How to Find Your Back-to-School Personal Style, According to 6 Stylists

Back-to-school season isn’t just about new notebooks and schedules. It’s also the perfect time to redefine your look. Whether you’re heading to high school, a college campus, or into your first job, fashion can be a tool for self-expression and confidence.

Nikko Smith says, “Style isn’t about having the most clothes or following every trend—it’s about intention. When you know your body type, honor your style personality, and shop with a plan, getting dressed becomes easy and empowering. Your wardrobe should feel like a curated reflection of who you are.”

With TikTok, Instagram, and influencers dominating online perception, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle of what others are doing, which only pushes you further away from finding your own personal style in the long run. There are many things to factor in when on this journey, not just shopping and trend cycles.

Savannah Crosby says confidence is the most important factor when building out your closet. “So many people say, ‘I could never pull that off,’ but the truth is you can,” she says. “The outfit doesn’t wear you, you wear the outfit. Confidence is the best accessory.”

We spoke with six stylists about how to build a wardrobe that feels authentic to you, how to navigate trends, and which pieces are worth investing in. The journey to finding a personal style that feels true to you is possible with the right steps. Here’s their best advice:

Start Small

Jacob Nicholas says to start small and be resourceful. “A lot of trends trace back to simpler references you can recreate with what you already own or by thrifting. Comfort and budget matter more than hype—skip chasing every “it” item and find alternatives that fit your lifestyle.”

Keema Radway says it’s important to schedule “me time” to play in your closet. She suggests putting on music to try on pieces, and then taking mirror pics of what you like. “Create a personal album on your phone—it’s a low-pressure way to experiment.”