Your wardrobe is as unique as your fingerprint, and while you may have some items that are ubiquitous such as your go-to pair of jeans or your favorite white t-shirt, no one will put together an outfit quite like you. Whether it’s the way you manage to balance grunge with glamor, mix fabrics or use accessories to elevate your outfit, the way you dress makes a statement about your signature style.
On occasion, most women know the feeling of having a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear. Perhaps you are overwhelmed with your choices and the combinations of clothing or feel your options are limited due to disinterest in your usual picks.
Knowing how to get the best out of your wardrobe can save you precious time in the mornings when getting ready for work or meeting friends on a night out, not to mention money on buying new clothes when you may not need them.
In this article, we have laid out some simple style tips that can help you take the guesswork out of getting dressed, while looking put-together and polished each time you step outside your house.
Organize Your Closet
Before you can begin creating eye-catching ensembles, you need to know what clothes are in your closet. Start by organizing your items into categories such as blouses, pants, knitwear and dresses, hanging up those that need hanging and folding away the rest.
Declutter your closet by reviewing which items you would like to keep, and release those that do not fit you or suit your tastes anymore. If you find this to be a difficult process, a good tip is to discard items that no longer spark joy, as this will help you to let go of clothes that you never wear allowing you to streamline your style and be more efficient in your outfit selection.
Another great tip to declutter your wardrobe is hanging your clothes in the opposite direction to how you normally would. When you wear them, hang them back in the normal direction. Over time, this will give you a good indication of which clothes have been left untouched and are simply taking up space on your rail.
Try to keep your closet organized going forward by being disciplined with your purchases. Having a system of ‘one in and one out’ (where you let go of an item every time you add a new one) will keep your closet clutter-free and avoid over-accumulation of clothing.
Shop For Your Shape
Shopping for your body shape is essential if you are to have a wardrobe that makes you feel comfortable with your style. Women who dress well and effortlessly usually know what shapes suit their bodies and which ones to avoid. If you are unsure of your body shape ask a friend to help you or do some research online.
Another way to determine the most complimentary clothing for your physique is by looking at the most flattering items you already own. If you are often told you look good in a certain outfit or style of dress take note of its shape. This could be a high-waisted pair of jeans or a pencil skirt which accentuates your waist and defines your hourglass figure or your wide-legged pants which make your legs seem longer, slimmer and leaner.
Knowing your body shape can also help you wear clothes that fit well, mold your figure correctly and feel comfortable. Work with such silhouettes to showcase your best features and bring out your confidence as well as your style.
Be Bold
Incorporating brighter colors into your clothing can help you to bring out your personality and also make you feel happier. It is easy to fall into a clothing rut where you always choose the same colors and opt for the same plain designs. Inject some life into your wardrobe by experimenting with colors, patterns and prints.
Shop cute pink dresses, or add a pop of color through your choice of footwear or lipstick to make an otherwise somber outfit stand out. An animal print scarf, polka dot skirt or floral blouse are just some of the ways to bring patterns and prints into your wardrobe.
One of the best ways to introduce print or pattern into your wardrobe is to wear it under a neutral item such as a single-colored blazer or cardigan as this will ground the overall look of the outfit. Have fun introducing more color and pattern into your wardrobe, whether it’s through small touches such as a belt or scarf or larger items like a dress.
Invest in Quality Basics
Every woman should have some basic items in her closet that can withstand the test of time. This could include items such as a pair of jeans, a little black dress, an oversized cardigan, a denim jacket, some plain t-shirts or a classic white shirt. The versatility of these staples will allow you to curate several outfits so you can do more with your wardrobe with less.
As you can wear these pieces over and over again, it is worth investing in high quality fabrics that will not need to be regularly replaced. In addition to this, quality clothing feels more comfortable to wear and looks more presentable, giving you a polished appearance.
By shopping less frequently you will also save time and money on repeat purchases making this a cost-efficient way to shop.
Add Accessories
No outfit is complete without the right accessories. Whether it’s a great watch, a statement necklace, a pair of sunglasses, a hat or a scarf, always round off your look with one of two finishing touches. A basic ensemble such as a white t-shirt with a pair of jeans can be instantly transformed with a long necklace, pair of heels or a statement clutch.
The right accompaniments can bring some glamor to a casual outfit or add the pièce de résistance to your evening wear. Mixing up your accessories also allows you to wear the same outfit numerous times while creating a different look each time. When it comes to accessorizing, less is more. Do not let your accessories overpower your outfit but allow them to enhance it instead.
By following the five tips in this article you can effortlessly put together stylish outfits that feel comfortable and suit your body shape and style no matter the occasion.