One of the things I love is creating a personalised look from my outfits. And here I would like to give you my best and most straightforward tips on how to go about it. Because styling an outfit is not complicated, you just need to be enthusiastic about it. Your first requirement is to create an outfit base: ie: What clothes do you love wearing? Those will be your starting point, whether the garments are jeans and a t-shirt or a dress.
Then, of course, you need some accessories in your wardrobe: shoes, bags, scarfs, sunglasses and jewellery which you will add to your outfit according to your liking.
When you start putting an outfit together with chosen accessories, you need to think about harmonising it. Keep a balance and don’t overdo it. This process might take you some practice, but it’s supposed to be fun and creative foremost!
Now, how can you make your outfit feel unique to you? Is it by adding a different coloured scarf and a handbag? Or will a belt, bag and shoes of your desired look make it more dressed up? Perhaps you would like to dress down the outfit you have with a pair of trainers?
When we dress up our clothing, we take something perceived as plain and turn it into a more dressy outfit. When we dress down, we do the opposite. A glamorous attire can be turned into more casual or less informal. When you dress up an outfit, it often looks more coordinated. You can use matching handbags with shoes, for example, or a neckless with matching earrings. High heel shoes will always make any outfit more upbeat; hats and a neckless with t-shirt and jeans create more fashionable clothing wear.
To dress down, you do the complete opposite. The best accessories and clothes to dress down are wearing jeans, trainers, or a cap. Mix up shirts with jeans, trousers or a dress with a jean jacket.
Now you know which direction to go. This is when we turn it up a notch and go into the details. For example, how thick or thin should your belt be with your dress? Or, what scarf could you use? Which sunglasses go best with what outfit and what shoes to choose for your cropped trousers?
It can really make or break the dress when it comes to belts. Because here, it depends on your body shape and proportion. If you have a long torso and a small waist, you can go for wide and thin belts. However, if you have a square body type with no waist, try a more delicate belt instead.
Think of your belt as the most versatile accessory in your wardrobe. I have collected many belts with different colours and styles over the years and use them a lot to enhance a piece of clothing.
Scarfs! I love scarves, and have lot’s of them, in different colours, fabrics and styles! They are practical and a great way to dress up your outfits. Tie them loosely or tight, depending on what you wear. Could scarves be your signature item?
Your sunglasses highlight a look and are mostly worn in warmer climates. The style and colour of your sunglasses depend on your overall outfit. I usually keep a variety of styles to match what outfit I will wear. For example, I don’t wear the same sunglasses when exercising outside and going to the beach. If you wear your sunglasses more rounded, they could go to a more bohemian style. If they are big squares, they have more of a chic flair and suit a stylish look.
They say shoes make an outfit, and that is so true! Your shoe wear determines if you are dressing up or down your attire. A good tip is, if you are wearing cropped trousers and are more on the short side, then get some shoes that elongate your overall silhouette. Either with high heels, plato trainers or skin-toned sandals.
Last but not least, your handbag. Handbags don’t always need to be brown and black. Choosing a colour can make any outfit pop, even if the colour palette on your clothes is neutral.
Now, let’s get started on styling your wardrobe. So what are you waiting for?!
