The secret’s out! Keep reading for 25 tips to stay effortlessly stylish.
1. PLAN IT OUT
“You can’t plan for everything, but don’t let your mornings catch you off-guard. Just like you’d plan a week’s worth of meals on a Sunday if you’re trying to save time, give outfit planning a shot to make way for stress-free mornings and outfit-regret-free days.” —Stylist, Amber F.
2. SEEK OUT (STYLISH) INSPIRATION
“Find stylish women to follow—whether it’s your favorite Instagram style star or your sister’s best friend’s cousin. Discover fashionistas whose style inspires you, then use their photos as inspiration to help plan your outfits (see tip #1). Not sure where to start? Check out our
Instagram and Pinterest boards for endless inspiration from our most stylish ladies.” —Stylist, Jennifer M.
3. When in doubt, (OVER)DRESS
“If you’re ever on the fence about what to wear, consider your destination and who you’ll see. When in doubt, err on the side of being more dressy. If you’re worried about looking too done-up, bring along a casual layer like a jean or cargo jacket to give your look that effortless chic touch.” —Stylist, Angela G.
4. Step out of your comfort zone
“It never hurts to try something new. Whether that includes a bright new hue that stands out from your usual neutral palette, or shifting from skinny jeans to a boyfriend silhouette, great style is built from trying new things. Who knows what trends you might discover you love!” —Stylist, Jennifer M.
5. ALWAYS ACCESSORIZE
“Try to wear at least one accessory, whether it’s a statement necklace, a pop-color bag or a great pair of earrings (or all of the above). A solid statement piece can take an ensemble from ho-hum to a stand-out in seconds.” —Stylist, Stephania S.
6. CRAFT A CAPSULE WARDROBE
“A stylist’s not-so-secret secret weapon is a capsule wardrobe. A closet full of items that can be mixed and matched with ease can take the guesswork out of your morning. Invest in classics that will last a lifetime, like a great pair of jeans, a simple LBD and timeless jewelry.” —Stylist, Stephania S.
7. TRY A STATEMENT SHOE
“When it comes to footwear, color, print and style packs a huge aesthetic punch—and they don’t have to be sky-high heels, either (flats can make the same statement and your feet will thank you). Even if your look is casually thrown together, adding a printed flat or a pop-of-color wedge can make things appear more intentional.” —Stylist, Jennifer M.
8. OWN AT LEAST ONE CONVERSATION PIECE
“Every once in a while, you need that pure “wow” factor. Whether it’s an amazing pair of over-the-knee boots, a vintage dress that you borrowed from your mom’s closet or an enviable handbag, keep something in your arsenal for the days you need to really show up stylish.” —Stylist, Chelsea T.
9. Get to know your body shape
“The golden rule of stylish women? Fit first. With that, getting to know your body shape is key. Consider yourself a petite pear shape and prefer to highlight your shoulders? Build your closet with clothes that put the spotlight on your shape and favorite features.” —Stylist, Crista G.
10. Age is just a number
“When it comes to trying a new trend or rocking a piece that catches your eye, don’t allow that number to prevent you from trying something new. 62 and looking to rock a pair of boyfriend jeans? Try it! 22 and wanting to shift into a buttoned-up, business-first closet? Button it up!” —Stylist, Megan S.
11. Organize and Edit Your Closet
When it comes to dressing stylishly, organizing, and editing your closet is essential. After all, how can you create a great outfit if you can’t even see what you own? Start by decluttering your wardrobe and donating or selling anything that you don’t wear or love. Then, organize the remaining items neatly into categories. Hang what should be hung and fold the rest. Also, invest in a shoe rack so that you can easily visualize complete outfits. After doing so, your closet will feel much more inspiring, and you’ll nix those “nothing to wear” moments.
12. Find a Good Tailor
The work of a good tailor can make even a bargain wardrobe look designer. While you may not initially want to spend the extra money to get items altered, you’ll quickly learn that the extra wear you get out of them far outweighs the cost. Whether it’s a pair of jeans that have been hemmed or a dress that’s been taken in, nothing beats a garment that’s precisely fitted to you. Another great tip is to get your tailor to change cheap buttons to fancier styles. Doing so will make all your jackets and coats look infinitely more luxurious.
13. Balance Your Top and Bottom
While those catwalk models might make pulling off an entirely loose or tight outfit appear simple, it’s not. For most of us, a successful look comes from striking the right balance. As such, it’s important to plan outfits where the top and bottom complement each other. If you’re wearing a loose shirt, try pairing it with tight pants, and if you’re wearing wide-leg pants or a full skirt, consider partnering it with a fitted or cropped top.
14. Invest in Styles that Work for Your Shape
Having an endless supply of outfits that look great on you requires strategic shopping. In particular, investing in designs that work for your body shape is essential. If you’re not sure what clothes work best for you, have a look at the most flattering items you already own. If those high-rise skinny jeans and that empire waist dress are working for you, you should shop for other pieces with the same silhouette. Then, have fun experimenting with different fabrics, colors, and embellishments while maintaining the confidence of knowing that you already look fantastic.
