What does personal style really mean these days, and how do you know when you’ve actually found it? Maybe it's not about the clothes we put on, but the stories those clothes tell about us to the world. For some of us, it’s a uniform honed over years of trial and error; for others, it’s a daily experiment, a shifting mirror of mood, inspiration and Depop deep dives. To explore how personal style takes shape, we tapped some of the top voices fashion—designers, editors, stylists, and photographers—whose closets feel as recognizable and distinctive as the work they put out.
We asked each of them three deceptively-simple questions: How did you find your personal style? What’s the one item in your closet that you'll never give up? And what advice would you give to someone still searching for their own style identity? Their answers are thought-provoking, humorous, and (we hope) helpful, proving that there's no equation or formula for good style, but just one common thread: embracing all the contradictions and quirks that make you, you.
Tish Weinstock
Gia Kuan
Tish Weinstock, Writer
Fill in the blank: My style is _______meets _______.
"My style is Morticia Addams meets Miss Havisham."
What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out their personal style?
"Lean into the weirdness."
Gia Kuan, Publicist
How would you describe your personal style in one word?
"Mercurial."
What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out their personal style?
"Don’t try to lock it down too fast. Wear what makes you curious or what makes you smile when you catch yourself in the mirror. Start with comfort, add a detail that feels a little offbeat or unexpected, and let your style change with your moods—it doesn’t have to be consistent to be true to you."
Genesis Webb, Stylist
What’s the most-worn item in your closet right now?
My Yohji Yamamoto black tank top. I think it’s from 2003-2006.
What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out their personal style?
Go to Goodwill and try on everything. Learn the fit of clothing on your own body and take account of what colors and cuts make you feel the most yourself.
Myles Loftin, Photographer
What’s the most-worn item in your closet right now?
My gray baggy jorts. I love them because they pair well with a lot of the items in my closet.
What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out their personal style?
Try a bunch of things and see what works with your body type.
Amrit Tietz, DJ
What’s the most-worn item in your closet right now?
My Comme Si shirts. The cut is just right (a slightly oversized, tailored silhouette that feels almost vintage).
What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out their personal style?
Put together a visual board that gets you excited to get dressed. I also have a running note on my phone of outfit combos I like, so whenever I feel like I'm in a rush, I can pull that up.
Jess Cheng, Creator
How would you describe your style?
My style is ‘90s minimalism meets Adam Sandler.
What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out their personal style?
Establish a few silhouettes that resonate with you and turn them into your go-to outfit formulas. It might also be helpful to curate a color palette to keep everything cohesive and easy to mix and match. Also, don’t be afraid to try something unexpected once in a while if you feel like it. After all, it’s just clothes!
Dylan Kelly, Editor
What’s the most-worn item in your closet right now?
My distressed NO/FAITH jeans. They have just enough oomph to make everything click.
What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out their personal style?
Don’t let others make the choice for you.
Renata Kats, Creator
What’s the most-worn item in your closet right now?
The new Gimaguas Bailarina Wedges! They give me that little extra height and confidence while still being so comfortable.
What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out their personal style?
Think of it like directing your own film. You’re trying on roles and moods until something feels authentic...or maybe it doesn’t for a while, and that’s fine. But the moment you feel taller, more in character—hold onto it!
Jen Azoulay, Vintage Showroom Owner
What’s the most-worn item in your closet right now?
My vintage Thierry Mugler blazer. I love the structure, the cut, and the history behind it. It embodies everything I admire about timeless design.
What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out their personal style?
I’d say don’t get caught up in chasing trends. Style should feel personal, not forced. Pay attention to what flatters your body and what works for your lifestyle, because the pieces you actually live in are the ones that will define your look.
Neada Deters, Creative Director
What’s the most-worn item in your closet right now?
A slouchy brown suede bag from The Row. It fits my entire life and seems to style well with everything—and brown suede always feels so appropriate for fall.
What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out their personal style?
Exposure informs taste. If you're just starting to explore your personal style, I recommend starting with vintage, as it helps to keep you away from trends.
Sophia Wilson, Photographer
Fill in the blank: My style is ___meets ___.
My style is preppy meets psychotic.
What’s the most-worn item in your closet right now?
This black vintage Burberry polo with a cap sleeve. The fit is to die for, and it goes with everything.
Jess Xu, Creator
What’s the most-worn item in your closet right now?
Hands down, my Giaborghini Ninette Boots in Sand Suede. They instantly elevate anything I put on.
What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out their personal style?
Just let your inner child have fun and play! Try on things that make you curious, experiment without pressure, and pay attention to what makes you feel the most you.
Laura Jung, Creator
Fill in the blank: My style is ___meets ___.
My style is downtown girl drinking a glass of chilled red wine at 2 PM on a Tuesday meets farmhouse girl in a lace apron.
What’s the most-worn item in your closet right now?
The Row ballet flats. It looks good with everything and makes me feel put together, and I can still walk a mile in them.
Erika Veurink, Writer
What’s the most-worn item in your closet right now?
I’m always in one of my custom button-ups from Ascot Chang.
What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out their personal style?
Experiment and also be okay with repeating what works.
Gabriella Khalil, Creative Director
What’s the most-worn item in your closet right now?
My Alaia black barrel jeans. The style of these jeans is so flattering. I wear them constantly!
What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out their personal style?
Be intentional about what you buy. Typically, when I do this, the pieces I purchase end up being important, long-lasting staples to my wardrobe.
Tilda Mace, Makeup Artist
Fill in the blank: My style is ___meets ___.
My style is teenage boy meets fun auntie meets stripper.
What’s the most-worn item in your closet right now?
My Vibram FiveFingers. I’m obsessed with my Five toes and their little coffins for each toe.
Maahleek, Hairstylist
How would you describe your personal style in one word?
Esoteric.
What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out their personal style?
Never look in place for inspiration. Consume a variety of things that interest you and see how you can “freak it,” as I say.
Tiffany Reid, Fashion Executive
What’s the most-worn item in your closet right now and why?
My Tory Burch Patos Mesh Flats with the silver toe ring. In this period of my life, I’m balancing building a brand, entrepreneurship, and being a mom, and these flats have been very kind to me lately.
What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out their personal style?
Do what works best for your body type. Always!
Taylor Quitara, Creator
What’s the most-worn item in your closet right now?
My Balenciaga Motorcycle City Bag in the color "Dark Knight". This bag has aura. When I wear my massive sleep shirt and loafers to run across the street (because I'm out of oat milk again), somehow this bag makes me feel chic. It's also a black hole and fits everything.
What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out their personal style?
Thrifting is the best way to discover what makes you excited in fashion. You're purely shopping off instinct rather than what's curated for you at a store. So when you're intrigued by the item off the rack—it's about the joy it brings you first, the label second.
Yaminah Mayo, Writer
What’s the most-worn item in your closet right now?
It’s a toss-up between my Miista Serena loafers and my Mansur Gavriel Tulipano bag.
What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out their personal style?
Style is a byproduct of trial and error, as well as self-knowledge. The more you come into your own, the better your style will be. Style also occurs in phases. The things that resonate today may not resonate in seven to 10 years. Don’t be afraid to cycle items in and out of your closet.
