Style comes from a unique mixture of confidence, passion, the eye and an archive of handy tips that stem from years of trial and error. Any stylist, if honest, will tell you that he or she has experienced a fair share of fashion fails. True style is about taking risks and remembering what works.
Luckily, these successful moments have been documented and passed down so that others might build upon that list. You've probably heard of a few, but knowing how to bend them for your unique vibe is essential to eventually creating your own host of tips and tricks.
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1. Get the most out of your wardrobe
Style is a result of creativity, not money. Make the most of your wardrobe by wearing pieces all year long no matter the season. An easy way to transition a dress into colder weather is by layering with an oversized sweater and adding a pair of boots. You can wear that same sweater in the warmer months with a pair of denim shorts and rolling the sleeves.
Style is a result of creativity, not money. Make the most of your wardrobe by wearing pieces all year long no matter the season. An easy way to transition a dress into colder weather is by layering with an oversized sweater and adding a pair of boots. You can wear that same sweater in the warmer months with a pair of denim shorts and rolling the sleeves.
2. Mixing prints
There are many fashion "rules" meant to be broken. Mixing prints is fun but tricky. The key is to identify a similar color within the designs. If you're pairing a floral top with striped pants, the color of the stripes should compliment the palette in the floral design. Also consider the size of the print so that they don't compete for attention.
There are many fashion "rules" meant to be broken. Mixing prints is fun but tricky. The key is to identify a similar color within the designs. If you're pairing a floral top with striped pants, the color of the stripes should compliment the palette in the floral design. Also consider the size of the print so that they don't compete for attention.
3. Shop smart
Avoid a cluttered closet by asking yourself two questions when you're considering adding a new piece to your wardrobe.
1. Will I actually wear this? (picture the occasion and outfit)
2. Do I have other pieces I can wear with this beyond one look?
If you're unsure, put the item on hold. If you can't stop thinking about it, go back and purchase it!
Avoid a cluttered closet by asking yourself two questions when you're considering adding a new piece to your wardrobe.
1. Will I actually wear this? (picture the occasion and outfit)
2. Do I have other pieces I can wear with this beyond one look?
If you're unsure, put the item on hold. If you can't stop thinking about it, go back and purchase it!
4. Bedroom fashion show
If you feel like you're in a style rut, take some time one evening or weekend and act as your own stylist. Try out bold looks complete with shoes and other accessories. A lot of times, an outfit looks great in the mind but not in actuality and vice versa. By taking the time to prepare some go-to looks, you'll save time getting ready and avoid throwing something together out of frustration.
If you feel like you're in a style rut, take some time one evening or weekend and act as your own stylist. Try out bold looks complete with shoes and other accessories. A lot of times, an outfit looks great in the mind but not in actuality and vice versa. By taking the time to prepare some go-to looks, you'll save time getting ready and avoid throwing something together out of frustration.
5. Myth busting
Throw out old notions and embrace your bold side. White is very stylish in the winter, blue and black look great together, and mixing metals (gold and silver) is fabulous.
Throw out old notions and embrace your bold side. White is very stylish in the winter, blue and black look great together, and mixing metals (gold and silver) is fabulous.
6. Research
Need some new tops or a pair of black booties? Don't just visit the mall and settle for limited options. Do some research with reputable sites, comparing prices and reading reviews.
Need some new tops or a pair of black booties? Don't just visit the mall and settle for limited options. Do some research with reputable sites, comparing prices and reading reviews.
7. Texture
Feel is surprisingly visual. Just as you consider colors clashing in your outfit, you should also consider textures. Unless you're purposefully playing with texture, you should work a bold material into your outfit as a statement piece. For example, a suede skirt with a velour blazer might be clunky. Instead, pair them with classic blends.
Feel is surprisingly visual. Just as you consider colors clashing in your outfit, you should also consider textures. Unless you're purposefully playing with texture, you should work a bold material into your outfit as a statement piece. For example, a suede skirt with a velour blazer might be clunky. Instead, pair them with classic blends.
8. Tailoring
You've probably heard it before, but tailoring is so important to a good wardrobe. Clothes are made by estimating sizes, yet all of bodies are so beautifully unique. Compare a few alteration services and try out one garment with them before committing several pieces.
You've probably heard it before, but tailoring is so important to a good wardrobe. Clothes are made by estimating sizes, yet all of bodies are so beautifully unique. Compare a few alteration services and try out one garment with them before committing several pieces.
9. Invest in timeless pieces
The current retail culture is great for buying trends cheap. But certain items, such as a great pair of jeans, should be an investment. Identify pieces you wear year to year and ensure they last.
The current retail culture is great for buying trends cheap. But certain items, such as a great pair of jeans, should be an investment. Identify pieces you wear year to year and ensure they last.
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10. Have fun!
At the end of the day, style is about you. Tips such as these are just a guide. Throw out the rules or follow them religiously. Be comfortable, confident and fearless in whatever you want to wear!
At the end of the day, style is about you. Tips such as these are just a guide. Throw out the rules or follow them religiously. Be comfortable, confident and fearless in whatever you want to wear!