I think there’s a common misconception that you have to spend thousands of dollars on designer clothes to look chic, when in fact, you can achieve the look on any budget. Here are a few styling tips that I swear by that will help you look chic and polished no matter what your budget is.
The Rule of 3s
This is by no means something that you should follow all the time, but I’ve found that when I stick to a maximum of 3 colors in an outfit, I look much more polished and put together. Monochromatic looks are also super chic. I would have actually included that as a separate tip, but didn’t have any photos of myself in a monochromatic outfit (the photo above is the closest one I have)! Something like this is perfect.
Small details with big impact
Small details make a world of a difference when it comes to putting outfits together. Think high-rise and cropped denim vs. low/mid-rise skinny jeans, tailored vs. baggy pants, block or kitten heels vs stiletto. Keep these things in mind when you make purchase decisions. What will look more classic, comfortable, and flattering on your body?
Wear the clothes, don’t let the clothes wear you
This goes hand in hand with my previous tip and is without a doubt the most important. Outfits that are comfortable and flattering on your body will give you the confidence you need to exude sophistication, no matter how much you paid for your outfit. If you have to keep adjusting a top throughout the day because it keeps exposing your bra straps, or if you feel like you’re struggling to breathe in a pair of jeans that are too tight, ditch those pieces and opt for clothing that’s comfortable and hassle-free. Also, if you absolutely love an item of clothing but you feel like it’s not exactly the right length or fit, don’t be afraid to get it tailored or do a little DIY! I hem my own jeans all the time because I’m 5’4″ and most jeans (unless they’re petite specific) are too long for me.
Delicate jewelry
Adding delicate jewelry to your wardrobe can elevate a simple outfit into one that’s super elegant, especially when layered well. Some of my go-to brands for jewelry are Sophiyah Jewelry, Missoma, The Silver Wren, and Oma The Label. All create beautifully well-made jewelry at different price points.
Match your bag with your shoes
This is absolutely not something I abide by every time I put on an outfit, but honestly, I do feel more put together when my bag matches my shoes! It simply shows that you put a little more thought into making your outfit more cohesive.
Menswear-inspired clothing
There’s something really cool about menswear-inspired outfits. Personally, I feel the most confident when I’m wearing a blazer. It’s one of my favorite things to style! I’ve even stolen my boyfriend’s button-down shirts a few times because I love that tailored look so much. Think blazers, loafers, tailored pants paired with a belt, oversized button-downs, and minimal watches. If you work in an office setting, you can probably create menswear-inspired looks with pieces you already have in your closet!
Include a little texture
If you type “chic outfit” into the Google or Pinterest search bar, the results are almost entirely neutral outfits. I prefer to wear neutrals, simply because it’s what I feel best in. A neutral-toned outfit always feels very classic, but sometimes it needs a little extra something. Including a clothing item with a different texture – or fabric – can really elevate an all neutral outfit. Eyelet, cashmere, leather, and woven knit are some of my favorites.
