How to Elevate Your Style That You Can't Ignore
In the vast and ever-evolving world of fashion, finding and elevating your personal style can be a daunting but incredibly rewarding journey. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you transform your wardrobe and confidently express your unique identity through your clothes.
Developing Your Sense of Personal Style
The foundation of any great style is rooted in personal expression. As Stephen V. Hernandez, a New York City-based personal stylist, advises, "The key to finding personal style is to make a list" of items that make you feel great.
Listen to Yourself – Not Others
When it comes to personal style, the most important voice to listen to is your own. It’s easy to get caught up in trends and what others think you should wear, but true style comes from within. "Trust your instincts, and let your wardrobe reflect what feels right for you," suggests the founder of MadeYouLook.ca.
Experiment and Have Fun
Experimentation is crucial in discovering your personal style. Try on different styles and pieces, especially those outside your comfort zone. "Style is meant to be fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment Approach your wardrobe with a sense of curiosity and playfulness," recommends the founder of MadeYouLook.ca.
Here are some tips to get you started:
- Try New Combinations: Mix colors, patterns, and textures that you wouldn’t normally combine. This playful approach can lead you to unexpected yet exciting outfits.
- Feel the Difference: Pay attention to how each item makes you feel. If it doesn’t feel like a 10 out of 10, it’s not for you.
- Blend the Old with the New: Mixing new, vibrant pieces with cherished family heirlooms or vintage items can add a unique and personal touch to your wardrobe.
Building a Versatile Wardrobe
A versatile wardrobe is key to elevating your style. Here are some strategies to help you build a wardrobe that is both stylish and practical.
Mix High-End Pieces with Low-Priced Items
It’s perfectly okay to mix expensive items with cheaper pieces. This approach allows you to create a balanced and stylish outfit without breaking the bank. "It’s perfectly OK to mix expensive items with cheaper pieces," says Pierson.
Adopt the Four-or-More Rule
Laurie Brucker, a personal stylist, suggests the four-or-more rule when building an outfit. This means combining at least four standout pieces, such as a blouse, a skirt, a jacket, and a necklace, to create a well-rounded look. "Any combination of four or more works," she notes.
Save and Reference Outfit Inspiration
Looking to others for outfit inspiration can be incredibly helpful. Identify style icons that resonate with you and note what aspects of their style you like. Use tools like Pinterest boards to collect images and refer to them when creating your next outfit. "Pinterest boards can be a great help," suggests Carlton Jones, a designer and celebrity stylist.
The Power of Accessories
Accessories can make or break an outfit. Here’s how you can use them to elevate your style.
Accessories Are Key
"I wish people knew how important accessories are in style," says Carlton Jones. Accessories like a favorite leather belt, sneakers or heels, a chunky necklace, or statement earrings can transform a simple outfit into a stylish one.
Add a Personal Touch
Think about adding a personal touch to your outfit with items like a striped sweater looped around your neck or an oversized jacket covering your shoulders. These details can create a well-put-together look that reflects your personal style.
Here are some accessory tips to consider:
- Layering: Layering different pieces like jackets, blazers, or scarves can add depth and interest to your outfit.
- Jewellery: Choose jewellery that feels like an extension of yourself. Handmade pieces often have a unique energy that mass-produced items lack.
- Shoes: The right shoes can make or break an outfit. Experiment with different brands and styles to find what works best for you.
Styling vs. Wearing
There’s a significant difference between wearing clothes and styling them. Here’s how you can turn your everyday clothes into a stylish outfit.
The French Tuck
The French tuck is a simple yet effective way to elevate any outfit. It involves tucking a billowy or oversized shirt in the front and leaving the back untucked. "The French tuck can upgrade any outfit, and it helps to balance a silhouette," says Rebekah Roy, a fashion designer and celebrity stylist.
Emergency Outfit
Having an emergency outfit can be a lifesaver on days when you don’t feel your best. Choose an outfit that you know looks great on you and is versatile enough to work in most scenarios. "This ’emergency outfit’ will change your mood throughout the day," advises Roy.
