Personal style is one of the most powerful forms of self-expression—and it doesn’t have to come with a complete wardrobe overhaul. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective, a little intention, and a few well-chosen pieces to bring your style back into alignment.
To celebrate personal style as something deeply individual (and ever-evolving), we’re giving one lucky reader a $100 Nordstrom e-gift card—because it’s one of our favorite places to thoughtfully curate our wardrobes. Whether you use it to invest in a wardrobe staple, experiment with a new silhouette, or finally add that accessory you’ve been eyeing, this giveaway is about supporting your personal style journey.
How to Enter
To enter the giveaway, you must:
Be subscribed to The Real Chic Life and leave a comment on this article telling us one wardrobe piece or accessory that makes you feel most like yourself. That’s it! A winner will be chosen randomly and announced on March 12, 2026. The winner will receive a Nordstrom e-gift card in the amount of $100. Thanks in advance for entering, we can’t wait to read about the pieces that you love most and that make you feel most like yourself!
Now let’s talk about how to personalize your style in a way that feels authentic, intentional, and timeless.
Start With Identity, Not Trends
Before you think about shopping or aesthetics, step back and ask:
How do I want to feel in my clothes? What parts of my life, background, or personality do I want my style to reflect? What do I reach for when I want to feel my best?
Your answers become the foundation of your style. Maybe it’s ease, confidence, femininity, creativity, polish, or effortlessness. Trends can come later, but identity comes first.
Define Your Personal Style Story
Think of your style as a story you’re telling without words. Often, the strongest inspiration comes from lived experience:
- A hometown or environment that shaped you
- A lifestyle you love or aspire to
- A season of life that changed how you dress
- A mix of cultures, travels, or family influences
For me, personal style is a way to honor where I come from as well as who I want to be. I love French style and try to incorporate elements of it in into my wardrobe. But I grew up in Virginia Beach, and the ocean was always part of the backdrop—salt air, soft light, worn-in textures, and that effortless coastal ease. Rather than leaning into obvious beachwear, this upcoming spring I’ll be weaving in coastal elements in a refined way like pearl jewelry as an everyday staple and special linen pieces.
When your style has a story, it automatically feels more personal and less performative.
Create Your Style Pillars
Style pillars are the consistent elements that show up again and again in your wardrobe. They bring cohesion and make getting dressed easier.
Consider defining:
Silhouettes: tailored, fluid, oversized, feminine, structured
Fabrics: linen, silk, denim, cotton, wool
Colors: a core neutral palette with a few signature shades
Details: jewelry style, shoe shapes, textures, patterns
When you know your pillars, shopping becomes more intentional—and impulse buys lose their appeal.
Build a Signature Look aka a Uniform (Without Feeling Repetitive)
Most stylish women repeat variations of the same outfits. And that’s not a flaw, it’s a strategy.
A signature look might be:
- A combination of two or three elevated basics that you use repeatedly
- A silhouette you love
- A specific jewelry style you always wear
- A color combination you’re known for
Repetition creates recognition. It’s how personal style becomes recognizable and effortless rather than scattered.
Use Accessories to Tell Your Story
Accessories are one of the most powerful tools for personalization. They’re where sentiment and symbolism can live.
Think:
- Jewelry that reflects your heritage, special memories, or a certain mood
- Shoes that ground your look in comfort or confidence
- Bags that feel timeless and practical for your life
A simple outfit becomes personal through intentional accessories—this is where individuality shines most.
Edit Ruthlessly (But Kindly)
Personal style isn’t just about what you add—it’s also about what you let go of.
Ask yourself:
Does this piece fit my current lifestyle? Do I feel like myself when I wear it?
Letting go of pieces that don’t align creates space for a wardrobe that truly supports you.
Allow Your Style to Evolve
Personal style isn’t static. It shifts with seasons, phases of life, and changing priorities—and that’s not a failure, it’s growth.
What matters is that your wardrobe continues to feel intentional, not reactive. Revisit your style pillars periodically and adjust them as needed.
Evolution doesn’t mean starting over—it means refining. And there is no moment where personal style is “finished.” It’s something you return to again and again, adjusting, editing, and deepening over time.
The goal isn’t perfection, it’s alignment.
When your clothes support who you are and how you live, getting dressed becomes easier, more joyful, and far more meaningful.
Xo, Courtney
Terms and conditions: This giveaway is open to legal residents of the United States who are 18 years of age or older as of the date of entry. This giveaway is sponsored by The Real Chic Life and is not affiliated in any way with Nordstrom. By participating, you agree to be fully unconditionally bound by these rules, and you represent and warrant that you meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, you agree to accept the decisions of The Real Chic Life as final and binding as it relates to the content of this giveaway. Entries will be accepted online starting January 27, 2026 and ending March 11, 2026 at 11:59pm. A winner will be chosen at random and announced in a blog post on March 12, 2026. The winner will receive an e-gift card in the amount of $100. The winner will have up to one week after the date of the announcement to claim the prize.
The Real Chic Life 
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