There’s a reason you associate Taylor Swift with sparkly cocktail dresses and Gwyneth Paltrow with solid sheaths. It’s the same reason Carrie Bradshaw is synonymous with Manolo Blahnik and everyone’s expectations for Anne Hathaway’s Oscar wardrobe are so high. One word: stylist.
It’s the person who knows what’s in and what’s out, what’s you and what needs to be burned, the one who makes you look fabulous without making it look like you tried at all. Don’t have one of those people in your Rolodex? Neither do we. No worries, though. You don’t need a personal stylist. You just need to master these five steps.
1. Find your signature style
Find a look that’s all your own based on your personality, your body and your lifestyle. Go cool-mom chic like Katie Holmes, hippie-chic like Vanessa Hudgens or just plain chic like Victoria Beckham. Once you’ve chosen the look that’s you, stick to it.
This is harder than it looks, because you’ll have to have the gall to look at yourself through the discriminating eyes of a stylist. You may love Kim Kardashian’s sexy slew of mini dresses, but her style won’t work for the office. And you may adore the season’s hot wide leg pants, but do they really look good on your figure? Be honest with yourself. Once you’ve got that down, it’s time for the fun part– shopping!
2. Begin with the basics
Building a wardrobe starts with purging. Go through your closet and toss or donate everything that doesn’t fit or flatter. With that out of the way, you’ll know what you have to work with and what you need to put on your shopping list.
It can take years to build your wardrobe, but you don’t need to have your closet full in order to rock your signature look. Just make sure you buy the right things. Five items to consider:
- A good pair of jeans
- Handbag you love (my pick right now? Levantine’s Layla bag)
- Shoes that are versatile and comfortable
- A staple accessory: watch, strand of pearls, or goes-with-everything belt
- Made with a super high rise to help…
- Vintage-inspired bootcut leg
- The model in the image is 5’9′ and…
- A Must In Your Closet: Whether…
- Superior Quality Craftsmanship: Our…
- Timeless Elegance: This leather…
- Maximum Functionality: Unlike…
- Lovely Gift Choice: Order this…
- Stylish & Grippy: These womens…
- Comfy To Wear: The skin-friendly,…
- Platform Loafers: With a…
- Easy On & Off: The slip-on design…
- Cute & Refined: The almond toe…
- PEARLS AND STERLING SILVER —…
- THE FINISHING TOUCH — With its…
- ROSS-SIMONS QUALITY — Treat…
- THE PERFECT GIFT FOR HER — This…
- GIFT BOX INCLUDED — Ross-Simons…
As you expand your wardrobe, think systematically: Know what you have and buy pieces that coordinate. That way, you’ll get maximum use out of minimal pieces.
3. Have a bag of tricks
Did you know…
- Aquaphor will help your feet slip into too-tight shoes
- Hairspray can stop a runner in your tights
- Fashion tape is a must-have for wrap-style tops and dresses
- Pasties can keep your fav party dress from turning x-rated in the wrong light
A good stylist knows how to avoid wardrobe malfunctions and keeps a stash of emergency items.
- Easy-to-use, clear double-stick…
- The professional grade adhesive…
- It’s also more discreet and…
- 【Skin-Friendly and Sticky】: The…
- 【Amazing Invisible Effects】The…
- 【Waterproof and Washable】Our…
- 【Comfortable for All Size】 The…
- ONE ESSENTIAL SOLUTION: Aquaphor is…
- FOR DRY, COMPROMISED SKIN: This…
- CONVENIENT REPLACEMENT: Use…
- IDEAL FOR HEALING: Different from a…
- INCLUDES: one (1) 14 ounce jar of…
- TAME THE MANE: Our Masterpiece…
- SALON RESULTS ON THE GO: With an…
- SERIOUS HOLD FOR FRIZZ CONTROL: Say…
- FOR ALL HAIR TYPES: Masterpiece…
- READY, SET, SHOW: Got your style…
4. Pay attention to detail
There is more to a look than just a dress, shoes, and bag. Reflect on the total picture when piecing together your ensemble. From lip and nail color to hairstyle and even skin tone, the difference between “eh” and “wow” is all in the details.
It’s easier to manage the big picture if you limit your options when you shop. For example, can’t afford a spray tan? Don’t buy a dress that washes you out. Hate wearing Spanx? Find an ensemble that flatters your curves on its own.
5. Play dress up
Experimenting with separates, accessories, and trends isn’t just the best way to establish your style. It is the only way.
Rather than rushing in and out of stores like you’re on a mission, take a Saturday afternoon to invest in yourself and your appearance. Try colors you haven’t tried before, and be open to new silhouettes and trends. If you’re not confident yet in your own opinion, bring a friend with you. Make sure you pick the friend who’ll tell you when something looks off — it’s the best way to learn what flatters your shape and skin tone.
When you feel fabulous in what you’re wearing, that’s when you know you’ve mastered your style.