Developing a personal style doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and consideration, but it starts with the image that you want to convey to others. Some may call it your “brand”. Feel free to be as creative as you want and not be boxed into a particular category such as “boho”, “preppy”, “athleisure”, or “street style”. You may be a fusion of styles or have more than one style, depending on the occasion. Once you’ve decided on your brand, begin research on how to dress in a manner consistent with your ideal personal style. Talk to friends or family members whose style you may want to emulate or follow influencers with a similar fashion sensibility. Consider hiring an online or in-person stylist to offer wardrobe suggestions. Personal style includes not only the kind of clothing you wear but also your preferred color palette. The colors you wear can say a lot about you and can help you to stand out (or not), depending on the message that you want to convey.

As defined by Dawnn Karen in her book Dress Your Best Life, mood illustration dress is “Dressing in a way that expresses and perpetuates your current emotional state”. Feeling extra energized that it’s a beautiful sunny day? Put on your favorite dress!

Also as defined in Dress Your Best Life, mood enhancement dress is “Dressing to modify your mood for the better. Doing so optimizes or elevates your current emotional state”. In other words, “Fake it ‘til you make it”. Choose an article of clothing or outfit that makes you feel good. As an example, I dress for comfort first and foremost during the week while I working from home (though this doesn't have to mean sacrificing style). But when I'm out on the weekends, even if I'm just running errands, I take the time to put a cute colorful outfit together that makes me feel feel pretty and confident. For you, “dopamine dressing” as it is also called, may mean putting on your favorite cozy sweater, your “power suit” or that sexy pair of snakeskin heels. To put it simply, wear what makes you happy.