Curating a personal look and an interesting personality are among the most enriching self-care methods. This is not about becoming someone phony but instead finding what you truly like, what clothes and looks fit you and what sort of person you want to be as you move through the world.
There are many ways to cultivate a look and personality. Buying a few luxury watches or finely tailored clothes is a good start, but it is only the beginning. Cultivating a real, authentic look and personality takes self-reflection and work, but it is well worth it.
Living your life as the best version of yourself will make you happier and more fulfilled and help you surround yourself with people who speak to who you truly are. Take inspiration from the following six tips to start cultivating your look and personality right now.
1. Define Your Interests
Defining your interests is one of the best starting places on the journey toward a cultivated look and personality. Most people already have things that interest them and styles that appeal to their aesthetic senses.
One good way to begin the process is to imagine having a huge bank account and unlimited free time. How would you fill the hours of the day, and what sort of style would you wear? Jot down your ideas in a notebook or on your phone or computer so you can revisit them when needed.
Allowing your mind to ponder these questions helps you remove limiting beliefs and zero in on what you want. Even if your aspirations are a bit lofty, you can break them down into manageable steps to achieve your desired style and personality end goal.
2. Find Some Style Inspirations
A great way to curate a look and personality is to find inspiration. Over the years, thousands of celebrities, icons, thinkers and world-changers have cultivated styles and personalities that defined them and left an impact.
Some people might look to fashion icons like Coco Chanel, stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age like Humphrey Bogart or Clark Gable, musicians like Janice Joplin or Avant-garde thinkers and artists like Andy Warhol.
Mix and match styles from your favorite icons, take bits and pieces from different sources and adapt them to your own taste. Remember Einstein is claimed to have said, “The key to genius is hiding your sources,” so take his observation to heart when creating a new you.
3. Read Inspiring Books
It will be impossible to cultivate a personality without hitting the library. Read the greats of philosophy from Plato, Aristotle and Confucious. See how people throughout the ages have built a personality and style and apply their lessons to yourself.
You may only live once, but through books, you can cultivate the knowledge of thousands of lifetimes and fill your mind with the wisdom of some of the smartest people who have ever lived.
Consider the calm, determined wisdom of the stoics like Marcus Aurelius, the absurdism of Albert Camus, the happy detachment of Zhuangzi and the righteous determination of Gandhi. Take their philosophy, style and approach to the world and build yourself atop the giant pillar of wisdom they have prepared for you.
4. Experiment with Style
While books, magazines and style guides can point the way, one of the best practices to curate a look is to experiment. Try different ways of dressing — change your habits, hobbies and haircut. The only way you will find out what works for you is to try it and see how it goes.
This can be a daunting process, full of pitfalls and missteps, but it is all part of the learning process. The icons you emulate and the writers you read didn’t get everything right on day one either.
One key is to try as diverse a field of look and personality as possible. The broader your reach, the greater your depth of understanding will be. Perhaps there is some style or hobby that would fit you perfectly, from free diving to badminton, to wearing a suit and luxury Rolex watch on every occasion or never wearing closed shoes again. Try it all and learn along the way.
5. Try New Hobbies (And Dress the Part)
New hobbies help cultivate multiple aspects of your life, including your skills, social circle and personality. For example, joining a yoga class can elevate your cognitive and physical abilities and introduce you to new activity partners. Taking up leatherworking or craft brewing can give you an exciting hands-on hobby and a new group of friends.
Whatever hobby you try, it can also affect changes in your style. If you begin golfing or playing racquetball on the weekends, you may see others wearing high-dollar Hublot watches and purchase one for yourself. You’ll likely wear more athletic gear if you start hiking or rock climbing. Try new hobbies and incorporate their style elements into your wardrobe for a new look.
6. Experiment with Different Attitudes and Thoughts
Your personality is based on your attitude toward life. For example, if you view the world as full of opportunity and excitement, you’re more likely to exhibit fun personality traits, including openness, spontaneity and joy. If you take the attitude that your goals are achievable and within your reach, you’ll find it easier to set and attain your professional and personal objectives.
If you aren’t happy with your current attitude or worldview, try adopting the thoughts and behaviors of someone you admire. Emulate successful people or those who live the type of lifestyle you want for yourself. As you begin thinking differently, you’ll have a more cultivated personality.
Curate an Authentic Look and Personality
To curate an authentic look and personality, you need to explore different styles, attitudes, accessories and tastes. As you try out these different facets of yourself, you’ll find a new you in no time. Don’t be afraid to step into your true self and add new elements to your personality and wardrobe as you discover them.