t feel comfortable talking on video in front of anyone (I am still weird about this lol).. I threw myself into work and my style took a backseat. I did have two purchases from this era that I loved, and it was my brown checkered vans and a green one piece jumpsuit from Free People that I got for an interior design reveal photoshoot.
I felt completely stifled in my personal style, and honestly? Looking back at photos from this era is depressing.
And I felt like a shell of myself.
It’s wild how easy it is to shrink, to soften the edges of who you are, when you’re in a space that doesn’t fully celebrate your fullest expression.
But the best part about losing yourself? You get to find your way back.
From ChatGPT:
This style is minimal, effortless, and refined, featuring neutral tones, clean silhouettes, and timeless staples. It blends casual and elevated elements, such as oversized blazers, structured outerwear, knitwear, and relaxed tailoring. The color palette leans into warm neutrals, soft whites, earthy greens, and classic blacks, creating a cohesive and understated aesthetic. Accessories like wide-brim hats, delicate jewelry, and sleek hairstyles add a polished touch. The overall vibe is sophisticated yet laid-back, embodying an effortlessly chic and modern approach to fashion.
Three Words:
Minimal, Effortless, Refined
Welcome to My Favorite Style Era: Single 2.0 32-33
One of the WILDEST parts about this? Some of the photos from my lost sad girl era to this one were taken ONE FUCKING WEEK APART. I left that relationship, got some lip filler (that my ex boyfriend strongly opposed—HA) and pulled my shit together.
A real THERE SHE IS moment.
BABY, I CAME BACK WITH A VENGEANCE. TOTAL LIBERATION.
This is the most aligned I’ve ever felt with my personal style. I ended up doing the 75 hard challenge again and I felt SMOKIN’ hot. I was prioritizing my fitness, feeling like an absolute babe in my body, and going balls to the walls with style.
I was thrifting again, experimenting with accessories— rocking baseball caps, switching up my hairstyles, playing with makeup. I was dating, dancing, and designing a hotel. Life was GOOD.
I felt confident, badass, and I wanted to be seen.
This era wasn’t just about clothes—it was about stepping back into myself.
And of COURSE when you feel incredible about who you are and how you’re showing up, you become MAGNETIC. This is the era that I found the love of my life, when I was showing up as thee most fully expressed version of myself.
From Chat GPT:
This style is sporty, nostalgic, and laid-back, drawing heavy influence from early 2000s and vintage athletic aesthetics. It features a mix of streetwear and prep, incorporating varsity jackets, cargo pants, cropped tops, oversized sweatshirts, and baseball caps. The color palette leans into earth tones, bold reds, deep blues, and neutral blacks and whites, creating a cohesive and effortlessly cool look. The use of camo print, retro sports branding, and utilitarian details gives off a tomboyish, confident energy. Accessories like bandanas, sneakers, and layered gold jewelry add to the playful yet edgy vibe.
Three Words:
Sporty, Nostalgic, Laid-Back
Lover Girl Era: 33-Now :)
And that brings us to now. :)
My style over the last few years feels a lot like my single 2.0 era.
Lots of bomber jackets, loads of athleisure, but now with more COLOUR (more on that in the next post).. My favourite clothes right now are my graphic Oddly Specific Dickies, my studded Kooples belt, my green Sukajan jacket, and my two types of Doc Martens. I wear a lot of cargo and camo pants, baggy jeans and looooots of matching sweat suits. In winter that is basically my complete uniform.
Lately, I’ve been in a bit of a style rut—for a few reasons. Pivoting careers comes with an inevitable dip in income, and without a budget for my next evolution, I’ve felt a bit stifled (but also motivated to double down on what I have and stop making excuses).
A year ago, I removed my IUD and experienced some unexpected weight gain which has also been frustrating. My fitness and nutrition haven’t changed much, so I’ve been doing all kinds of tests to figure out what’s going on hormonally/ trying to figure out the right routines to support my bod.
On the style front, last Spring I leaned into color analysis and will be sharing more about that soon. (it’s been a GAME CHANGER).. I also dyed my hair copper last year and went through several red shades to find the right shade—now debating how I want to re-emerge this Spring. (Low key kinda miss the blonde, but maybe go more of a buttery blonde??)
I spend a lot of time working from home and I haven’t ever put any effort into my at home wardrobe so it currently looks like a lot of Ryan’s t-shirts, pajama pants, lulu lemons. My goal this year is to start creating some “at home” uniforms so I can feel like myself even when I’m just working at a laptop.
From Chat GPT:
This style is bold, experimental, and street-chic, merging edgy streetwear with eclectic, retro-inspired elements. It features a mix of structured and relaxed silhouettes, including varsity jackets, statement pants with graphic prints, mesh layering, and cropped tops. The color palette balances neutrals with pops of bold hues, like vibrant reds and deep blues. Playful textures, mixed prints, and statement accessories (like beanies, chunky boots, and sunglasses) add a fearless, fashion-forward energy. The overall vibe is expressive, confident, and rooted in both athletic and artistic subcultures.
Three Words:
Bold, Experimental, Street-Chic
Three Words That Embody Your Style Now
Based on your most recent style and the throughlines across your eras, your current aesthetic can be summed up as:
1. Bold → You make strong fashion choices and gravitate toward standout pieces, even when casual.
2. Experimental → You mix styles, play with proportions, and lean into statement accessories.
3. Street-Chic → You’ve mastered a blend of athleisure, vintage, and elevated streetwear, making comfort look effortlessly cool.
Wow- I hope you had as much fun revisiting the eras as I did. What a wild ride that was. I think moving into Spring I reeallllly want to dive deeper into colour analysis (I have a whole post coming up on that).. I want to be more experimental with makeup and hair, and I think I want to bridge the gap between feminine and masculine a bit more by introducing some more femme combinations. Stay tuned for more on my style evolution, and I am curious- what are your three words? Let me know below!
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