Easy Outfit Formulas To Wear Now!
Fashion is a way to say who you are without having to speak.
I, personally, do not support universal laws pertaining to personal style. We’re all special ~ our body shapes, our colouring, and of course, our personalities. So, why would the unique and beautiful creature that you are opting for mass-produced styles? There’s also the sheer impracticality of getting a new outfit every time you want to look and feel different. So it’s time, to turn creative… Trust me when I say that it’s about learning how to be innovative with new clothes that you purchase and integrating them with older pieces in your wardrobe.
Although there is no fixed style or colour or fit that works for everyone, but there definitely are some foolproof formulas or guidelines if you will, that guarantee the best possible results regardless of who you are or what you look like or the occasion or time of year. Consider the ready-to-wear outfit formulas listed here as the roadmap for great style! So if you need help, here’s my rule of thumb:
1. Not-So-Perfect Perfect Fit: The thing about getting the perfect fit while mixing and matching your separates, both old and new, is that it shouldn’t be perfect. Confused? Let’s put it this way ~ an outfit where every element perfectly hugs your body is as good as an outfit that is baggy and loose-fitting. Not saying it’s not going to work, but not saying it will work either. It’s a risk and not something to try all the time.
So what is perfect and almost foolproof?
Mixing and matching the fits too! This style “rule” really works for any height and/or body shape. E.g. Fitted crop top? Pair it with high-waisted pants. Have a long coat? Wear it over a body-hugging mini skirt. And don’t forget the accessories. A statement wide belt that gathers a flared midi dress at the waist or sandals with a lift {equally provocative and walkable} can be most effective when you play with proportions while adding volumes of elegance to your look.
2. Artist’s Touch: Fashion is as much about colours as it is about the fabric and style, for nothing screams “YOU” quite like the colours you present yourself in.
Add the right splash of colours to your boring neutrals to add some fun and personality. Apprehensive about experimenting with the plethora of hues available? Worry not, you can always start with accessories; a brightly coloured scarf, a quirky looking bag in a colour pop or a statement belt ~ they are all ways to express the inner of you without breaking a sweat. And if you are feeling bold{er}, do mix some eye-catching neon with base colours like black, blue or white and stand out like the unique person that you are.
I also find that monochromatic just works! Nothing can beat the sheer elegance and convenience monochromes give, so always make sure you have that solid outfit in all black or white or wine or pretty much any colour you fancy. Depending on your mood and the occasion, you can always add the right accessory and elevate your look. Makes life so much easier, doesn’t it?!
3. Accessorize: The devil is always in the details. The distinction between “dressing up” and “curating an outfit” is in the subtle nuances that bring the individual pieces together. I.e. an outfit is not complete until and unless it’s adorned with the right accessories. A matching scarf with your handbag or wearing a gold headband that goes with the gold trimmings of your dress are things that can finish your outfit in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
And don’t forget to use your artistic license. Who said that a scarf has to be used as a scarf alone and not a belt? In my opinion, a colourful scarf can impart both a “bohemian chic” and “girl next door” look depending on the print and pattern and the rest of the outfit. So feel free to experiment. Another example is a casual favourite like blue jeans and a white tee, that can look classy and put together if styled with statement jewellery or an oversized bag.
4. Layer Up: Fashion repeats itself as styles come and go and then come back with a makeover ~ but this cannot be said of layers, because they never really went out of fashion! Layers are the simplest way to achieve comfort, style and versatility all in the same outfit. An ethnic embroidered denim jacket over a basic T-shirt tucked into skinny fit jeans can give off an über chic vibe. Or a cardigan paired with a midi dress makes for a classy casual look for when you’re taking an evening stroll with the wind gently caressing your hair. Just make sure that you remember the rule about proportions; perfect is not so perfect. Combine both oversized and fitted elements to achieve that perfect look.
5. It’s In The Figure: Hourglass. That ideal feminine figure we all yearn for but very few are blessed with. I say, so what if you don’t have a natural hourglass figure, you can always create the illusion of having one.
The secret is in camouflaging the areas which need to be balanced, such as your shoulders and hips, by choosing the right cuts, colours and patterns that make them look leaner or larger as need be, and thereafter accentuating the waist with interesting belts or embroidery ~ in effect anything that complements your curves and gives you that feminine grace.
Bonus tip: As a final note, a compelling print is just something that should not be lacking in your wardrobe. Prints are a fashion staple that can easily be placed on the centre stage and built upon for a glamorous look. You may begin with accessories and gradually build up to closet staples such as dresses and coats. So, if you don’t have them, it’s time you went shopping to find the perfect print that speaks to you.
To conclude: The most important point is that a look is not complete until it’s your own. Make sure you have styled the outfit adding a bit of yourself to it so that you can “own” it, in the truest sense. Because nothing screams “personality” quite like a “signature look”! Now go on and discover that look if you haven’t already. Match the right fabric, colour, silhouette, and discover your perfect style fit. Discover your “style personality” and make sure that it stands out brighter than the rest ~ just like you!
Ready to make a transition, are you? Here’s to commencing on the journey to unlocking your soul-aligned style using these ready-to-wear outfit formulas!