Author of this post - Sanskriti Kapoor
It’s Friday night and you’re searching through your wardrobe to put together the right outfit, but you just can’t seem to find anything that matches. Sound familiar? This is the kind of struggle all women have, but things don’t have to be too complicated. You can make your life a lot easier with some clever fashion tips that allow you look your best in any occasions. You can adjust your choices based on your personal style, body type and personality, but most of these tips will work for any of woman out there.
Shopping for clothes can turn out to be a rewarding and relaxing activity or a daunting experience. It all depends on your attitude and approach. So as not to be disappointed in your purchases, you have to be careful and pay attention to little details and after eight years of being a fashion designer, I’ve seen how easily a woman can advance her shopping, image, and fashion skills. With that in mind, I’m sharing my best styling tips to getting your style un-stuck so can you feel even more like the confident, gorgeous, powerhouse woman you already are.
1. Know your measurements
Whether you're buying clothing off-the-rack or having it tailored, it's best to keep your exact proportions in mind. Use a tape measure and write down the exact numbers. Here are the measurements you should take:
- Circumference of your head for hat sizing.
- Upper arm for sleeves.
- Neck, which is more important in men's clothing.
- Widest or fullest part of your chest or bust.
- Natural waistline.
- Hips for women's clothing.
- Inseam, which is the distance from your groin to the bottom of your ankle.
People that have incredible style are attuned to their tastes and effortlessly build a wardrobe out of them. They build a wardrobe out what feels right. By refining your understanding of why you like an item you'll have more success choosing the pieces that make you feel pulled together. The next time you like or don’t like an item of clothing (your own, a colleagues, in a store, etc) take note of why.
When we are attracted to or repelled by an item, there are details that make you go yay or nay. Regardless if it is the color, the pleats, the fabric, or the way it moves, it's your job to understand why you kinda love it or hate it. As you start paying attention to why you like something you'll notice patterns in your style preferences. These patterns are valuable information to dressing yourself smarter. Our awareness of why we are attracted to something is a tool in creating more of that in our lives.
4. Try bright colors in your accessories
Incorporating color is often a challenge for anyone who has stuck to wearing neutrals. Experimenting with bright shades in your accessories is a simple way to wear more color and find what you love. You can do this with just about anything: a bright bag, shoe, or earrings. It could be a scarf or a hair clip. It works because almost all bright colors pair back to a neutral effortlessly, removing any skepticism of how to match.
Apply it now: All neutral outfits + bold bright accessories = colorful style.
5. Make a list of items you already own
When considering a new item, make a mental list of the pieces from your closet you’ll be able to wear with it. Unless you’re building a brand-new wardrobe from scratch, you’ll probably want this new piece to play well with several items you already own. If a cardigan you’re coveting doesn’t work with any of the clothes you have at home, consider why that may be.
Are you trying to move your style in a different direction? If a piece doesn’t go with anything else you own, it may not be right for you. Of course, there are exceptions—statement pieces that work all on their own, or clothes for special occasions. When you get home, try on the piece with your other clothing. If it doesn’t work, return it.
6. Check how clothing looks from behind
This step is crucial in finding flattering clothes that a lot of people skip. A dress or a suit can look like a perfect fit from the front but terrible from behind.
- If you have a phone with a front-facing camera, take it with you to the dressing room to check how the back of each garment looks on you. See if it looks baggy or too tight. Make sure that it is flattering on you, meaning it's not hugging the wrong curves and that it isn't showing anything it shouldn't.
- After you check how your potential new garment looks on you from the front, turn around so that your back faces the fitting room mirror. Switch your phone to its front-facing camera mode and hold it in front of you, higher than your shoulder and tilted down slightly. You should be able to see your back's reflection in your phone's screen.
- If your phone doesn't have a front-facing camera, bring a small hand or compact mirror when you go shopping instead.
Classic. Whether it comes in black or in brown, the classic belt is a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe. This belt is a versatile piece that exceeds its practicality. With a simple design and buckle, the simplicity of this belt makes it adaptable to a gamut of occasions. This belt when in a good quality leather will add polish to your office separates and your denim.
Woven/Braided. Leather is the usual material of choice for this type of belt given its earthy style connotations. However, the ease with which this belt can be styled has made it an easy pick for fashionistas to cross over to style even their preppy looks. In my opinion, this belt looks best when worn over flowing tunic tops and maxi dresses as well as more polished pieces like pencil skirts and sheath dresses.
Statement. This belt is especially appropriate for evening occasions and can be relied upon to make a major impression. From a belt that sparkles for the glam queens, to a studded belt if you’re more of a rock chick and an animal print if you’re a dramatic gal, the choices are endless. The key here is to find a style that resonates with your style so you can wear it with confidence.
Skinny. Skinny belts are subtle accessories that can easily spruce up your outfit and make it look complete. It’s also easier to play around with colorful hues and bolder prints since it’s width makes it understated. When styling this belt take note of proportion since the belt is so skinny wear it with jeans or skirts that are more fitted. Loose and flowing pieces will drown out the belt and it will lose its chic appeal.
