It’s normal to occasionally grow bored with seeing the same familiar clothes every single day. Even those lucky people who have been able to express their personal style consistently for years crave the opportunity to try something different and go wild every now and then. Being able to try a new style on for size is a great way to discover more about your own tastes – maybe you find out there’s a cut of denim that you never knew looked amazing on you, or that what you thought wouldn’t suit you is a new wardrobe staple. Take a look at some of these unique style ideas for inspiration on what to incorporate into your own look.
- Normcore
Normcore is a style trend that adds a hint of irony to the ordinary. Whereas other styles might strive for edginess or rebellion in some way, normcore does the exact opposite. Plain shapes and unimaginative patterns add up to create a firm normcore base. It’s about embracing normality rather than fighting for originality – ultimately leading to extreme ‘normal’ which can look quite bizarre.
- Grunge
The grunge look has been around for a few decades and sees a resurgence every now and then. Grunge is as much an attitude as it is a style. It emerged from the music genre of the same name and involves loose fits, slouchy fabrics and dull hues. Dark makeup looks often accompany the grunge aesthetic so try out a smokey-eye or dark lipstick to match your grungey apparel. You can often adapt your current wardrobe pieces to fit a grunge look since the style focuses on a lack of consumerism. Get creative with how you wear and style different pieces.
- Minimalism
Minimalism as a contemporary aesthetic involves clean, no-pattern fabrics and practical items of clothing. However, you don’t have to adhere to an all-black or white look to try out a minimalist style. Using what you already own, pare back your wardrobe to include only the items you wear the most. Minimalism is about possessing fewer pieces and reconfiguring them into a variety of outfits. You can learn how to start a minimalist wardrobe with a few staples such as a Lizard Trail belt or a multipurpose jacket.
- E-Girl or E-Boy
E-girls and e-boys are people with distinct styles arising from contemporary internet culture. Different internet platforms have their own spin on the e-girl or e-boy aesthetic. There’s plenty of room for personality and self-expression within this style, unlike normcore for example, but it is mainly characterized by its bold mix of patterns, dark and bright tones, and hyper-stylized hair and makeup looks. For inspiration, look to sites such as TikTok or Twitch.
- Maximalism
The opposite of minimalism, maximalism enjoys bursts of patterns and textures within a single outfit. The more the merrier in a maximalist wardrobe. Accessories, personal tastes and an abundance of color are welcome. It’s not so much about following a particular trend as it is about expressing yourself and spreading joy through sharing a wild outfit with the world.
- Classic
If your current wardrobe has a distinct style such as goth or rock chic, it can feel almost taboo to dip your toe into the realm of classic fashion. Neat, well-cut silhouettes and prim shapes characterize this style. Delicate patterns and fabrics are used rather than bold lines or colors. This style could also be known as preppy or traditional. While it might not appeal to the more adventurous stylists out there, it could offer a few worthwhile staples such as smart boots or a structured coat.
- Artsy
The artsy look is playful and creative. There is plenty space to explore and add your own touches within this look as it is less prescriptive than some of the others. Practical overalls and loud patterns with vibrant splashes of color make this style stand out. It concentrates on a mix of playfulness and practicality, with a big focus on self-expression.
- Athletic
If you’re into running or going to the gym, chances are you already own some stylish sportswear. If working out is your main passion, there’s nothing wrong with letting it take over your wardrobe. Sportswear is designed to be comfortable and performance-focused, so choosing something to wear should be easy.
Whatever words you might use to describe your current style, it’s always interesting to test yourself and try something new. Why not incorporate an element of a completely different style into your wardrobe to see if it sparks something exciting?