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I am probably admitting it for the first time, but I am a hoarder of clothes. I’m sorry, I know I’m guilty, but I love it, and it’s also a problem.
Now, you can understand that it’s always hard for me to put together an outfit that looks stylish, doesn’t take hours digging in the wardrobe, and looks effortless. If you are in the same boat, high-five because we’re gonna swim right by this pool of clothes to the shore where everyone looks simply stylish! 😉
Let’s get rid of all the pressure on looking pretty and following a ton of fashion rules, and start having fun with your clothes and putting together fashionable outfits that never get out of style! These styling tips will get you out of your style rut instantly.
15 Insane styling tips on how to dress simple but stylish Instantly
1. Ditch too many colors in one outfit
When it comes to fashion, there are a lot of different schools of thought. Some people believe that more is more and that the best way to make a statement is to go big and bold. Others believe that less is more and that simplicity is the key to chic style.
Personally, I think there’s a time and a place for both approaches. However, if you aim to look effortlessly stylish, I recommend avoiding too many colors in your outfit. A head-to-toe monochromatic look will always be a classic and elegant statement, while an eclectic mix of colors can often look overly busy or fussy.
Sticking to some fashion rules can help create effortless looks within seconds! There’s this three-color rule, which basically means that your outfit must not comprise more than three colors (no, black and white do not count).
2. dress according to your body type
We all have different body types, different features we love, and different personal styles. The key to dressing quickly and chicly is to build a wardrobe with clothing that loves your body and highlights your figure.
For instance, if you have a pear-shaped body, you’ll want to wear clothing that accentuates your waist and disguises your hips and thighs. A-line skirts, belted dresses, flared jeans, and V-neck tops are all fabulous choices for your body shape.
Whereas, if you have an hourglass figure (lucky you ;), you can pretty much wear whatever you want! Just remember to focus on showcasing your waistline. You get my point, right?
3. invest in fashion assets
Oh, this is so important! By fashion assets, I mean things that can elevate any basic outfit in seconds. For instance, high-quality belts, classy structured handbags, caps, hats, bracelets, watches, etc.
They don’t necessarily have to be expensive to be better. They just have to be versatile and of good quality. A $100 belt that’ll last you ten years is wayyyy better than a $20 belt that you’ll have to replace next year.
4. Find what colors are made for you
I love telling this to people because I don’t know why it was never taught openly, and it’s basically fashion 101. Undertones are everything!!!
One particular top may not look equally good on two different people with the same fair complexion. It happens all the freakin’ time!
It’s because different people have different undertones. While skin tones are one thing, undertones are entirely different. They are the color beneath the skin. You can be warm, cool, or neutral.
How can you check what undertone you are?
I have a quick test. Look at the veins in your wrists – if they appear green, you have a warm undertone, but if they look blue/purple, you’re cool, and if you can see both colors, you’re neutral.
Another way is by seeing what jewelry color suits you the most. Wear a white bathrobe or stand naked and pick out your silver and gold jewelry. If golden jewelry brightens your skin tone, you’re warm, and if silver suits you better, you’re cool. If both, then you’re lucky cause it’s neutral!
How does it matter in choosing colors?
So, if you are a warm undertone, colors like orange, yellow, red, and green will suit you like a dream. Shades of blue, pink, purple, mauve, and violet will look the best if you think you have a cool undertone. However, if you love all the colors on you, you are one lucky person with a neutral undertone.
And this is why building a wardrobe with colors that will brighten your skin tone instantly is crucial for knowing how to look stylish.
5. layering always looks chic
Layering fabrics that go together make your outfit seem like you put effort into it when you didn’t. A simple blazer, denim jacket, satin cami over a white t-shirt, and shirt over tube/cami top are a few of many ways you can layer your pieces.
How to layer your clothes?
Begin with a thin layer, like a tube top, turtle neck, button-down shirts, etc. Throw a denim jacket, a cute sweater, or a dress. Just make sure the first layer doesn’t look weird or bulky. Finish with thicker layers that match the vibe of the entire outfit. A neutral blazer or a coat.
Voila! This is how to look simple yet stylish!
6. add texture to your outfit
Sometimes, it’s nice to ditch your regular pieces for a textured piece that will make a statement in seconds, making you look fashionable and sophisticated. A cool textured fabric can be faux leather!
Be it a statement jacket, corset, pants, skirt, or leggings, faux leather is something that can easily add class and effort to your outfit. Try pairing a basic white t-shirt with a leather skirt or pants. You’ll see the lift yourself!
7. always, always accessorize
I cannot stress it more: no matter how much effort you put into your outfit, it will never be complete until and unless you accessorize it.
May it be belts, baseball caps, hats, berets, scarves, jewelry, watches, bags, or anything.
