Become your own master stylist with a few reliable tips.
1. WORK ON YOUR CAPSULE WARDROBE
Make sure you have reliable wardrobe staples.
Investing in a capsule collection of mix-and-match basics (and learning how to style them) is the key to looking put together.
2. MAKE SURE YOUR CLOTHES FIT PERFECTLY
One trick to making any item of clothing look amazing is to hire a good tailor. If your capsule wardrobe fits you well, you can start to play with over- and under-sized items in a way that feels fashionable, not sloppy.
3. LEARN HOW TO BALANCE PROPORTIONS
Balancing proportions is about styling your outfits to create an overall aesthetic harmony. The way you achieve this is by wearing clothes that are fitted to your body shape. For example, try pairing a tight crop top with wide-leg jeans, or a puff-shoulder top with straight-leg pants.
4. FIND YOUR PERSONAL STYLE
Developing a signature style can take years, but you can get started by creating a mood board. Remember that personal style is an experiment; you never know what amazing looks await you until you're in the dressing room. Take time to play with colors and shapes to find what looks great on your unique body.
5. BECOME A BETTER SHOPPER.
Learning how to shop for exactly what you want will help you avoid filling your closet full of items you never wear. When your wardrobe consists of pieces that you love, styling an outfit will become second nature.
6. ADD A BELT
Adding a belt to your look is one of the easiest ways to make any outfit look more put-together.
7. PLAY WITH COLOR
If you're nervous about adding color to your look, start with just one colorful piece, and keep the rest of your look neutral. As you get more comfortable with colors, you'll learn which color combinations work best for your style. Take a look at a color wheel for inspiration.
8. MIX PATTERNS AND TEXTURES
The days of matching your handbag to your shoes are over. Clashing textures and prints make a bold fashion statement. Start small with neutral patterns like stripes and low-key textures like leather and knits, adding in the sequins and paisleys in small amounts (like a scarf, tie, or clutch) until you learn what works for you.