When you’re a beautiful celebrity with gobs of money to spend on clothing and a personal stylist, it’s easy to look your best even when you’re just running daily errands. But for the rest of us, looking put-together and oh-so-chic all the time isn’t an easy feat. However, according to fashion industry experts, anyone can look stylish and fabulous without racking up credit card charges. What many people don’t realize is that the best thing to spend isn’t money on the latest designer trend, but time to define your own unique style and to figure out what types of apparel help you look your best.
These seven tips will help you find out exactly what your personal style is, and have you looking and feeling like you stepped out of the pages of a fashion magazine in no time.
Style Tip #1: Stay True to Yourself
Do you like to wear sneakers over stilettos? Do wild prints beckon you to wear them or are neutral colors more your thing? Are your current clothes typically trendy or timeless? Knowing who you are and what type of personality you wish to present to those around you is half the battle when it comes to defining your own unique look. Some other factors to think about are your occupation, your age and the lifestyle you currently lead. For example, if you’re a VP in the corporate world, you might want to stick to conservative apparel and classic pieces. If you practically live on a beach, flip-flops and hippie skirts might be more your style. Simply put, if you stay true to who you are and where you live, you’ll be able to pick and choose clothing that helps you feel your most comfortable and, in turn, you’ll always look your best, too.
Style Tip #2: Get Inspired
Can you think of a friend, family member or even a celebrity with a style you wish to have for yourself? Look through photos of the person or people who already have a look you think would be great for you and make a collage of photos on the wall or place them in a binder to help you get inspired. Then, keep some of your favorite fashion elements in mind the next time you shop. Another good way to get inspired is to create boards on Pinterest with styles you wish to emulate.
Style Tip #3: Take Tons of Photos
Sometimes a mirror can be your biggest enemy when it comes to fashion. So, the next time you try on some clothes at your favorite department store or check out that “hot” outfit in your full-length mirror at home--don’t simply rely on what you see in front of you. Instead, whip out your trusty smartphone and snap photos of each ensemble to get a clearer image of your body shape and proportions. After you start doing this for a while, you’ll see a big change for the better when it comes to the way you dress yourself.
Style Tip #4: Highlight Your Best Assets
Do you have legs that don’t seem to end? Slim shoulders that look fabulous when bare? As women, we tend to know the best parts of our bodies and what we like to show off--and cover up. When thinking about purchasing clothing items as you develop your personal style, you should focus on those best assets and purchase pieces that highlight them. Grab some shorter skirts to show off those endless legs and tops with halter-style straps to show off those slim shoulders. Learning more about the different types of body shapes will also help you determine what clothing items will help your body look its best.
Style Tip #5: Take Fashion 101
Okay, pencils up! There is no better time than now to brush up on style literacy as you define a look that’s unique to you. Sometimes different types of fabrics will look better on you than others will. Not to mention, certain fabrics can be uncomfortable and unflattering depending on what type of climate you live in and also the type of body you have. And while those large, bold prints may make your friend look super fun and cute, on you they might end up looking messy. You can learn more about fabrics, prints, stitching and clothing styles by purchasing some fashion magazines for textbooks. In addition to your style studies, these magazines are perfect for snipping some photos to add to your fashion inspiration board!
Style Tip #6: Build a Basic Wardrobe
Adding basic, classic pieces to your closet is a great way to begin your personal style journey. No matter if your style is surfer-chic, corporate conservative, fitness aficionado or trendy fashionista, every woman’s closet should have a few pieces that can incorporate any look. And the best part is that you won’t need to reinvent your whole style every season. Simply add accessories, new shoes and some updated pieces once in a while to save money and still look like your unique self. Check out these 10 must-haves for every wardrobe to get started on some good ideas.
Style Tip #7: Above All Else, Trust Your Instincts
Not every designer trend will look good on everyone. So, if this season’s latest style is a too-tight mini skirt and you simply don’t feel comfortable wearing it, then don’t. And when that young, bubbly salesgirl says that tank top bearing your midriff looks good on you, but you find yourself cringing in the mirror, put it back on the rack. When it comes to defining your personal style, you should feel comfortable in whatever you’re wearing. So if you’re heading to the grocery store and that oversized night shirt is what you wish to wear, then go for it. Confidence and feeling comfortable are also key factors when finding a look that’s unique to you. Simply trusting that little inner voice will help you look and feel great no matter what you decide to wear.
