Finding my own personal style has been a game changer because I no longer  feel like I’m in a constant state of lack when it comes to my wardrobe. The days of feeling like “I have nothing to wear” are long gone. I’ve had so much fun finding my style and learning how to express myself through clothing, and I’m going to tell you how you can do the same.

Trend Purge

Fashion trends on social media can influence your mind into thinking you like something just because you keep seeing everyone else boast about it. The trick to finding your own style is to steer clear of any trends until you have defined your style. When you come across items that you like, ask yourself these questions to determine whether it’s you or the trend. 

• Can I see a past or future version of myself wearing this item?
• Do I want this item because I like the attention that others are getting from it online?
• Can I see myself wearing this for years to come?
• Do I want this because I want to fit in with my peers?

To avoid the influence of trends, focus on creating style mood boards for yourself rather than repeatedly checking in on the fashion influencers of TikTok and Instagram. 

Do a Closet Cleanout

Don’t throw out all your clothes, but do go through all of them. Try on everything and be really mindful of how each item makes you feel. Here are the criteria you should be looking for: 

• Are there certain silhouettes, cuts, or colors that make you feel the most confident? 
• If there’s any clothing that you haven’t reached for in over 6 months, it’s time to part ways with it. (unless saving for special events)
• Don’t hold onto items that you like the look of on the hanger, but not on your body 
• Is comfort a priority for you? If so, get rid of any clothes you’ve deemed too uncomfortable to wear.

There are so many clothing reselling apps and stores (Buffalo Exchange & Plato's Closet are the LOML) that you can use to even make some extra money from your closet clean-out! Once you’ve organized your clothes and donated/sold all of the unwanted clutter, it’ll be so much easier to distinguish the styles of clothing that you like. 

Make a Personal Pinterest Board

Go on Pinterest and create a “style” board that you can pull inspiration from. Think about the styles of clothing you felt the best in while going through your closet, and try to find similar items. Spend some time going through your style inspirations and finding outfits that you love. Once you’ve curated your board, this will give you a clear idea of what you should be looking for when you go shopping.

Focus on creating style mood boards for yourself rather than repeatedly checking in on the fashion influencers of TikTok and Instagram.

Go Shopping! (but don’t go overboard)

Look through your Pinterest board and find any staple pieces that are consistent in multiple photos you have saved. If that staple piece is not something you currently own, consider buying one that fits you well so you can recreate outfits you like. 

Buy Outfits, Not Individual Pieces

The biggest mistake you can make while shopping is to buy a bunch of random pieces that you like, without having anything to pair it with. This is why I recommend buying staple pieces first, and experiment with statement pieces later. While it’s less exciting to buy a pair of jeans than a cute going-out top, you’ll thank yourself in the long run. When you’re tempted to buy an item that is more of a statement piece, ask yourself if you already own something that you could pair with it to create an outfit. If you don’t, either buy something to wear with it, or avoid it altogether. 

Liquid IV

With today's technology, people are able to develop healthy drink powders that don't taste awful—this is not that product. However, the alternative is feeling like shit, so drink up!

No Shots After 1 a.m.

This one is more of a preemptive remedy. Cut yourself off before the next day and you will thank yourself.

Simply Do Not Day-drink

It's hot, you're sweating, not drinking water, and the alcohol is going to dehydrate you even further. The worst headache of your life will set in same-day! Non-alcoholic daytime option: TJ's Ginger Lemon Probiotic Sparking Beverage.

Now that you know what countries to flee to, it's time to get packing! These tips will help you make the most of your suitcase space.

Packing Cubes

Keep your bag organized and compress your clothes to fit your 24 pairs of underwear for a 4 day trip.

$50
cotopaxi.com

Laundry Bag

Keeping your dirty clothes separate from your clean ones just makes logical sense.

$17
cotopaxi.com

Portable Charger

—so you’re not stuck in a foreign country without Google Maps.

$54
getcasely.com

Steri Pod

Protect your toothbrush from germs?!

$6
getsteripod.com

Supergoop! Sunscreen Stick

It's not liquid so it can go in a carry on—there's also no risk for leaks!

$32
sephora.com

Mini Native Deodorant

A non-toxic option in mini form!

$3
nativecos.com

San Diego Zoo

Hermosa Surf

America is the greatest country in the world!* But sometimes it's good to have a list of back-up countries that offer things like basic healthcare without resulting in bankruptcy. 

Australia

The land down under; where white sandy beaches meet deadly jellyfish. The American to Australia pipeline is so real that I already have two friends moving there this year. Australia is one of the most accessible countries for Americans because the holiday working visa process is quite simple. To apply, you must be under 35, and have approximately $422 for the application. Once approved, the visa is good for at least a year, with an option to extend. If you choose to extend, you need to complete some mandatory “farm work” for 90 days in a remote area of Australia. This doesn't sound fun, but we might be better off in the outback with the spiders than under Trump’s reign.

Canada

Our friendly neighbors (might?) want to take us in with open arms. I don’t know much about Canada or anyone personally that has immigrated to Canada, but I do have two Canadian friends and they are really cool. Again, your easiest option here would probably be to apply for a graduate program, but you can also apply for a work visa. To apply for the work visa, go to the official Canadian Immigration and Refugee, Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. I assume assimilation would probably be the easiest in this case, but I am scared of the cold weather so this would be my last resort.

One of my favorite countries in the world, Viva la España! To live and work in Spain, there are a few options for Americans. The first and most accessible option is to teach English as an auxiliar de conversacion. This is a popular option because you are guaranteed a job for at least 10 months, but there is little freedom in terms of the region you're placed to work in, and the pay is low. Another option is to become a student at an English-speaking university in one of the major cities like Barcelona or Madrid—it wouldn't be your 20s without considering going to grad school. The last option is to apply for their “digital nomad visa.” Before applying, you must be working remotely or self-employed for at least 3 months prior to applying. You also must make at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage which equals approximately $3,180.54  USD monthly.