Style tips every woman should know

While they may seem small and simple, these handy tips will revolutionise the way that you dress on a daily basis.

Wednesday, June 12, 2019
The work of a good tailor can make even a bargain wardrobe look designer. (Net)

Being able to dress chic and stylish every day is a skill which can be difficult to master. Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up the top 15 style tips that every woman should know. While they may seem small and simple, these handy tips will revolutionise the way that you dress on a daily basis. Whether you’re headed to work, out for drinks, or even to Sunday brunch, these advice gems are sure to see you looking fashionable and fabulous every time you step out of the house.

Organise and edit your closet

When it comes to dressing stylishly, organising and editing your closet is essential. After all, how can you create a great outfit if you can’t even see what you own? Start by decluttering your wardrobe and donating or selling anything that you don’t wear or love. Then, organise the remaining items neatly into categories. Hang what should be hung and fold the rest. Also, invest in a shoe rack so that you can easily visualise complete outfits. After doing so, your closet will feel much more inspiring, and you’ll nix those "nothing to wear” moments.

Find a good tailor

The work of a good tailor can make even a bargain wardrobe look designer. While you may not initially want to spend the extra money to get items altered, you’ll quickly learn that the extra wear you get out of them far outweighs the cost. Whether it’s a pair of jeans that have been hemmed or a dress that’s been taken in, nothing beats a garment that’s precisely fitted to you. Another great tip is to get your tailor to change cheap buttons to fancier styles. Doing so will make all your jackets and coats look infinitely more luxurious.

Balance your top and bottom

While those catwalk models might make pulling off an entirely loose or tight outfit appear simple, it’s not. For most of us, a successful look comes from striking the right balance. As such, it’s important to plan outfits where the top and bottom complement each other. If you’re wearing a loose shirt, try pairing it with tight pants, and if you’re wearing wide-leg pants or a full skirt, consider partnering it with a fitted or cropped top.

Invest in styles that work for your shape

Having an endless supply of outfits that look great on you requires strategic shopping. In particular, investing in designs that work for your body shape is essential. If you’re not sure what clothes work best for you, have a look at the most flattering items you already own. If those high-rise skinny jeans and that empire waist dress are working for you, you should shop for other pieces with the same silhouette. Then, have fun experimenting with different fabrics, colours, and embellishments while maintaining the confidence of knowing that you already look fantastic.

Prepare for the fitting room

Don’t ever go shopping when you’re unprepared to face the fitting room. If you’re in too much of a rush or are too tired to try things on, you should wait and go shopping another time. As fits and sizes vary between stores and designs, trying on items is essential, especially if you don’t want to return them later. Also, remember to dress for the item for which you’re shopping to get the best perspective. Trying on an evening gown with high heels and the appropriate lingerie will always look better than with sneakers and a sports bra.

Don’t be afraid to mix patterns

Patterns are an excellent way to add some life and fun to your wardrobe, and mixing patterns is even better. So, if you’ve been sticking to basic block colours for the past ten years, now’s the time to be bold and embrace checks, stripes, florals, gingham, and more. Just remember to make sure that your patterns complement rather than clash. To do so, try choosing one focal design and accenting your outfit with another. Alternatively, opt for two patterns with matching or complementary colour palettes.

Curate your colours to suit your skin tone

Have you ever wondered why some colours look great on you and others don’t? It’s because of your skin tone. To ensure every outfit you wear looks amazing, try filling your wardrobe with the colours that flatter you the most. If you have a cool complexion, shop for garments in colours like white, black, grey, silver, and blue. If your undertones are warm, on the other hand, stock up on designs in shades of brown, yellow, gold, olive, and red.

Show just the right amount of skin

Showing just the right amount of skin is essential to creating a stunning evening ensemble. To ensure that you nail the right look, try showing off just one part of your body. If your best feature is your legs, opt for a long-sleeve, high-neck mini dress. If you want to show off your cleavage with a deep-V design, pick one that’s full-length. When in doubt, try revealing less, not more. Too much skin will often look a little trashy while hardly any can still appear elegant.

Don’t forget to accessorise

Adding accessories should be the final step to completing all your outfits. Whether it’s something as simple as a belt or as decadent as lashings of necklaces, accessories have the power to transform your look from good to great. Therefore, it’s important to invest in good accessories and remember to wear them. Stylish shoes, bags, hats, sunglasses, and jewellery are all essential items to own and wear for a fashionable finishing touch.