Taking Style Risks
Breaking fashion rules and taking style risks can be incredibly liberating and help you discover new aspects of your personal style.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
"Don’t be afraid to take a fashion risk," advises Stephen V. Hernandez. Try on items you wouldn’t normally wear and see how they make you feel. You might be surprised at how much you like something outside your usual comfort zone.
Shopping with Bravado
When shopping, don’t hesitate to try on items that you’re not sure about. "Some of my most successful styling jobs started with a client saying to me, ‘Forget it. It’s not my cut, or color or length.’ Only for them to end up loving it after they tried it on," says Hernandez.
Here are some tips for taking style risks:
- Try New Brands: Explore new brands and aesthetics. For example, if you’re used to athletic wear, try switching to more fashion-forward brands like those found on Revolve.
- Experiment with Different Aesthetics: Look into different fashion aesthetics such as street wear, old money, or dapper styles to find what resonates with you.
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix different styles and pieces to create a look that’s uniquely yours.
Practical Tips for Elevating Your Style
Here are some practical tips to help you elevate your style on a daily basis.
Consider Proportions
Proportions play a huge role in how clothing and jewellery can flatter your body. Experiment with different combinations to see what works best for you. For example, balancing a loose top with fitted bottoms or rocking a statement earring with an understated outfit can enhance your look.
Shop for Quality Pieces
Investing in quality pieces can make a significant difference in your wardrobe. "You are going to have to spend a little bit more money for quality pieces," advises Aaron Ramirez. Look for brands that offer high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
Here is a detailed list of practical tips to elevate your style:
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Invest in Quality Shoes: The right shoes can elevate any outfit. Look for brands that offer high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
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Doc Martens: Great for a casual, edgy look.
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Thursday Boots: For a more refined, stylish option.
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Chelsea Boots: Versatile and can be dressed up or down.
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Layering: Layering different pieces can add depth and interest to your outfit.
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Jackets and Blazers: Can add a professional touch.
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Scarves: Can add a pop of color and texture.
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Sweaters: Can be looped around your neck for a stylish touch.
- Accessories: Choose accessories that reflect your personal style.
- Handmade Jewellery: Often has a unique energy that mass-produced items lack.
- Statement Earrings: Can add a bold touch to any outfit.
- Leather Belts: Can add a touch of sophistication.
Creating a Stylish Outfit: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a stylish outfit that reflects your personal style.
Step 1: Choose a Base Piece
Start with a base piece that you feel confident in, such as a favorite blouse or a well-fitting pair of jeans.
Step 2: Add Layers
Layer different pieces to add depth and interest to your outfit. This could be a jacket, blazer, or even a scarf.
Step 3: Accessorize
Add accessories that reflect your personal style. This could be a statement earring, a chunky necklace, or a leather belt.
Step 4: Finish with Shoes
Choose shoes that complement your outfit and add a final touch of style.
Here is an example of how you can create a stylish outfit using these steps:
Component | Description |
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Base Piece | A well-fitting white blouse with a loose fit and V-neckline. |
Layers | A tailored black blazer to add a professional touch. |
Accessories | A chunky silver necklace and a pair of statement earrings. |
Shoes | A pair of black Chelsea boots to add a versatile and stylish touch. |
Elevating your style is a journey that requires patience, experimentation, and a willingness to take risks. By focusing on developing your personal style, building a versatile wardrobe, and using accessories to enhance your outfits, you can create a look that is uniquely yours and impossible to ignore.
As Rebekah Roy advises, "Choose something both special and versatile. It should work for most scenarios and offer you quick confidence." Remember, the key to great style is feeling confident and comfortable in what you wear. So, don’t be afraid to try new things, and most importantly, have fun with it!
Additional Resources
For more detailed advice and inspiration, here are some additional resources you might find helpful:
- Personal Stylist Tips: Check out the 50 fashion secrets personal stylists won’t tell you for free for more insider tips on elevating your style.
- Rediscovering Your Style: Read about practical tips for rediscovering your style after a life transition to help you adapt your wardrobe to new phases of your life.
- Finding Your Personal Style: Explore the 10 tips on how to find your personal style to help you develop a wardrobe that truly reflects who you are.
By incorporating these tips and resources into your daily fashion routine, you’ll be well on your way to creating a style that is not only elevated but also uniquely yours.