15 Timeless Fashion Tips
Lately I’ve been hard at work cleaning and attempting to consolidate everything in my house to make space for baby boys arrival in just a few short months. (Pic here from my baby shower)
People say I’m ‘nesting’, which I’ve learned is a polite term meaning ‘ocd organizing monster on a major deadline!’ While cleaning out my office I came across an In Style article I had saved because it had some great timeless tips. So I’ve pulled some of my favorites from the article along with some of my own together for you here as a friendly, fashionable reminder!
1. Show skin strategically– tastefully wearing “revealing” garments is all about balance. Choose one area of skin to show off then highlight and cover everything else. For example- wearing a sleeveless top that shows off your shoulders and arms? Pair it with pants or a skirt that falls right below your knees, as opposed to short shorts or a mini skirt.
2. Hem pants for shoe height– I recommend owning bottoms that fit with flats and those that fit with heels (especially helpful for us shorter gals). So instead of trying to find a magic length that works with all types of shoes, or passing up a great new pair of jeans just because they are too long, instead designate if they will be for casual or dress up days and hem them accordingly.
3. Hit the dressing room prepared– Bring whatever you need to make the wisest purchases the first time. If you are shopping for a dress for an occasion that you know you will want to wear spanx and heels with, and will probably need a strapless bra for, bring the spanx, bra and heels with you or grab some from the store if available. And if you haven’t done your hair and makeup before you headed out (which I recommend doing) then bring some lipstick or blush with you and apply it quickly before you begin trying on clothes. You would be surprised how much of a difference it makes to be able to see the full effect all at once!
4. Consistently edit your closet- know what you own at all times. Edit out items that are outdated, damaged or ill fitting so you only have items that you know you love and work well for you.
5. Own something with leopard print or stripes– these classic prints can punch up any outfit or be mixed with other prints to create unique looks, but they are subtle enough for regular wear
6. Have a great coat– You may think you’ll only be wearing a coat for a few months out of the year but don’t skimp on an investment piece that can be worn year after year and in the colder months is sometimes the only thing people get to see you wear
7. Have some fabulous jackets that aren’t just blazers– layering pieces work wonders to display your personal style, while providing warmth and coverage. Don’t stop at just suit jacket blazers when there are an array of different style jackets you can layer with, including trenches, anoraks, military jackets and more.
8. Have a great tailor– Remember when purchasing off the rack that sizes are made to fit certain manufacturer standards and not an individual’s specific body shape. Invest in tailoring to get those fits just right, and never disregard a pair of bottoms that fit perfectly just because they are too long and could easily be hemmed.
9. Don’t skimp on undergarments– Foundation pieces set the framework for how all of your clothing fits so ensure you are investing in the proper fits and fabrics seasonally
10. Invest in classics– spend more for quality in silhouettes, colors and patterns that you can wear year after year, then pop in trends/accessories seasonally to update the classics
11. Check the rise of your pants– it makes all the difference in the fit and appearance! Muffin top and mooning people every time you sit are a rise of your pants issue.
12. Have a lookbook– we look online, at blogs, in magazines and in store images for fashion inspiration. Don’t forget to do the same with your own clothing and sense of style as well! Document your looks by simply snapping a pic while wearing a feel good outfit on your phone or print and actually pull together a physical book like I do with clients to refer to each season
13. Buy things that work in multiples– found the perfect fitting dress pants for work? Get every color they have! Shoes that you forget are even heels because you feel like you’re stepping on clouds? Get them in black and a brown or nude shade. If something works for you definitely go with it, don’t keep trying to reinvent the wheel.
14. Add a pop of color to neutrals– Stuck on what to have in your wardrobe and how to pull looks together? Simple starting point- have basics or base pieces like a top and bottom in neutral tones, then add in a pop of color with a shoe, layering piece or accessory. Remember- any pop of color coordinates with any neutral.
15. Have a trusted stylist on speed dial– you knew this one was coming right?! But really, all of these tips are great as long as you are familiar, aware and decisive when it comes down to all the issues. But in the event you are not, how are you supposed to know what to edit and what to keep out of closet? Exactly which pieces are considered investment pieces and how to spot good quality? And exactly how far off the ground pants should be hemmed and which is best for casual and which for dressy?… I could go on and on. But this is where I pop in to help. If you need me let’s schedule a free no obligation call!
So, which of these tips are brand new to you and you think you will start incorporating right away? Which do you feel are tried and true and you already swear by them? Let us know!