When it comes to creating a fashionable look, mastering the art of styling is essential. As someone who appreciates good style, I want to share a few of my best tips for styling the perfect outfit.

START WITH THE BASICS

Every great outfit begins with a strong foundation. As you begin to craft your outfit, consider essential clothing items such as jeans a t-shirts. I recommend investing in quality jeans or solid-colored pants that match your style. I find that Banana Republic and Old Navy sell amazing jeans and pants. If you are looking for more of an athletic look, Lululemon and Alo offer amazing joggers and tights. Target is always an affordable option that offers stylish alternatives.  As you endeavor to find jeans or pants, prioritize both comfort and confidence. Once you’ve found the perfect pair, you’ve already completed half of your stylish outfit. Now, let’s talk about t-shirts, a timeless staple. These shirts offer a clean look that never goes out of style. Solid-colored t-shirts are ideal for year-round wear, especially when layering. White tees can pair with any color or pattern. Build a collection of high-quality t-shirts that fit well and enhance your overall aesthetic. I recommend J-Crew for high-quality t-shirts. 

FIND YOUR BEST FIT

No matter how stylish your clothes are, an outfit that does not fit can ruin the entire look. For this next step, simply consider your shape and find clothing that compliments it. When you wear clothing that compliments your proportions, your confidence is automatically boosted.This step primarily relates to your search for the perfect pair of jeans or pants. While on the lookout, remember that what makes you feel your best is the ideal choice for you! If something feels too tight and uncomfortable, it’s not the right fit – skip it. Similarly, if an item feels overly loose and doesn’t represent your shape accurately, it’s not the one for you. Fashion trends will change. Ultimately, your confidence should be the deciding factor when choosing your clothing items. When it comes to tops, I find that either a cropped look or oversized can flatter your look. See which one works best for you! Again, prioritize confidence!

OPT FOR NEUTRAL COLORS

Neutral colors are essential for a fashionable outfit. Incorporating shades like white, gray, beige and navy allows for easy mix-and-match styling. While providing a timeless aesthetic, neutrals don’t shout for attention. If you are looking for good stores, Madewell or Aritzia offer amazing neutral apparel. 

CHOOSE A CONFIDENCE-BOOSTING SHIRT

In my opinion, your shirt is the most important part of your outfit. A well-chosen shirt can make a powerful statement, so choose something that you like and makes you feel good! Whether you prefer hoodies, button-downs or pullovers, consider the occasion and dress accordingly. As you assess your apparel, consider removing any shirts that no longer fit or match your personal style. If the shirt does not “spark joy,” consider donating it to someone who might love it. This healthy practice goes for any article of clothing! 

INVEST IN QUALITY SHOES

Oftentimes, shoes are the first piece of an outfit that people notice. So, investing in quality footwear is truly important. For comfort, consider Ugg slippers, and for easy slip-ons, Birkenstocks are a great choice. Athletic needs can be met with Adidas or Hokas for fitness enthusiasts. Make sure the shoes you choose are comfortable, assess the occasion they’re intended for and determine their compatibility with the rest of your outfit. 

MASTER THE ART OF LAYERING

Depending on the time of year, layering can add aesthetic appeal to your outfit. In the colder months, I encourage you to experiment with different combinations of jackets, cardigans, sweaters and vests to create a fashionable look. Again, I encourage you to keep your layers neutral. 

ACCESSORIZE TO YOUR LIKING

Accessories are the key to personalizing your style. Whether you desire to wear them or not is up to you. Accessories such as a sleek watch, a personalized necklace, rings, sunglasses, or a bracelet can elevate your outfit from ordinary to exceptional. Experiment with different pieces to find what resonates with your personal style. Styling an outfit is truly an art form. With these simple steps, you can elevate your look. The key to great style is confidence. Embrace your outfit confidently and have fun with it!