Ever browsed through celebrities’ airport looks or paparazzi images and wondered, ‘How do they stay so stylish?’ Or ever looked at a colleague’s or friend’s Instagram and wondered, ‘How many clothes does she own?’ If you have, we feel you. Dressing chicly is a skill we all wish to possess, and so, we’ve got some easy tips that can help you transform your style game with the existing pieces in your wardrobe… Let’s get started with your style transformation!
Befriend a good tailor
You probably have a few garments that caught your eye while shopping, but don’t quite fit you well. Or maybe you dropped a few pounds and your clothes hang a bit looser on you. Take them to a good tailor and ask him/her to alter it to your fit. You can even do this with a brand-new dress or blouse that you just bought. Getting readymade garments tailored to your fit is a stroke of genius! While you’re at it, get the boring monotone buttons switched out for fancier statement ones.
Make a list
Going shopping can be fun, but many a times we’re left confused. For a style transformation, make a list of the 10 things you love in your closet and then go shopping. This way you will be reminded of the colours you generally wear, the patterns you like and it gives you an opportunity to buy accessories and other pieces that can be layered on to your existing clothes to create new looks. That way, you’ll save a tonne of money!
Pay attention to the loose/fitted ratio
It’s hard to pull off an all-skin-tight look. Or even a head-to-toe baggy one. For optimal styling, it is best to follow the loose-fitted ration. If you’re wearing a loose, oversized shirt or sweater, keep things narrow on the bottom with a pencil skirt or a pair of skinny jeans/leggings. If a large voluminous skirt is your jam, pair it with a fitted button-down or a crop top to balance your look.
When it doubt, go high-waist
There is something about high-waisted skirts and pants that are flattering to all body-types. So, if you’re ever in doubt about what to buy, we suggest picking up a high-waisted skirt that’s patterned and colourful, or a paper-bag waisted pair of formal trousers that sit stylishly on you. High-waisted looks exude an air of sophistication at all times it also maintains a style transformation.
Know your silhouette
Examine the clothing that you look and feel the best in. How do these pieces sit on you? Knowing your body shape and how you like for it to be accentuated with clothes will help you understand the silhouette you find most flattering. For a short, plus size woman, empire-waist dresses and pants that just hit above the ankles is the way to go. If you’re tall and petite, steer clear of wide stripes and maxi dresses; dresses that are fitted at your waist and end just above your knee create the perfect silhouette.
Invest in a white button-down
A crisp white shirt is so versatile and can be worn with literally anything. So, splurge on one that makes you feel great adding to your style transformation. Tuck it into a pair of jeans and accentuate with a chunky necklace and chain bag. Or wear it with a high-waisted skirt and an overcoat. You can even layer the button down over a camisole and shorts and tie a bow in the front for a fun summer look.
Subtle prints
We love the prints on prints look that is everywhere from the runway to high street style, however, it can be a hard look to pull off, or even pair. So we suggest introducing subtle prints over each other to avoid creating a jarring look or something too non-cohesive. Pair a polka dot shirt with a nude, self-patterned jacket and plain blacks pants; or a sparkly striped skirt with a simple jacquard blouse…you get the gist.
Plan your attire the night before
This seems like a no-brainer, but squeezing in your outfit picking into an already busy morning schedule is a no-no. Instead, lay out your clothes the night before, for a style transformation. This gives you time to think about the events of the day and what will best suit them. It also gives you a chance to mix and match pieces to create a new ensemble that you will feel great in!
