2026 marks over 10 years of posting my outfits online. In my early twenties, I never anticipated that it would become my career—it was just something I stumbled into during college as a creative outlet. From fashion blogging to TikTok-ing, sharing my personal style online gradually became a fixture in my life.
Looking back on this past year, there are a few practices that helped sharpen my styling point of view. Gone are my younger days of keeping up with trends. My style preferences now lean classic, well-fitted, and referential. In a world that often rewards sameness, I yearn for specificity and individuality. I believe that clothing is not just something you wear, but it’s an opinion, a conduit for the person you believe to be within yourself.
Moving into 2026, I want to double down on my originality—what story can my outfit tell that feels more authentically me? Ahead, I’m sharing the takeaways I’ve learned over the year to create a stronger sense of personal style in 2026.
(Image credit: Kathryn Zahorak)
(Image credit: Kathryn Zahorak)
Maje
Giroule Faux Fur Jacket
Levi’s
501 ’90s Women’s Jeans
Shop Your Own Closet
(Image credit: Kathryn Zahorak)
(Image credit: Kathryn Zahorak)
You bought it for a reason! If you don’t wear it, sell or donate it. I’m sure you have heard this advice before, but refining a style point of view requires edits. When I moved from NYC to L.A. seven months ago, I went through every garment I owned—anything I didn’t feel attached to, I got rid of. Now, when I look at my closet, there are only pieces that inspire me. Also, editing revealed the clothing gaps that I need to purchase.
There is nothing more chic than rewearing your pieces over and over again. I notice that when someone has a well-loved closet, outfit-repeating shows clarity. The wear-and-tear on my signature pieces (like my Levi’s, square-toe stiletto boots, and vintage leather jacket) adds a layer of history and character, which is why everyone idolizes the Olsens’ broken-in Birkins.
VINCE.
Lyocell and Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Pants
Reformation
Serenity Bare Sandal
The Row
Half Moon Leather Shoulder Bag
Put the Blinders On
(Image credit: Kathryn Zahorak)
(Image credit: Kathryn Zahorak)
Deliberately pause the content consumption. Take a break from Pinterest, shopping guides, and your favorite influencers. Look around in the real world to discover surprising tangents of inspiration. Whether it’s art, music, books, old films, or faraway destinations, style musings can come from unexpected places.
We are constantly bombarded with information on “how to dress.” I think some of the best-dressed people often run away from the standard sources of “looking cool.” They notice what fabrics, colors, and textures they naturally gravitate towards. Personally, I’m constantly grabbing delicate white cottons, high-quality denim, structured linens, and worn-in vintage leather. Specificity creates depth to your fashion choices.
Reformation
Ashton Two Piece
Reformation
Georgia Two Piece
Fit Over Everything
(Image credit: Kathryn Zahorak)
(Image credit: Kathryn Zahorak)
The fit of your clothes matters! Whether it’s skin tight or oversized, your confidence elevates when your wardrobe fits properly (whatever that means for you). Find a local tailor you trust (shout out to mine, Hamlet at Hillhurst Cleaners in Los Feliz!). From vintage to new finds, I have learned the power of getting pieces sewn for my body over the last few years, and every piece has been worth the investment! It becomes a no-fuss garment that I can rely on in my wardrobe.
Proportions were also a game-changer in unlocking my personal style preferences. When I was younger, I would copy outfits from other people, often finding that they didn’t translate to what I wanted. I learned the silhouettes on me that channel the essence I want to embody. Different proportions look different on everyone, and I find that very cool—the fit of your clothes can change the entire vision.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Slim Fit Denim Shirt
RE/DONE
Originals the Standard Jeans
Jeffrey Campbell
Spy-Kid Slide Sandal
Which style lesson will you bring into the new year? Let 2026 be a chapter for honing individuality, admiring the things we already own, and rediscovering the art of getting dressed.
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