Introduction:
Fashion is More Than Just Clothing
Let’s be honest, fashion isn’t just about what you put on your body. It’s about how you feel about yourself when you wear it. You know those mornings when you put on an outfit and look in the mirror – and then you feel like you can conquer the world? That’s the power of fashion. And here is the kicker: You don’t need to have a lot of money, own a closet full of name brands, or even have the “perfect” body, to experience that. All you need is a few smart tips, a little creativity, and the confidence to own your style. On this blog, I am providing real, useful fashion tips that you can use for any occasion whether it’s work, college, brunch, or just running errands. I want to think of this more as a best friend guide for looking chic without the wear and tear.
1. Build Your Wardrobe Around Basics
Trends come and go, but basics never let you down. A classic white shirt, blue jeans, black trousers, neutral sweaters, and a good blazer are basics you can always rely upon. Basics are the backbone of your closet.
Why basics are the way to go:
Basics take the stress out of planning your outfits. You can mix and match basics together endlessly.
Basics never go “out of style”.
Example Outfit Formula:
White shirt + Blue straight-leg jeans + Sneakers = Casual Chic.
Black blazer + Neutral tank top + Tailored trousers = Polished work look.
In short, if you are on a budget, when it comes to shopping, prioritize basics over trendy one time pieces. Having a solid wardrobe base to build from will save you from the “I have nothing to wear” panic.
2. Know your body shape
Fashion is not a one size fits all category. The best dressed people are not always following every trend they are just aware of what looks good on their body shape.
Pear shape (wider hips):
Take advantage of your waist. A line skirts, belted dresses, and high structured tops are great.
Apple shape (wider midsection):
Flowy tops, empire waist dresses, and v necks are great for your shape.
Hourglass:
Wrapping the waist and fitted garments balance your curves. A wrap dress and a high waisted skirt are your new BFF.
Rectangle:
You will want to create shape. Peplum tops, wide leg or flared trousers, and layering are the silhouette for the rectangle shape
Personal Note:
I hated shopping for jeans, I was trying on pairs of denim, and nothing seemed to fit correctly. When I discovered high-waisted jeans were more flattering on my body than low-rise, everything changed. Instead of reinforcing my self-loathing, I skipped the frustration of trying on the wrong cuts and opted to only try on the cuts that I knew worked.
3. Mix High and Low Fashion
You do not need to wear head-to-toe designer to look expensive. The trick is to mix high and low fashion. Wear a dress from Zara with a designer handbag. Wear jeans from the thrift store with a well-made blazer. Throw a designer belt over an inexpensive jumpsuit. Good style is balanced, not about labels.
4. Accessories Change Everything
Let’s call accessories the seasoning in your style recipe. They can take the most simple outfit and instantly make it look more intentional.
Example: Jeans and a t-shirt = casual. Add gold hoops, a crossbody bag, and bright lipstick= finally looks like an outfit.
5. Don’t Chase Every Trend.
The thing is: not every trend is for every person. That is ok. Fashion is supposed to be fun, not stressful.
6. Fit > Price Tag This is potentially my favourite rule:
fit is more important than price. A $20 dress that fits you perfectly will always look better than a $200 dress that doesn’t. Tailoring can also make inexpensive clothing look expensive. Take me for example: I once got a thrifted blazer for $15 and then spent another $10 to tailor it. Now people are constantly asking if it is a designer piece.
7. Layer Like A Boss Layering makes an outfit instantly more appealing.
It adds depth, texture and personality to the outfit.
A turtleneck under a slip dress = chic winter look.
An oversized shirt worn open over a cropped top = casual cool. Blazer + hoodie = sporty yet sophisticated.
*pro tip:
mix textures for a high fashion vibe, i.e. leather, denim, silk, knits, etc.
8. Have Fun With Colors Colors are fun and interesting but they can also help with your perception and mood.
Black: sleek and powerful.
Pastels: soft and approachable.
Red: confident and bold.
Earth tones: grounded and chic.
Find out if you have a warm, cool or neutral undertone and this will make colors so much easier to choose from!
9. Shoes Define The Outfit Shoes should never be overlooked! The same outfit looks completely different when your shoes change.
Jeans + sneakers = casual.
Jeans + heels = date night.
Jeans + boots = edgy.
An incredible pair of shoes can switch up your entire vibe.
10. Find Your Signature Style Fashion is not just about replicating trends, it is about you! Ask yourself: Which outfits make me feel the most confident? What colors am I pulling from my closet repeatedly? What is my go to “Lazy but stylish” outfit? Once you know your own signature style, shopping is easier and your closet feels more complete. Outfit Formulas for Every Occasion Here are a few outfit formulas to follow: Work/College: Blazer + fitted pants + loafers.
Date night: Wrap dress + strappy heels + clutch.
Travel day: Oversized hoodie + leggings + sneakers.
Brunch with friends: Midi skirt + tucked in tee + ankle boots.
Lazy day but cute: Straight leg jeans + oversized sweater + white sneakers.
Fashion Mistakes to Avoid Everyone makes mistakes – even the most fashionable people. Here are a few to avoid: Not wearing clothes with the correct fit. Buying things just because they were on sale. Forgetting that comfort is also important.Disregarding personal style in favor of trends. Over accessorizing. (sometimes less is more). Confidence Is Your Best Accessory 24 Ultimately confidence is more important than clothing. You could wear the most expensive outfit, but if you feel awkward, then it shows. Contrarily, if you wear a simple jeans and t-shirt outfit with confidence, you will always look fashionable.
Conclusion Fashion is not about the rules, it is about expression. It is about trying things out, messing things up and discovering what you feel comfortable with. You do not need a ginormous wardrobe, and lots of cash, or every trend since the beginning of time. You only need a few classics, some styling tips, and confidence to wear what you like. So next time you are in front of your closet saying you have nothing to wear, just remember this blog. Start with your basics, don’t overthink accessories, and most importantly, wear whatever you want!
So now I want to ask you:
What is your number one fashion tip? Leave it in the comments, I want to hear yours!