But how do you know which ones to choose? And how can you make sure they work together? Here are a few tips to help you get it right:
First, focus on one or two key pieces. A great pair of earrings or a statement necklace can really upgrade your look. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you love and reflects your personal style.
Next, consider the rest of your outfit. The goal is to create a balanced fashionable look, so don’t go overboard with your accessories. If you’re wearing a dress with a lot of detail, keep your jewelry simple. And if you’re going for a more casual look, don’t be afraid to mix and match different pieces.
8. coordinate your accessories, handbags, shoes
Another great styling tip – you have no idea how much of a difference matching shoes with handbags and accessories with belts make on the whole outfit. Of course, you don’t always need the same colors, but the same textures or tones would work.
For instance, if you are wearing golden hoops, match them with a golden watch, bracelets, and buckle of your belt – things like that. Coordinate your handbag color with your shoe color.
9. avoid flashy brand logos
Trust me, this is the easiest pitfall for people who want to look expensive and stylish. You might have seen walking brand billboards showing off their Louis Vuitton bag, Versace glasses, Guess jackets, Balenciaga shoes, and whatnot, trying to scream money from afar.
That is not a pretty sight and definitely not high-class. So keep your outfit low-key elegant with minimum big brand logos popping out.
10. monochrome outfits to the rescue
When nothing works, monochrome does! Pick a black top, black jeans, and black boots. You can also play with shades of the same color family, like pairing a pastel pink sweater with pink pants, finishing with a black belt and boots. Trust me, you can rarely go wrong with monochrome outfits.
Just make sure you mix and match cool and warm shades of the same color. Like an eggshell white and frost white is a risky duo.
11. learn correct proportions
Oh, the proportions! Creating the right body proportions is key to looking stylish all the time.
An easy way to achieve proper body proportions is to focus on creating a balanced silhouette. That means paying attention to both your body’s top and bottom halves.
If you’re wearing a fitted top, balance it with a flowing skirt or wide-leg pants. If you’re wearing skinny jeans or leggings, pair them with an oversized sweater or tunic top. And don’t forget accessories! A great pair of earrings or a statement necklace can help to create visual balance and make your outfit look fashionable and complete.
This is how to dress simple and stylish and win at it!
12. keep makeup, hair, and nails in check
When it comes to looking simple and stylish, there’s more to it than just clothes. Sure, a great outfit is the foundation of any good look, but if your hair, makeup, and nails aren’t on point, you’re not going to look your best.
Of course, you don’t have to be a hair stylist or a makeup artist to achieve a great look. There are plenty of simple hairstyles, and minimal clean makeup looks that anyone can master. As for nails, even basic neutral manicures can make a big impact. With a little effort, you can make sure that you always look put-together and stylish.
13. never step out in unironed clothes
Always, always, always make sure that your clothes are ironed. Don’t be like young me and roam around the streets in wrinkled denim and tops, okay? It looks pathetic, childlike, and naive.
If you have read atomic habits, you’ll remember that 1% rule. Do a small thing every day that upgrades your look by 1% every time. In this regard, ironing your clothes will move 1% you closer to how to dress simple but stylish effortlessly! Okay, this needs a bit of effort 😉
14. Create a uniform of pieces you like
When I say uniform, I know you are thinking, do I wear the same thing again and again?
No no, you just have to wear more of what already looks the best on you.
Once you’ve figured out all the colors and shapes that suit your body, your wardrobe will automatically start to look decent and put together. And there’s no harm in creating uniform outfits that you love and are tried and tested.
For instance, once my uniform outfit for casual days are crop top and jeans, and for work, it is a cami top, jeans, and blazer. This doesn’t mean that I wear the same crop tops and jeans every day; just that outfit/vibe is my usual yes!
Most of the fashionable people have their uniforms all set in place, even if you don’t notice them!
15. tuck your shirts + sweaters
Another one of the easiest styling tips you can learn is to tuck your tops. I love tucking any and everything – whether a sweater, shirt, or t-shirt in my jeans and pants. Although I am an avid front and side tuck lover, you can have all the fun you want with this!
16. throw on a blazer over
Seriously, if nothing works, a blazer is a magic quick fix that works over a cami top, tube top, satin top, turtle neck, crop top, t-shirt, sweater, cardigan, and every and anything. You have no idea how useful investment in a good ol’ blazer is!
First, try buying neutral colors and then some statement pieces. Statement blazers are all the rage, but they are indeed expensive. So only add them to your wardrobe when you know you can style them in many ways.
it’s really very helpful 😄
It’s very interesting to know that each person has a different undertone, and it helps us choose the colors that fit us better. My sister just went through a breakup and wants to change her hair and clothing style to start fresh, so I believe she’d love to read your post. Thank you for explaining how to know which undertone we have.