Style, it's something we covet perennially. You know the people who have it: they walk into a place, and everyone's wondering where they got their clothes from, even though it's a formal party and they are wearing jeans. Somehow though, they mange to make everyone else look overdressed, while their jeans seem practically formal trousers. How do they do it? What's the secret for looking sensational at every occasion, even if your impoverished wardrobe doesn't stretch to quite the correct attire?
It's honestly a matter of trial and error. But there are a few rules everyone stylish follows. Base your closet along these lines, and you too will turn heads wherever you go.
1. Everything works with everything else.
All stylish people have a general theme going in their wardrobe. There are those who only wear pastels; those who stick to neutrals; and those whose wardrobes are made up of bold, colourful prints. It's the reason why they can pull out any two pieces, and they will work with each other. If you want to be stylish, make sure that every piece that you buy can and does work with everything else you own. Choose a few colours that flatter your skin tone and buy items only in those shades. The immediate effect on your style is enormous.
2. Know your silhouettes.
The pic above is a perfect example of not knowing them. Yes, it's a very pretty outfit. It's also trendy. Those are the reasons I purchased the pieces. But it's quite obvious that they don't really work together. And it's very obvious that the blouse is not the most flattering for my shape. Stylish people know what silhouettes look good on them and stick religiously to those. Trends, schemends! They will not buy anything that doesn't make their figure look sensational. A good place to start, if you don't know what silhouettes look good on you, is on YouTube with the 'dress for your shape' vids. They will give you a general idea of what types of clothes you should look at. You can refine things by trial and error.
3. If you must follow a trend, make it accessories only.
Stylish people are always aware of the trends. However, they are very careful to adopt only the ones that suit them. If you love a particular trend, but the styles just aren't looking good on you, check out the accessories. With earrings or sunglasses or a bag, you can hop on the trend bandwagon without giving up your impeccable style.
4. The outfit makes exactly ONE statement.
So you have the striped trousers, and that gorgeous striped shirt. Plus that new red bag that is so on-trend. And hey, what about your new heels? Oh, and you must wear that new feather necklace! STOP!!! Stop right there! It's great that you have some fantastic pieces, but there is absolutely no need to wear them all at once. Truly stylish people wear one statement piece at a time. Nothing more. I don't care how well it matches.
With this outfit, the shorts are the focal point. Everything else is simple, beige or nude, and very unobtrusive. Aside from not making you look like a desperate wannabe, wearing just one statement piece gives others the chance to admire it, and ask questions about it. Otherwise it would just be lost in the crowd of statement pieces you're wearing.
5. You can (and do) mix designer, high street and no name all in one outfit.
Stylish people aren't hung up on labels. In fact, the truly stylish will never wear anything with an obvious logo. Those are for chavs. Your wardrobe will be structured so perfectly, that no one can tell straight off the bat just where your clothes and accessories come from. There are three high street, two designer and two no name/roadside pieces that make up this whole look. Can you name which are which? It's quite hard to tell at first glance, isn't it? And that's what you should be aiming for.
6. This season, last season and five years ago, they all work together.
Yes, it's tempting to change your wardrobe every season. New clothes and styles are coming in all the time. The entire fashion world is based around getting us to buy a whole new wardrobe every single season. The stylish resist the siren call. They buy classic pieces that look good all year round and for several years. You should aim to build a wardrobe that only needs a little tweaking every season. A few new blouses, or some accessories. Perhaps a new bag or some new sunglasses. Changing up your look every single time there's something new in the shops says that you aren't at all stylish. Having things in your wardrobe that have been around for years, that you play with in new ways each season, tells the world that you are it!
7. Take good care of your clothes.
It's a no-brainer, but I'm sticking it in anyway. Iron your clothes. Wash them according to the instructions. Store them away properly when not in use. Fold them or hang them in your cupboard when they are. If there's a tiny rip or a rent, mend it or get it mended immediately. No matter how old or cheap your garments are, if they are well cared for, they look much newer and much more expensive. Stylish people know the value of clothes, and take care of theirs. Well cared for clothes look better, which makes you look better. So chuck the sweat-stained tees. Faded pieces should be dyed or consigned to house wear. Things that no longer fit should be taken in, let out or tossed away. Go through your wardrobe every six months or so, just to make sure that all your clothes are in tip-top shape. You will look and feel so much better for it.
Looking stylish and elegant makes you look expensive. Let me know, if you'd like to learn more tips on these subjects.
Till next time,
MumbaiGirl.
IG: @maryannecp.
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