Are you tired of wearing the same white tee and jeans every day? Do you wish your outfit showed a little more of your personality? Here are five simple ways to bring your outfit from “blah” to “style icon!”
By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer
Some days, you roll out of bed, walk into your closet, and find absolutely nothing there. Okay, not literally, but putting together an outfit that feels like “you” is impossible! Not to worry. Here are my favorite ways to elevate a simple outfit.
A pop of color
Red, blue, or purple. A pop of any color adds visual interest to an outfit. Choosing the right color will even enhance your natural features. There is no shortage of online quizzes that will help you find your “season,” which will determine what colors look best on you.
I am a summer with warm blonde hair and blue eyes, so I look best in warm brown, navy blue, and pastels. Red isn’t great on me, and neither is a vibrant yellow.
No matter what “season” you are in, remember that it is a guideline, not a rule. Don’t be afraid to break out of the box and wear what you want! Who cares if it’s technically flattering?
It’s all about the bag
Bags are the ultimate practical accessory. Canvas, leather, or suede are all great choices to upgrade an outfit. Small bags, like clutches and shoulder bags, may not be very practical since they can hold just a lip gloss and an ID. Larger bags can fit your laptop and other essentials needed for a long day away from home.
Tote bags are big, but often lack pockets, so they are better for carrying large items. They’re also easy to clean and have a variety of designs, so you can rep your favorite band or cause.
Leather is timeless and goes with just about everything! An underrated bag material is denim, which upgrades any denim-on-denim look. I love this denim tote bag from Wrangler!
Pins and ribbons
Pins are a fantastic way to bring a personal touch to your outfit. Think of them like jewelry for your clothes! Enamel pins or buttons showcase your individual interests. They can also represent different groups and causes.
Ribbons can be tied into a bag strap, a tank top, or around your belt loops. Get creative! You can really attach them anywhere. Ribbons add just the right amount of whimsy.
You may also be interested in this article about celebrity book clubs.
Layer, layer, layer
Layers add interest to your silhouette. A simple tank over a tee is great, but what if you tried a mini dress under a sweater? I’m a fan of dresses over jeans, especially to keep you warm in the winter.
Be cautious of adding too much bulk—choosing the wrong pieces to layer will make them sit awkwardly, causing you to adjust them throughout the day.
When layering, also consider color. I find that if a piece is going to be interesting in texture, it should be more cohesive in color. If it is going to be interesting in color, it can be less diverse in texture. All black but layered? So chic.
Also check out: Paper Planner vs Digital Planner
Hair-do this
Sometimes it isn’t about adding a belt or a necklace, it’s about your hairstyle. Have you ever heard someone say that something is a hair up top”? Well, there is actually a science to it, and it’s about ratios.
A halter or a turtleneck will look more flattering with the hair up and out of the way. With hair down, there is too much going on around the neck. Off-the-shoulder and lower cut tops will be good with the hair down.
You can also add some of your trusty ribbons to your hair if you style an updo!
You may also be interested in this article on how to grow your hair longer.
Personal style can be hard to find, but the right accessories will get you closer to finding it. When in doubt, add something! Get creative and use anything you have, future fashionista.
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Author: Jayne Turner is a freelance writer from Orange, California. She has a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience with an emphasis on language and cognition. She has ten years of musical theatre experience and a lifelong love of reading. Utterly excited by the brain, she brings a fresh Gen Z perspective to the topics that intrigue us most.
