Your wardrobe is a reflection of who you are and has an influence on how people initially determine your personality and taste. Whether you just developed an interest in fashion, had a change in lifestyle, or simply want to upgrade your style, building your dream closet from scratch can be a stressful process. However, contrary to popular belief, it can be a fun and enjoyable journey. Have no idea where to begin? Here are some tips for elevating your style and finding the clothing you feel confident in.
The first and most important step to changing up your style is to figure out what your desired style aesthetic is. Having style icons is a great way to get inspiration and ideas for outfits. Getting inspiration doesn’t necessarily have to come from a certain person, you can be inspired by a country, a tv show, a period of history, or even a culture! Having multiple sources of inspiration can let you blend your favorite aspects of each and develop your own unique look. Creating mood boards full of outfits you enjoy can not only be an easy way to find your preferred aesthetic by recognizing certain patterns but can also be a useful thing to turn to when looking for a quick, new fashion idea. After finding your style inspiration, it’s time to adapt it to your lifestyle. Odds are your style icon and you live different lifestyles and it might not be suitable to mimic their exact outfits in your day-to-day life, so make it your own! Consider things like where you are located and what activities you do the most often to create appropriate outfits.
The next step is to declutter your current closet. Start by looking through each of your clothing pieces and ask yourself these questions: When was the last time I wore this? How often have I worn this? How did I feel while wearing this? Does this represent the style I’m trying to achieve? The answers to these questions can help determine whether each item is a keep or sweep! There are plenty of things you can do with the clothing you ultimately decide not to keep. You can donate them, give them away to friends, or sell them on apps like Depop!
Now comes the fun part, actually shopping for new pieces! Buying your dream wardrobe won’t happen overnight. Remember that style is a journey and not a destination. However, buying timeless basic pieces is the perfect base to have for any wardrobe. When choosing wardrobe staples, you should be looking at pieces that can be worn in several different ways and investing in those. Some basics that I recommend for anyone’s closet include a good pair of denim jeans, comfortable sneakers, a leather jacket, basic bodysuits, a pair of heels, and a pair of breathable leggings. These pieces are ageless and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion!
After you’ve gotten the essential pieces, it is time to invest in statement pieces. These articles of clothing or accessories completely transform a basic look and give it a personalized touch. Some of my favorite ways to make a statement are by adding a patterned blazer, uniquely shaped sunglasses, a fun-colored bag, layered necklaces, or a fur coat. Having pieces like these can help make your style unique and turn any outfit from boring to chic.
When buying clothing to add to your collection, the most important step is to pick pieces you feel most confident in. There are no set of rules you have to follow in order to have a good fashion sense. Instead of paying attention solely to all the current trends and forcing yourself to be something you’re not, be selective and focus on the clothes that accentuate who you truly are. Knowing what works for you and what doesn’t allows your confidence to shine through in any outfit.
