There is always going to be that 'go -to' trend that everyone wants to get their hands on as soon as it comes out. While it is fun to keep up with the ever evolving trends of fashion, it is also important to stay true to your personal style. I'll admit, some trends I just completely skipped over because I knew they just wouldn't look good on me or I wouldn't feel good wearing them. It's important to express yourself with your clothing and finding your own particular sense of style. Find out what you like and dislike. Why do I say this? Because it is almost impossible to feel like you look good if you are wearing something that you don't feel comfortable in, whether it's a trend or not.  So how do you develop your own personal style?  First, find out what you like and dislike and make a list. For example, I am not a big fan of cropped flow-y 80's inspired shirts right now. I don't think they look good on me. They seem to cut me off at the waist. And because I am short, this makes me appear even shorter!However, I am a fan of shirts with any type of rouching. They help hide that last 10lbs of pregnancy weight I just can seem to shed!Understanding your own sense of style will help you when it comes time to shop and you can then begin to cultivate a beautiful collection of clothes that not only will you love, but you will feel good in all while expressing your personality and that flatter you! This is what true style is all about.  Second, don't forget to mix up your clothing! Wearing an entire outfit you saw off the mannequin at the department store only makes you well, look like you stole the mannequins' look!IT is important to remember to mix up your clothing. Wear something you have had around for year such as your favorite pair of jeans with a new top. Borrow some jewelry from a friend to really make your outfit unique or go thrifting to find some key pieces you won't be finding in any department store. (Hey- this is a great way to save money too. Win- win)  You know the saying, "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue when tying the knot?" Well omit the blue and keep this saying in the back of your mind when getting dressed in the morning. That is, unless you love the color blue, then you can use that as your signature piece....which brings me to my next tip. Thirdly, A "signature piece" is something that you wear often or an aesthetic you are known for. Consider it your "style Trademark". This isn't something that should be forced. Usually your signature piece chooses you because it is something you really love and like to wear all the time.  For example, I would say my style trademark is wearing only jewelry that I make (with a few exceptions when I wear some of my grandmothers vintage pieces...which often get mistaken for jewelry I created anyway!)   Next up when developing your personal style, determine your clothing color palette. What colors do you feel most comfortable in? Often times we don't even notice before you realize you have 20 black shirts hanging in your closet next to two brighter shirts, that you probably y haven't even worn recently. So if you are one of those who I tend to wear only one color, try to break away from that cycle and start small by purchasing something in a another deep shade.  Another thing to consider is knowing what colors flatters your skin, eyes and hair color.You can then use these colors as a guide when shopping. You will notice most fashion forward women have a select color palette that they stick too and that is probably based off a combination of what colors they like and feel most comfortable in and what colors they look good in.  Buy clothing with your body shape in mind.Remember when I wrote last week that it would be a good idea to say bye-bye to all the clothes that don't fit  that are only taking up precious room in your closet? That sort of reminded me of this step in developing your personal style. Don't buy clothes that aren't going to flatter the body type or that you aren't going to be able to wear this very moment.  Honestly, I struggled with this for a long time. I was so used to sporting a size one pants and being able to wear practically anything. But Thanks to my baby boy, all that has changed! This is just reality and for most of us women, we tend to hold on to our clothing that is too small or no longer flattering. Let go. Just let go and give it to someone who can use it. I told you, I seriously struggled in parting with my super tiny jeans, but it was for the best.  What I am trying to say out of this is, dress for your current body type. Knowing how to highlight your best features can take your look from just okay to simply stunning!    Make sure to check back tomorrow for Part 2 of developing your own personal style right here on the cincysavers.com blog.