How to Express Your Individuality

Everyone else may be trying to fit in, but you can save yourself a lot of stress (and have a lot more fun) by just being who you are. There are so many ways to express your individuality, from the clothes that you wear, the activities you do, and the way that you speak. Choose some or all of them – just don’t be afraid to be bold.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Wearing Unique Clothing

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If you had to put together one outfit that made you feel comfortable, attractive, and confident, which pieces would you choose? How would you describe the style? Is it vintage-inspired? Is it modern or edgy? Whatever it is, aim to buy and wear things in this style since it’s what you feel best in.^{[1]XResearch source}
2
Shop at thrift stores. Regardless of what your favorite style is, you can find unique items to match it at thrift stores or consignment stores. You’ll never risk running into someone wearing the exact same shirt as you. And you’ll be able to find more interesting things than what department stores are selling.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Listen to your shopping instinct. If something unique catches your eye, and you like it, buy it! Just make sure you don’t get cold feet later – wear it at least once.
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Avoid any clothing that has a brand name or logo printed on it. Your clothes won’t look unique if they say “Gap” across the front or have the Victoria’s Secret “Pink” moniker on the bottom. Select shirts with no writing on them at all, unless it has a fun saying that you really like.^{[3]XResearch source}
4
Make your own clothes. Try your hand at fashion design. Take a sewing course to learn how to create a dress out of fabric you love. Or do some no-sew designing by cutting up a tank top or t-shirt in an interesting way and then layering it over another shirt. Homemade clothes give you a sense of pride as well as individuality.^{[4]XResearch source}
- You can also dye clothes to make them more interesting, or add iron-on designs from a craft store.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking any aspect of your clothing needs to be fashionable. If you love the way leopard-print pants look with a striped shirt, then wear them together. If you love wearing all black, cover yourself in black from head to toe. Being an individual means risking some odd looks from others, but it also means you get to show off your personality.
Angelina Jolie, Actress & Humanitarian
Be authentic. "I think we all know boldness when we see it. Nothing makes me smile more than when I see someone being fully themselves, with their own individual style and character, whatever that is."

Part 2

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Acting Like an Individual

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Don’t hide the fact that you love collecting rocks, building tables, or doing Tai Chi. Even if all of your friends play football or attend a ballet class together, if that doesn’t interest you, don’t do it. Tell them about what you do and why you love it. Maybe they’ll want to come along to try it out, and maybe they won’t. Either way, it’s okay that you don’t have all of the same hobbies.^{[5]XResearch source}
If you like a certain type of music that isn’t popular with your friends or doesn’t get played on the radio, listen to it anyway. Don’t be afraid to play your music in the car when you pick your friends up. If they ask you about it, don’t get shy or embarrassed, just explain what you love about it.
3
Decorate your personal spaces. Let your bedroom, office, desk, or locker show your personal style. Go crazy with paint color on your bedroom walls, and display an item you collect, like coins or action figures. If you have your own desk or office at work, put up posters or pictures of you doing your favorite hobby.
- Buy special decorations for lockers or dorm rooms that don’t damage the surface when removed, such as removable wallpaper.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Put up cork boards or dry erase boards for posting your favorite inspirational or funny quotes.
4
Surround yourself with people who accept you. You can have friends who are just like you or who are the complete opposite of you. Just make sure they encourage you to be yourself and don't make you feel bad about the things you like. The right friends will make you want to express your individuality rather than squash it.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Test it out by sharing something personal with a friend: a secret ambition you have or one of your biggest fears. If they call it stupid or ridicule you at all, it may be time to find some new friends.

Part 3

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Speaking Your Mind

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1
Voice an unpopular opinion. If you don't agree with what everyone else is saying, speak up. Maybe you don't like the way everyone is making fun of someone, or maybe you have a political opinion different from a friend’s. It's ok if you happen to agree with everyone else, but if not, don't be afraid to speak up. Just make sure you do so respectfully.^{[8]XResearch source}
- For example, if everyone loves eating at a certain restaurant, but you don't like the food, simply say, "It's not my favorite."
2
Use your own vocabulary. How do you naturally speak when you're talking to yourself? That's how you should talk to everyone else. Don't dumb yourself down around some people and try to sound smarter around others. Use words you're comfortable with rather than slang terms you don't like or long words you don't understand.^{[9]XResearch source}
- If you like using slang or impressive vocabulary words, that's ok too. Just be sure you're speaking that way for yourself though, not to sound like someone else.
3
Share your true feelings.^{[10]XExpert SourceRahti Gorfien, PCC
Life CoachExpert Interview. 17 December 2019.} If you lie about how you feel, you aren't letting people know who you really are. Focus less on what someone’s reaction will be, and think about how this will help someone understand you better.
- For example, if someone asks you to go dancing, and that's something you don't enjoy doing, tell them that. Then offer to do something else with them so they don't take it personally.

Expert Q&A

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Question
How do I choose my fashion style?
Candace Hanna
Professional Stylist
Candace Hanna is a stylist and style expert based in Southern California. With 16 years of experience in the corporate fashion and personal styling realms, she runs Style by Candace, a personal styling agency that focuses on helping individuals find their personal expression through clothing. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Shoutout LA and VoyageLA.
Candace Hanna
Professional Stylist
Expert Answer
Focus on style, not fashion. If you want to express yourself through your clothing, the first thing you should do is figure out what you look and feel the best in, from the styles that fit your body to the colors and patterns that you love. If there's something you hate, stay away from it, even if fashion says that's what is in right now.
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What if I don't know and can't figure out who I am?
Community Answer
Don't focus on labels, just figure out what you enjoy doing. Fill your free time with activities you love, and wear clothes that make you feel confident. The "who you are" part will come naturally.
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How to speak in front of a crowd
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Practice as much as you can ahead of time so you feel more comfortable with what you have to say. Then try to relax and be yourself while you speak - most people probably aren't judging you as harshly as you're judging yourself.
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