I had a similar problem with style too growing up. I never really knew what to do.
I didn't have money, so all that preppy stuff was not an available choice - not that it would have authentically represented me anyway. I did go to those stores once or twice, and got a few things, because at the time I thought it was just what you do, in order to be "cool" (and the purpose of that, was ultimately to "get" the "hot girls" - it was an admittedly teenage mindset, but keep in mind I was a teenager at the time). That was what a lot of people did around here. But I remember feeling vibes there like I didn't belong, and it never really felt like "me" anyway. And I didn't like the idea of being a company's billboard either, it feels like you're being used, made a sucker out of. The kids with more money to spend may have looked down on me, but at least I wasn't paying a company, so that I could advertise for them, for free.
I think the best style a person can choose, is a style that expresses your real interests and personality. That's the real "you", and that's what you'll feel the most comfortable doing. And that was a problem for me growing up for a couple of reasons. One, I didn't want to get teased for liking "geeky" stuff. That stuff wasn't accepted by the mainstream yet when I was in my teen years. Two, I didn't have enough interests to express. Fandoms were pretty much my only real interest at the time. I was kind of a one-interest person for my entire childhood, which, looking back, was a problem in and of itself. I couldn't do what others around me were doing, but I just didn't know what other options were out there that might have been more suitable to me.
One thing that helped change things was the internet. When I got my own connection I started really listening to music seriously, for the first time. And once I started listening to bands, that opened up more style options for me, both as interests I could express, and in finding online stores that sold band shirts. I started getting shirts of my favorite bands from these online stores, and from concerts.
And eventually I started gaining the courage to express my interest in fandoms too. It might have taken until college, but I would show up to class rocking my Boba Fett or Optimus Prime shirts. And what do you know, no one ever made fun of me for it. It was all in my head - who knows, it might have been all in my head when I was younger, too.
Since then I've noticed some other stuff I like - usually from shops I find online, sometimes on Facebook pages too. Personally I can't wait to start buying graphic tees again. I also discovered I like Hawaiian shirts too, and I want to see what options are out there for those.
Again, thinking back to that preppy stuff, some people really spent a lot of money on it. I'm glad I didn't, because not only was it not really who I am, but also styles can change with your age, and what's "in" when you're a certain age, is no longer "in" when you move into the next age group. If your wardrobe is "cool" or "in" when you're a teenager, but doesn't seem mature in your 20s, then you'll have to buy your whole wardrobe over again. But if you buy stuff that's authentically "you", based on your real interests and personality, then your wardrobe will still be "you", no matter your age.
Anyway, that's what I'd suggest. The internet gives you more options than just what stores are in your area, or what you see people around you doing, if that isn't "you". And your own interests and personality are always a good starting place for what style could be an authentic fit for you. Good luck finding your style!
