5 Tips on Creating Your Own Personal Style

Personal style isn’t a difficult thing to cultivate—after all, it’s all about the clothing and accessories that make you feel good, inside and out.

But sometimes, you might feel a little stagnant in your wardrobe and in need of some inspiration to keep getting dressed in the morning fresh and exciting. Luckily for us, Bib & Tucker—America’s best dressed bourbon—has some expert tips on cultivating personal style. Whether you work behind the bar or just enjoy drinking in them, these five style pointers will freshen up your look in no time.

Dress to Support Your Lifestyle

If you work in the finance world, your closet is likely filled with suits and ties and a collection of more casual clothing for the weekend and vacations. If you’re behind the bar, tailored denim and sneakers likely make up your wardrobe. And maybe if you’re in tech, tees and hoodies might be your daily uniform. Whatever the situation may be, dressing to suit your lifestyle is the first step to creating personal flair.

If your career already requires a specific wardrobe, then build around that foundation with pieces that fit your personal preferences. If you have to wear a suit every day, experiment with shirt and tie patterns or snag a unique pair of vintage cufflinks. If the workplace is a jeans and tee environment, splurge on that pair of Japanese denim you’ve been eyeing. And in this athleisure-filled day in age, never underestimate the power of a great pair of sneakers.

Dress for Your Body Type

Personal style is all about looking good and feeling comfortable in your own skin. If you know the types of cuts, colors and fabrics that complement your body type instead of fighting it, you’re going to look amazing, even in the simplest outfit. Super slim pants look great on some guys, while voluminous cuts look amazing on others. Be true to your body type and show it love with the garments that fit it best, and your personal style will easily fall into place.

Don’t Be Afraid to Accessorize

Whether it’s with a great watch, vintage ring or lapel pin, don’t be afraid to customize your look with an accessory or two. If you have to wear a shirt and tie behind the bar, fill your apron with pins from your favorite spirits brands. Hit up flea markets and well-curated second hand stores to find inexpensive jewelry to take for a test run if you’re not used to wearing it. And whether you want to rock your favorite sports team or a Panama hat you snagged on vacation, headwear is always a great way to flaunt your personal style.

Look to Your Icons for Inspiration

If you’re feeling a little stagnant in your style (it’s okay, it happens to the best of us), there’s nothing wrong with taking inspiration from an actor, athlete or other guy that you admire. Don’t try to copy what they are wearing because it’s likely unattainable and will only lead to discontent. But notice how your fashion icons style a blazer with jeans or tie a scarf or mix patterns and colors. That should add some inspiration to your daily dressing routine and even give you some ideas for your next shopping excursion.

Don’t Try Too Hard

Personal style is all about what makes you feel comfortable—never let the clothes wear you. That said, if you love rocking a white tee and blue jeans because it makes you feel like a million bucks, do it. If you love wearing a ring on every finger and a big belt buckle, go for it. Never let the style pages or someone else tell you how to dress, but also allow yourself to experiment when you feel the urge. That is how true style is cultivated.

An outfit always looks better with a drink in hand. And as America’s best dressed bourbon inside and out, Bib & Tucker is a great way to accessorize any look. The brand’s signature Sam Elliott Sour is a beautiful cocktail to transition your taste buds from summer to fall.

Sam Elliot Sour

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Bib & Tucker 6 Year Old Bourbon
• .5 part Sweet Vermouth
• .75 part Fresh Lemon Juice
• .5 part Sarsaparilla Cordial
• 1 dash Angostura Bitters

Preparation: Combine all ingredients, except bitters, in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, shake vigorously and pour directly into a Collins glass. Top with 1-3 dashes of bitters onto the foam. Serve without a straw.