Basics, Afrochic clothing, delicate jewellery, and practical yet chic shoes all have a place in your wardrobe if you know how to style them in a way that works for you and your lifestyle.
To learn more about making the most of all these pieces, read on for the styling tips you need to know to transform your wardrobe.
1. Embrace the basics.
At the core of every fantastic wardrobe is a collection of basic pieces that can be styled in a million different ways.
Generally, these basics include jeans, T-shirts, turtlenecks, blazers, and a selection of shoes that are comfortable, practical, and chic. But, of course, there is a reason that these pieces are staples in your wardrobe – they can be dressed up or down, layered and paired with almost everything else in your closet.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that just because a piece falls under the category of basics doesn't mean that it has to be boring. In fact, you can find plenty of basic pieces that also have some personality in them and allow you to experiment. So take the time to try out a range of basics in different cuts and colours until you find what styles work best for your body.
2. Combine dressy with casual pieces.
One of the best ways to get more wear out of the dressy pieces in your closet is to style them with some of your casual pieces.
For example, some of your favourite dresses can instantly become more wearable for the day by styling them with white sneakers or layering a sweatshirt over the top or a T-shirt underneath. Or, if you have a beautiful blouse or structured blazer in your closet that isn't getting enough love, look for ways to style them for the office or weekend brunch.
By reimagining these items and seeing their potential in a new light, you will find that you have a whole range of new outfit combinations in your wardrobe.
3. Opt for one-piece outfits.
There is a reason that dresses, jumpsuits, and rompers are so beloved by women worldwide – they make getting dressed incredibly easy! When you opt for these one-piece outfits, you don't have to worry about pairing multiple pieces together because you only have to accessorize that dress or jumpsuit.
Moreover, one-piece outfits are fantastic when you are looking for a relaxed and refined ensemble as they are usually pretty versatile in their styling capabilities. You can wear the same dress or jumpsuit to a wide array of occasions depending on the shoes and accessories that you pair with it.
4. Incorporate pops of prints.
Sometimes you just want your outfit to have a bit of a boost, in which case it is beneficial to incorporate a pop of print into the mix. This is one of the best ways to refresh or update a simple outfit and look more creative.
Some of the most fashionable print options include gingham, stripes, animal prints, plaid, floral patterns, polka-dots, geometric prints, paisley, and herringbone. Tribal brand clothing also features lots of lovely prints and colours that you can wear when you are feeling bold and beautiful.
When it comes to styling these prints, it is always advisable to pair them with more neutral pieces so that the prints can take centre stage. However, if you are feeling confident, you can undoubtedly mix prints and patterns and still look chic.
Mixing patterns is a surefire way of adding some fun to your outfit whether you choose patterns of different sizes, colours, or prints. For example, if one piece has a tiny floral print, then pair it with a large-scale print on top.
5. Curate a jewellery collection.
Jewellery is the finishing touch to any well-styled outfit, which is why it is so important to curate a collection that feels personal and unique to you.
Similar to all other aspects of your personal style, curating a jewellery collection that features pieces you love requires you to define your personal style. That way, you can focus on curating pieces that complement the clothing that you wear — whether you prefer to dress more minimalist, eclectic, or something in between.
Additionally, it is always beneficial to determine which kinds of precious metals you like to wear the most.
While you can obviously mix and match metals, many individuals find that they tend to gravitate toward one over the other. If you aren't sure what looks best on you, usually platinum and silver are fantastic options for those with a fair complexion, while yellow gold looks stunning on those with a medium or darker skin tone.
To ensure that you look put-together but not too over-the-top, always opt for one or two delicate accessories such as earrings, a necklace, bracelet, or a watch. Anything more than that can overwhelm your outfit!
6. Keep an outfit journal.
Journalling is a fantastic habit for several reasons but have you ever considered keeping an outfit journal?
In this notebook or digital record, you can keep a daily log of what you wear each day and how you feel while you are wearing it. This practice will significantly help you to recognize which pieces you own that you love and which ones you could easily live without. It will also aid you in being more aware of the shapes, fabrics, and styles that align the most with your lifestyle and aesthetic, which is critical to know before buying anything else.
Almost everyone can benefit from keeping an outfit journal. However, it is especially useful for those who are still trying to figure out their personal style, those who find themselves often impulse-buying clothes, and those who have many pieces hanging in their closet but never feel like they have something to wear.
Final Thoughts
Building your perfect wardrobe is something that takes time and effort, and so you can't expect it to happen overnight. Instead, you want to dedicate time to trying new outfit combinations, carefully adding high-quality pieces, and having fun throughout the process!
So, what pieces do you want to add to your wardrobe in the next few months?
AUTHOR BIO
Ethiopian-born and Dubai-based fashion designer Feiruza Mudessir discovered her curiosity to mix the traditional with contemporary at a young age, and this has become the trademark of her designs for Finchitua today. With her unique style standpoint, she served the VIP Color Forecast Panel 2017 for Al Jazeera Paints Company and VIP Color Forecast Panel 2019 for Asian Paints Berger. Ms. Mudessir is a shortlisted nominee for the prestigious Fashion Scout London 2018.