15. Prepare for the Fitting Room
Don’t ever go shopping when you’re unprepared to face the fitting room. If you’re in too much of a rush or are too tired to try things on, you should wait and go shopping another time. As fits and sizes vary between stores and designs, trying on items is essential, especially if you don’t want to return them later. Also, remember to dress for the item for which you’re shopping to get the best perspective. Trying on an evening gown with high heels and the appropriate lingerie will always look better than with sneakers and a sports bra.
16. Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Patterns
Patterns are an excellent way to add some life and fun to your wardrobe, and mixing patterns is even better. So, if you’ve been sticking to basic block colors for the past ten years, now’s the time to be bold and embrace checks, stripes, florals, gingham, and more. Just remember to make sure that your patterns complement rather than clash. To do so, try choosing one focal design and accenting your outfit with another. Alternatively, opt for two patterns with matching or complementary color palettes.
17. Curate Your Colours to Suit Your Skin Tone
Have you ever wondered why some colors look great on you and others don’t? It’s because of your skin tone. To ensure every outfit you wear looks amazing, try filling your wardrobe with the colors that flatter you the most. If you have a cool complexion, shop for garments in colors like white, black, grey, silver, and blue. If your undertones are warm, on the other hand, stock up on designs in shades of brown, yellow, gold, olive, and red.
18. Buy These Three Essential Jackets
You may know that a little black dress and a white T-shirt are wardrobe essentials, but do you know the must-have jackets for your closet? A tailored blazer, leather jacket, and denim jacket are the three designs that are non-negotiable for every stylish lady. While a tailored blazer will have you covered for work and formal occasions, the denim jacket will take care of casual looks. The leather jacket, on the other hand, is perfect for edgy outfits and evening drinks. Whenever you’re running late, you can quickly grab one of these on your way out the door.
19. Show Just the Right Amount of Skin
Showing just the right amount of skin is essential to creating a stunning evening ensemble. To ensure that you nail the right look, try showing off just one part of your body. If your best feature is your legs, opt for a long-sleeve, high-neck mini dress. If you want to show off your cleavage with a deep-V design, pick one that’s full-length. When in doubt, try revealing less, not more. Too much skin will often look a little trashy while hardly any can still appear elegant.
20. Don’t Forget to Accessorise
Adding accessories should be the final step to completing all your outfits. Whether it’s something as simple as a belt or as decadent as lashings of necklaces, accessories have the power to transform your look from good to great. Therefore, it’s important to invest in good accessories and remember to wear them. Stylish shoes, bags, hats, sunglasses, and jewelry are all essential items to own and wear for a fashionable finishing touch.
21. Upgrade a Casual Outfit with a Scarf
Another great accessory tip is to upgrade casual outfits by adding a scarf. By just slipping on a scarf before heading out the door, you can make any relaxed outfit appear more put together and polished. The instant style upgrade is one that celebrities and off-duty models use all the time. So, the next time you’re rocking jeans and a T-shirt, try following their lead and elevating your ensemble with a scarf.
22. Create a DIY Styling Kit
Even perfectly planned outfits can fall apart when something goes wrong. For those times, a styling kit can be a lifesaver. If you’re not a stylist by trade, create a kit for yourself by stocking up on the essential items for the job. A stain-removing pen, a lint-roller, a pill remover, a needle, and some thread, and safety pins are all must-have emergency items. Other necessary articles include double-sided tape for fixing loose hems and gaping tops, a bra clip for hiding visible straps, and a makeup sponge for banishing deodorant marks.
23. Always Have a White Fitted Shirt on Hand
A white fitted shirt is a highly versatile piece of clothing and an invaluable item to have on hand. Whether you’re wearing black flared pants, distressed denim shorts or a metallic pleated midi skirt, a white button-up can complete your outfit with style. Just remember to take care of it and replace it when necessary. While a white shirt appears chic and sophisticated, an off-white shirt can look old and sloppy.
24. Pre-Select Outfits for Busy Mornings
Every woman knows the pain of being busy in the morning and having to try and find something to wear. Instead of being late every day or always wearing the same thing, try assembling some ready-to-wear outfits beforehand. Having stylish, pre-selected looks in your closet will make your mornings run smoothly, no matter how late you sleep in. Try preparing some on the weekend and hanging the pieces together in your closet so that they’re ready to go. Creating different options for formal, business, and casual occasions is also a useful idea.
25. Learn How to Layer
Layering can take an outfit from plain to perfect, and while it can be a hard skill to master, it’s one worth learning. Find inspiration from your favorite street style stars and try mimicking their looks with your own wardrobe. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try wearing a white crew-neck T-shirt under a satin slip dress, a trench coat with a mini-skirt over the top, or fishnet stockings underneath pants. The results can be incredibly playful and seriously stylish.
Have style secrets of your own? Share them in the comments!
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