For many fashionistas, dressing is an art form. They are always updated with the latest trends and call their handbags or shoes on a first-name basis. But what about the rest of us mere mortals, who are clueless about what clothes to wear on our next dinner date? How do you become effortlessly stylish?
Know your body shape
To successfully find clothes that will flatter you, you need to know what parts of your body to highlight and which ones to play down. If you have broad shoulders, a well-endowed bust and narrow hips, then you have an apple shape. You have a pear shape, if your hips are the broader than your bust. If your waist measurement is less than 9 inches compared to your hips or bust, then you have a straight body shape. Finally, you are of hourglass shape if your bust and hip measurements are nearly equal and you have a narrow waist.
Dress according to your shape
If you are apple-shaped, wear clothes which highlight your slim legs and buttocks. Downplay your arms by wearing half to long sleeves and low-cut (but not plunging) necklines. Emphasize your shoulders and arms by wearing halter necks and dark colored trousers and A-line or straight-cut skirts. For straight shapes, wear feminine ruffles and frills to emphasize your curves. If you have an hourglass figure, then you can wear mostly anything.
classic two-piece ensemle
Following the trends
Trends come and go, so you have to be wise about picking the styles you want to pick. Do not spend too much on trends that you think will be old news next week and splurge on those that you think will be classics. For example, a good tailored pencil skirt will never go out of style. Do not let the fashion industry pressure you, though, and just try to be comfortable with what you feel expresses your personality best.
Dress according to your age
Another factor to consider when wanting to be stylish is your age. Young adults and women in their 20’s are nearly at full liberty to express themselves through their clothes. If you are a woman of a more mature age, however, then certain limits need to be considered. A woman in her 40’s, for example, should not even consider wearing a micro-miniskirt or tops with very low necklines. Clothes that give a sophisticated vibe would be more appropriate.
Makeup and Accessories
As a general rule, natural-looking makeup is more acceptable to wear during the day and bolder, darker colors can be worn in the evenings. A regular manicure and pedicure also gives the impression that you value good grooming. So if your nail polish is chipping, then replace them or remove them completely.
Your shoes and bags do not have to match anymore, like how grandma used to. These days, you may opt to choose either a statement bag or pair of shoes, then building the outfit around them. The same rule applies to jewelry – just choose a state necklace, ring or pair of earrings and leave the rest muted or leave them out altogether.
