Ever had that moment? You open your wardrobe, scan through everything, and realise it is full — yet somehow missing the things you actually feel like wearing. So, once again, you reach for the usual: jeans and a T-shirt.

And then there are those people — the ones who just seem to have that effortless way of putting things together, so it all looks natural and cool. As if they didn’t even try (which, of course, makes it even more impressive).

In moments like this, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking style is something you either have or you don’t. But that isn't quite true. Style isn’t a fixed gift — it is a skill. And the real question isn’t whether you have style. It is how you build it — and how far you are willing to push it.

There is hardly anyone better to speak about learning style than a stylist. So for insights, I went straight to Lamia Dahmash — a stylist and creative consultant with over a decade of multidimensional experience in the fashion industry.

When it comes to style, sometimes what you are really missing isn’t skill, but inspiration. Here are a few ideas on where to look for it:

Fashion shows are one of the strongest sources of styling inspiration. But if you try to translate those looks directly into real life, you will probably end up feeling uncomfortable, overdressed — and, realistically, spending far more than you need to.

The rule is simple: don’t look at shows for full outfits. Look at them for combinations. What colours are being paired? What textures are working together? What proportions feel interesting?

Pinterest is an endless source of inspiration — millions of looks, different body types, face shapes, styling approaches. But there is a catch: what looks right on screen doesn’t always translate in real life. The key isn’t just to save — it is to try it on yourself.

Style doesn’t come only from fashion. Art sharpens your understanding of colour. Travel gives you endless references — just by walking down the street. The real insight is simple: keep looking.

One of the most striking things Lamia said — and something that could easily become a golden rule for anyone searching for their personal style — is this: your lifestyle is the foundation.

And it just makes sense. How many times have I planned to embrace a more romantic style, only for those long, flowing dresses to sit untouched in my wardrobe — until I eventually got rid of them and realised they simply didn’t align with the rhythm of my everyday life.

So here are a few things to keep in mind:

A wardrobe should fit seamlessly into real life, not exist separately from it.

Everyone says experimenting is the key to developing your style — and yet, it is often the hardest part to actually begin. Mostly because the question is deceptively simple: where do you even start?

There is a simple ritual I picked up from stylist and multidisciplinary artist Helen Shahin during a podcast — and it feels like the right moment to bring it back here.

The exercise is straightforward:

The secret behind the ritual is simple: once you are in the right mood, something shifts. You relax, you stop overthinking — and that is when the interesting combinations start to happen.

We have covered the big ideas — inspiration, experimentation, lifestyle. But let’s be honest, it still feels like something is missing. Something a bit more practical. Something that tells you what to actually do, especially at the beginning.

The good news is, while working on this piece, I stumbled across a few insights — the kind that stick. Think of them as small tricks you can actually try.

This tip is often linked to Miuccia Prada, and the concept is simple: 70% of your outfit should be basic, comfortable, and wearable (yes — this is where your favourite jeans and T-shirt come in). The remaining 30% is where you experiment. And this part can be as bold, unexpected, or even slightly “off” as you are willing to allow.

It is a simple way to strike the balance between "too much" and "not quite enough".

A two-piece outfit is your constant base: top and bottom. The next step is simple: add a third element. It doesn’t have to be dramatic (though it can be) — think jewelry, a scarf, a belt, or an extra layer.

Monochrome is always a safe option. But even within a single-colour look, there is room to create interest. Wearing all black? Add a sharp red detail. All beige? Take a green bag.