If you’re unfamiliar with fashion, reading up on the latest styles might not be helpful. You may have difficulty understanding language and terminology. Instead of reading, ask a fashionable friend to take you on a shopping trip. Allow him or her to help you pick fashionable outfits that flatter your body type. [1] X Research source Good fashion sense starts with your personality. Ideally, your choice in fashion should express something about you as a person. [2] X Expert Source Alice WuImage Consultant Expert Interview. 12 June 2020 Try jotting down a list of personality traits and passions you would like to see conveyed by your wardrobe. [3] X Research source Try to pay attention to the design of clothing you try on and buy in stores. Who is the designer? What is his or her reputation in the fashion world? Why did he or she put a pocket on a particular place in a coat or pair of jeans? Why use two kinds of fabric instead of one? Try to do some research regarding these questions when you get home. Google the designer and read up on his or her artistic and professional goals. [4] X Research source
Bookmark at least 3 fashion blogs or websites. Browse the sites a couple times a week and look for updates on fashion trends and styles. [6] X Research source Instagram can also be a great resource if you want to be more fashionable. Follow Instagram bloggers whose style you admire. You can also try searching hashtags like #ootd (outfit of the day) for inspiration for new styles.
If you’re a female, a little black dress will always be in style. Look for a basic black dress that is flattering on your body type. A knee-length black skirt is also a consistently fashionable option for women. A black blazer, black trousers or dress pants, dark denim jeans, and a white button-down shirt are items that are always fashionable on both men and women. You can mix and match these with a variety of different clothing items to create many outfits. A beige trench coat is a great look for winter and fall for both men and women. Cardigans are also nice for the colder months. Try to have both a white and black cardigan so you can match it with a variety of outfits. For accessories, a pair of black pumps and a black leather bag are great options for women. They are consistently considered fashionable and will go with a variety of outfits. Pearls and diamond studs are good, traditional jewelry options and tend to go with a lot of different outfits.
It’s important to be fashionable in a way that speaks to you. If you prefer a more minimalist style, choose items that go with that theme. If you prefer more vibrant, patterned clothing items, choose fashionable items in that theme. [8] X Expert Source Candace HannaProfessional Stylist Expert Interview. 12 April 2019. You’ll also notice your clothing items will start to blend together if you let your tastes dictate your style. Your clothing and accessory choices will be linked by your personal taste. If you choose a shirt that doesn’t seem to go with anything, chances are you’ll eventually buy a set of pants in the same style.
What do you have and what do you lack? What fits your vision of your new, fashionable style? If you have a variety of cardigans, but no cute blouses or shirts to go under them, then focus on buying tops when you go shopping. Do you have a lot of casual pants but no dress pants or form-fitting pants? Place focus on buying trendier jeans and dress pants when you go out shopping. [10] X Research source Pay attention to the condition of current clothing choices. Clothing with holes or that is stretched out is not fashionable. Considering tossing anything that’s damaged beyond repair. Try on clothing you haven’t worn for awhile. As bodies change over time, you may find some of your clothes are too big or too small. Donate anything that no longer fits. You should also consider getting rid of clothing items that no longer fit. If you have clothing you used to wear to clubs, for example, and are no longer much of a partier than maybe it’s time to get rid of these items. Consider new ways you can use old clothing before getting rid of them. For instance, find ways you can dress up a shirt that you haven’t worn in a while.
If you are looking for cheaper prices online, consider buying clothes secondhand. Websites such as Poshmark and ThredUp offer stylish secondhand clothing options. [12] X Expert Source Alice WuImage Consultant Expert Interview. 12 June 2020
It can be fun to follow some trends, but keep in mind they tend to fade out quickly. If you feel personally drawn to a particular trend, follow it if you want. For example, if leggings look great on you feel free to buy a pair. However, don’t spend a ton of money on a pair of leggings as they’re likely to become less fashionable with time. Instead, go for a cheaper pair. While they’ll likely wear down quicker, chances are this particular fashion item won’t be a timeless addition to a fashionable wardrobe. [14] X Research source Instead, spend more money on items, like the ones listed above, that have been consistently fashionable for years. You can incorporate these items into your existing wardrobe as trends change for years to come. [15] X Research source Follow trends you can easily incorporate into your current wardrobe. If pale pink is one of the colors of the season and you have mostly red accessories, you might want to sit this one out. If another, more neutral shade, is also in style invest in a pair of pants or a vest in that color over pink. [16] X Research source
Nice scarves, jewelry, watches, sunglasses, and other accessories can help your wardrobe shine. [17] X Expert Source Candace HannaProfessional Stylist Expert Interview. 12 April 2019. Look for clearance sales on accessories in your favorite stores. [18] X Research source
If you’re masculine, choose a cologne that you use consistently. Look for a fragrance that blends with your natural odor. You can also combine or layer products to create a unique scent. [19] X Research source Make sure you don’t use too much cologne, however, as this can be off-putting. If you’re feminine, try using scented lotion, perfume, shampoo, and conditioner all carry distinct scents. Choose a brand that is pleasant but not overpowering. Too much perfume or scent can be irritating to others.
If you’re masculine, shave on a regular basis. Keep your hair trimmed and brushed. If you’re feminine, neutral makeup is sometimes more flattering that dramatic colors. Stick to tones that match your skin. If you paint your nails, do so carefully. Make sure you avoid smearing the polish and redo the nails as needed when you notice the color fading or chipping. [20] X Research source Otherwise, keep your nails clean and clear.
Line drawers in your home with scented, patterned paper. This can be a fun way to make your home cute and fashionable. [21] X Research source If you work in an office, consider bringing in personal business cards and pens. This can be a fun way to add flare to your personal style. [22] X Research source
For masculine people, a reliable barber can help you work on your personal style. They can can choose a haircut that’s flattering for your facial features. A barber can also give you advice on hair products to use. [25] X Research source For feminine people, going to a hair salon once every couple of months can help you maintain a flattering hairstyle. Talk to your stylist and what cuts and styles would look best on you. Ask them about what products to use as well.
Vintage and discount designer items can easily be tailored to fit you, so long as they don’t have intricate beading or a complicated pattern.
Separate clothing items before washing based on color, especially dark colored clothes. For example, reds should be washed separately from blues. [27] X Research source Wear clothes a few times before washing them. This helps maintain color and shape. Allow expensive items to air dry after washing. It’s a good idea to invest in a drying rack. [28] X Research source If you notice stains in clothing, work on blotting them out rather than rubbing. This will stop the stains from spreading. [29] X Research source If you notice a grease or oil stain on a silk item, sprinkle baby powder on it and let it absorb the stain overnight.