Looking stylish and put together is important to many people. However, achieving the perfect look can seem daunting, especially if you feel like you don’t have a good sense of style. The good news is that looking fashionable is within anyone’s reach with the right tips and tricks. Here we will explore easy fashion ideas for beginners, common style mistakes to avoid, flattering cuts and silhouettes, mixing and matching patterns, accessorizing properly, and developing your own personal style over time.
Finding Your Style
When first starting to pay more attention to fashion, a common question is “what is my style?”. The key is not to stress too much about defining your specific style right away. Styles will come and go, so focus first on understanding basics that tend to transcend passing trends. Elements like fit, color, patterns, silhouette and proportion lay the foundation for developing personal style over time.
Start With the Classics
Build your wardrobe around classic staples that stand the test of time. Pieces like a little black dress, dark wash jeans, a trench coat, button-down shirts or blouses, and t-shirts in solid colors provide endless pairing possibilities. The classics tend to work on most body types and pair well with both casual and dressy pieces.
Focus on Fit
No matter how stylish the item, if it does not fit properly, the look will not work. Take the time to try different sizes and pay attention to how the fabric lays on your body. Things to evaluate for a good fit include the length of sleeves and pant legs, how the shoulders and bust area fit on tops, making sure waist bands properly hit your natural waist, and that the item is not too tight or too loose.
Choose Colors That Flatter You
Certain colors tend to universally flatter most people. Colors like black, navy, gray, tan, and white are great basics. Next consider what additional color palette flatters your individual skin tone, eye color and hair color. Cool-toned people tend to look best in colors like purple, blue, pink while warm-toned people shine in yellow, red, green. Stay away from colors that seem to wash you out.
Common Style Mistakes
Now that we have covered some style basics, let’s explore common fashion faux pas to avoid:
Ill-Fitting Bras
A properly fitted bra works wonders for an overall put together look. Get professionally fitted and buy new bras as needed. Ill-fitting bras show awkward lines and bulges under clothing.
Showing Too Much Skin
Showing lots of cleavage or very short hemlines can cross the line from sexy to desperate. Show skin subtly in a classy way instead. Off the shoulder tops, open backs, higher slits or above the knee skirts accomplish being alluring without going overboard.
Unfinished Hems
Make sure any skirts or pants meant to hit at ankle length achieve that properly. High waters that expose too much ankle or sock look sloppy. For maxi length skirts or pants, use heels or get them properly tailored so fabric does not drag on the ground.
Flattering Silhouettes & Cuts
Certain silhouettes tend to be universally flattering by accentuating waists, camouflaging problem areas, and balancing proportions. Here are some go-to options:
A-Line Skirts
A-line skirts are narrower at the top and gently flare out to the hem creating an “A” shape. This style flatters pear shapes by hiding wider hips and drawing eyes to the slimmest part of your waist.
Wrap Dresses
Wrap dresses wrap across the front of the body and tie at the side. This style cinches the waist, making it appear smaller. The front knot also draws eyes up away from problem areas below like the stomach or hips.
Maxi Dresses
Maxi dresses and skirts that hit the ankle are universally flattering. The longer hemline makes legs appear longer and hides imperfections on the lower half of the body. Go for empire waist maxis to hide the stomach area.
Boot Cut Jeans
Boot cut jeans have a straight cut through the hip and thigh area with a subtle flare at the ankle. This balances curvier hip and thigh areas by drawing the eye down. The narrowness at the ankle also makes legs look longer.
Mixing and Matching Patterns
Mixing patterns adds visual interest to any look. However, not all patterns work well together leading to a hodgepodge effect. Here are some tips for harmoniously combining patterns:
Match Scale
When mixing patterns, make sure they have a similar scale. Pairing small polka dots with an oversized floral reads disjointed. Instead try different sized florals or stripes in the same color family.
Color Connection
Tie together patterns with a common color. An orange striped skirt matches well with a navy polka dot top since navy blue contains orange tones.
Texture Contrast
Leaning into contrasting textures also helps blend patterns. A floral chiffon blouse matches with a houndstooth wool skirt because the fabric textures differ. The patterns complement each other through contrast.
Accessorizing
Accessories pull together any look. Here are some accessorizing tips:
Statement Jewelry
Statement jewelry instantly elevates basic outfits. Opt for necklaces, earrings or bangles with visual interest through materials, shapes or gemstones. Keep other accessories minimal to let statement jewelry shine.
Scarves
Colorful patterned scarves inject personality into solid color pieces. Drape around your neck, use as a headband or loosely tie onto a purse. Scarves also disguise outfit repeats.
Hats
Hats add dimension and polish. Wide brim fedoras, floppy sunhats, newsboy caps or beanies work for many styles. Have fun playing with different silhouettes.
Developing Personal Style Over Time
As you experiment with new pieces and looks, you will gradually develop personal style instincts. Bookmark outfit inspiration photos, save examples of fabrics patterns or accessory elements you love. Over time, notice what flatters you most then seek those pieces out. The more experience mixing and matching various items, the more your unique style sensibilities will crystallize.
Fashion should be fun, not stressful. Start simple then build upon elements you feel most confident and comfortable with. Use these tips and tricks to always know “how do I look” before walking out the door!
