How To Look Stylish Everyday: 5 Do's & Don'ts.
Whenever someone witnesses my weekly outfit prep ritual, they're often taken aback that I would put so much energy into putting together my outfits.
However, it's something I take pride in because it is one of the few reasons that I am stylish damn near everyday. Obviously, I'm not trying to toot my own horn or anything, but I got my own lil personal style going on.
So, how can you dress great everyday and unlock your inner stylish diva? Let me show you how...
1. Outfit Prep
This is the most important tip; and if you only do this single thing, you'll be twice as stylish as you were before. Take some time - about an hour or two on any available day and pick out 5-7 outfits for the upcoming week. Ideally, in addition to these 7 outfits, I'd recommend having a few alternatives depending on the weather or changing plans. Overall. you should have at least 5 - 10 outfits maximum with paired accessories. The outfits may be fully prepped or missing a piece or two, depending on the look.
The key to outfit prep is putting together outfits that have multi-functionality and can seamlessly weave into multiple life scenarios that may be coming your way.
Some examples of my personal outfit preps will hopefully give some insight into how pieces can be put together.
This outfit is completely paired, ready for wear and perfect for a light day at the office or a semi-casual hangout.
The focal point in this outfit are the Banana Republic Sloan Khaki pants that are highlighted by the gold tones of the earrings and the shoes.
This outfit is semi-complete and can easily be paired with a pair of jeans, a simple skirt or a dress depending on the situation at hand.
The gold and pearl earrings are the focal points of this look and they are complemented by the cream blouse and beautifully contrasted by the silver shoes.
This outfit is completely paired and ready to wear. The top can be interchanged for a different color or style; depending on preference.
The patterned Loft skirt is the focal point of this outfit and its pattern is accentuated by the silk Uniqlo blouse and the silver tones of the earrings and shoes.
Don't rush when picking out an outfit.
Like the common adage, proper preparation prevents poor performance and rushing to pick an outfit when you're trying to get ready will fail you in most instances. If you must pick your outfit on the same day, give yourself time to carefully pick an outfit and set a proper tone for the day.
2. Mix light and dark colors for an intriguing contrast.
For a stylish edge on classic top and bottom combinations, opt for a bottom of a darker/bolder color and a top of a lighter color. This allows for fun contrasting of colors and adds an interesting dimension to an everyday look.
Pairing this bold orange skirt from LOFT with the light blue blouse from The Gap adds a touch of brightness to the overall look.
Don't wear a bright top with a light bottom.
The combination of a bright top with a light button will often look imbalanced and can make you appear top-heavy.
3. Pair bold accessories with simple silhouettes.
Pairing a simple silhouette like a body-con dress, shift or a-line dress with a more outrageous accessory adds an element of complexity to a look and gives it a cool focal point.
Adding the bright floral jacket and the holographic earrings takes this classic black combo to a new level. While the black dress can be worn alone, the jacket and earrings make it a bit more fun and interesting.
Don't wear multiple bold patterns/colors/accessory in the same outfit.
Leave this one to the experts. Stick to one bold pattern/color/accessory per outfit. With bold pieces, you can cross the line from cool to "what the hell?" very quickly.
4. Play with patterns & textures - carefully.
Patterns are so much fun and are often the vocal point of an outfit and therefore they should always be done right. For stylish newbies, this may seem intimidating but do not fret, my darlings! Here's some inpiration from yours truly...
Pairing this silk camisole with a crotchet kimono adds some summer flair to this work look. This a relatively safe look and for anyone that's new to mixing texture, this would be a great introductory look.
With this look, I added a little fur with an ankara-textured pant for a complex look. Both the pants and the mink are in similar color families and therefore the look is relatively harmonious. The variety in textures also adds another layer of complexity to this look.
If you're going to play with multiple patterns, keep them in the same color family and make sure the colors blend harmoniously. When you're feeling a bit more advanced, add some different textures together an eye-turning look.
5. Be confident.
Style is as variable as hair-color, opinions, and life itself. Style varies for everyone and don't feel be obligated to what fashion magazines, celebrities or even I say. Wear what makes your body, mind and soul happy and rock that sh*t.
Til next time babes,
Rachel.