Being able to dress in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable is not a skill that we are inherently born with. Fashions change at such a fast rate it can be hard to know what to keep up with. In fact, you only have to blink to discover a brand new trend has taken off overnight, and it is up to you whether you want to jump on the bandwagon this time or wait for tomorrow’s “best style ever”.
The truth is, styles come and go, and while your personal preferences will change along with you, it only really matters what you are comfortable in and how you like the look of your clothes. Because of this, this piece is going to take a look at some top tips on how you can style your outfits yourself and why!
Let’s get into it.
Why Should You Learn to Style Yourself?
The simple answer to this question is that if you do not know how to style yourself, you leave it up to someone else or no one at all. This is not a bad thing, but having control over how you would like to dress can benefit you in many ways. Putting on crop tops because they are on trend right now or wearing the same jeans and t-shirt every day is fine, but you are more likely to feel much better if you are able to put in a little bit more effort and also wear pieces that ‘feel like you’.
Start With What You Have
Cleaning out your closet and sorting out the items you have will always be listed as a top priority before you begin with anything else. Get rid of anything that does not fit you anymore or that you are no longer interested in, and this can then make way for the stuff that you do want to incorporate into your style.
The easiest way to go through this process is to do a keep, donate, or bin system, which is pretty much self-explanatory. If there are pieces of material that are not good enough to donate but are too good to throw in the bin, consider going to a recycling center where they take scrap materials.
Once you have finished this process and are looking at a clean slate of clothes, then you can start doing the fun parts, such as looking for new pieces and accessories to compliment what you have and what you like.
Set up a Collage
Whether you prefer digital collages and creating a vision board on Pinterest or cutting out and sticking clothes you have seen in magazines into scrapbooks, creating a clear picture of the styles of clothes that excite you and that you want to wear can help you get into the right mind frame about what to look for.
There are no rules when it comes to this part of the process because you are literally just giving yourself an idea about what you like the look of and what you want in your closet. Don’t worry if you are picking out a designer or vintage clothes you might not be able to get hold of – it is all about putting an aesthetic together that you can work with.
Get Yourself a Personal Tailor
Tailoring your clothes to suit your body type is one of the best tips you can be given for style. You can choose whatever clothes you like, but if they do not fit you properly, it is probably not going to look the best they could look.
If you are able to afford a personal tailor, then that will most likely be the best investment you can make in terms of your closet. If this is not something you can stretch to, then consider learning the basics of taking in and turning up garments, as this could make a world of difference to your look.
Make it Comfortable
You might not find many fashionistas that agree that comfort should be a significant priority when it comes to your look. But, the truth is that without comfort, your style could be compromised. If you have ever seen someone walking in heels who is in pain, or wearing a dress but is freezing cold, you will know what we are talking about! No one looks stylish when they are not prepared, which is why it is always best to make sure your pieces feel good on you as well as look good. Some may be looking for more modest clothing for women, as skimpy getups can feel unpleasant, which can then be reflected in your posture and confidence.
Focus on Accessories
Sometimes getting a whole new closet or even adding new pieces to it can feel overwhelming when you are just starting out. If it is easier, focus on accessories. You can mix and match accessories much easier than you can with clothes, and they can also be a lot cheaper. So, if you can’t wait to start manifesting your new style but can’t afford to go on a clothes shopping spree just yet, then focus on the bits and pieces that bring the outfits together.
Have the Essentials On Hand
Style is not just having the right clothes or the right accessories for you. It is also how well everything fits together, right down to the finest details. Creating a small box of essentials will ensure that you are able to look your best, whatever happens.
Some of these essentials can include:
1) A lint roller- to pick up excess fur, hair, or other stray materials.
2) A Stain removing pen – to get rid of any accidents on the go.
3) Safety pins – for any adjustments that need to be made.
4) A pill remover- To get rid of any access, bunching and pilling on clothes that make them look tired.
5) A needle and thread – for those emergency sewing moments.