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Finding Your Personal Style: A Jonathon Hawes Guide
Finding your personal style isn’t about copying someone else’s look—it’s about refining your own. Pay attention, experiment, and don’t be afraid to edit. And if all else fails, a well-fitted blazer and a great pair of shoes can take you a long way.

I’ll admit it: it took me a while to figure out my personal style. Not because I didn’t care, but because I just wasn’t paying attention. I’ve always liked clothes—but liking clothes and actually having a personal style are two very different things. One is about appreciation, the other is about intention. And that’s where most people get stuck.

The good news? Developing personal style isn’t some elusive art reserved for runway models and impossibly well-dressed Italians sipping espresso in Milan. It’s about paying attention to what you actually like, understanding what works for you, and refining from there. It’s about looking put together without looking like you tried too hard (because if you look like you tried, you probably did too much).

So, where to start?

Gravitate Toward What You Like

The simplest way to start defining your personal style is to take note of what you’re naturally drawn to. Not what’s trending. Not what some influencer insists you need. Just… what you like.

YouTube is a surprisingly great place for this. There are stylish people all over the platform, and you can learn a lot from them—everything from how to wear a blazer without looking like you’re going to prom to why a good tailor is more important than a good gym membership. Pay attention to the pieces you see that make you think, I could wear that. That’s a clue.

Wear What Suits You (Not Just What’s in Style)

The most stylish people in the world have one thing in common: they dress in a way that feels natural to them. There’s nothing worse than seeing a guy force himself into a trend that doesn’t suit him. If you’re not a “loud pattern” kind of guy, don’t force it. If you feel ridiculous in a turtleneck, skip it. Personal style isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about refining what makes you look and feel great.

Accessories: Keep It Simple

Call me old-fashioned, but I don’t wear anything other than a watch and my pinky ring. I’m just not a fan of bracelets on men. Or wide-brimmed hats. Or those chunky boots that look like they belong to a medieval knight. But that’s me. If you love a good beaded bracelet stack, don’t let me stop you. Just remember: less is always more.

Layering and accessorizing are great, but they should feel effortless. A watch that suits your wrist size, a pair of sunglasses that actually fit your face, a well-chosen belt—that’s all you need. Anything more and you start to veer into costume territory.

Footwear: Invest Wisely

I’m a loafer guy. Classic, timeless, easy to slip on and off. But whatever your preference, the key is to invest in a few high-quality pairs that can take you from day to night. A well-made loafer, a sleek sneaker, a polished lace-up for more formal occasions. Avoid overly trendy shoes that won’t age well—yes, I’m looking at you, platform sneakers.

Fit is Everything

You can have the most expensive, beautifully designed piece of clothing in the world, but if it doesn’t fit you properly, it will look terrible. Find a good tailor. Hem your trousers. Get your sleeves adjusted. The difference between wearing clothes and owning your style is all in the

Confidence: The Ultimate Style Hack

At the end of the day, the most important element of style is confidence. Clothes should never wear you. If you feel comfortable, you’ll look good. If you feel awkward, people will notice. So wear what makes you feel like the best version of yourself, and own it.

And for the Women…

The same rules apply! Pay attention to what you love, invest in timeless pieces, and avoid trends that don’t suit you. Find accessories that feel like you, not like a department store mannequin. And most importantly? A great tailor is your best friend.