5 Tips to Elevate Your Personal Style

Seeing the same wardrobe daily and relying on your usual outfits can make it challenging to find fresh ways to wear your existing pieces and revitalize your current collection.

By making a few straightforward changes in how you style your outfits and shop for new pieces, you can greatly enhance your personal style.

Here are 5 tips to apply immediately to your wardrobe and keep in mind during your next fitting session.

1. Tailor your clothing to complement your body proportions

Ideally, it’s preferable to steer clear of alterations to avoid additional costs and the time required. I prefer to find a better-fitting option from another store or brand whenever possible.

Sometimes, a minor alteration can transform a great piece into one that feels custom-made for you, enhancing its fit and making it perfect.

However, I would suggest opting for an alteration only if the item is flawless in every other aspect, has a defined role in your wardrobe, and is intended to be a long-term staple in your outfits.

If a pair of pants or a blazer is perfect in every other way and you love them, it’s often worth getting the hemline adjusted or the sleeves shortened. These are typical alterations that are usually quick and cost-effective.

You can adjust your clothing to better suit your proportions without needing a tailor. Here are some examples.

Blazers:

Roll up the sleeves of your jacket to your elbows for a relaxed, intentionally gathered look. If the sleeves don’t stay rolled, try cuffing them at the wrist—two or three turns should do the trick. This method transforms your jackets into versatile, transitional pieces for unpredictable weather while temporarily shortening the sleeve length. It adds a trendy, purposeful touch and allows you to revert to full-length sleeves when layering over a long-sleeve top.

Denim:

For a stylish look with jeans, cuff the hem twice, about 1cm each time. This shortens the hemline and pairs well with sandals, espadrilles, or sneakers for a laid-back vibe. It also works perfectly with ankle boots, as the cuffs will align neatly with the top of your boots, avoiding any awkward bunching.

Shirts:

Try tucking your top into mid- to high-rise bottoms for a polished look. A French tuck, where you partially tuck the front and let the sides hang loose, adds an effortlessly stylish touch. Alternatively, lightly tuck the front of your top while letting the sides and back fall naturally if you’re wearing pants. For skirts, tuck in your top and let it drape slightly, creating a relaxed blouse effect with about a thumb’s width of extra fabric.

If tucking isn’t your style, try tying your top into a neat knot at the front. This technique is especially effective with button-up shirts—just unbutton the last few buttons to create a knot rather than buttoning it all the way up.

2. Choose colors that resonate with your personality and daily activities

We each have colors that, when worn, instantly make us feel more refreshed, focused, and rejuvenated, even if we haven’t had much sleep. These colors enhance the brightness of your eyes, highlight your eye color, and brighten your complexion, reducing the appearance of dark circles or blemishes. Opt for these shades on days when you need an extra boost.

Think about your day’s activities and select a color that aligns with them. For instance, if you’re planning a day of biking and brunch at a local café, your outfit choices will differ from those you’d make for a full day of meetings with colleagues and clients on a hectic Tuesday at the office.

3. Replace oversized cardigans with casual jackets

Cardigans serve their purpose well for casual outings like grocery runs or park visits, but they often show signs of wear quickly and can lack structure, making them appear less refined. Opt for cardigans with defined shapes around the neckline, waistline, or sleeves, and choose ones with textured or interesting colors for a more polished look.

Alternatively, try a relaxed, lightweight jacket. It offers an extra layer of warmth and coverage while being easy to move in and less bulky than a cardigan.

A denim jacket is a stylish alternative to a cardigan and can effortlessly complement dresses, skirts, or jeans and tees, as long as you select one that fits your proportions and lifestyle. Many modern denim jackets feature stretchy fabrics, making them flexible and comfortable rather than stiff and restrictive.

If you prefer a cardigan that can be easily stowed in your bag, opt for one with a textured fabric, such as a ribbed design. This texture helps the cardigan maintain its shape after being packed, hides minor pulls, and reduces visible signs of wear.

4. Simplify your shoe collection with neutral colors

Investing in high-quality, comfortable shoes can be pricey, so it’s important to make the most of your purchase. By opting for a collection of neutral-colored shoes, you can reduce the number of pairs you own while still enjoying the versatility to pair them with a wide range of outfits.

A set of white sneakers, black boots, and flats or heels in shades like black, tan, or beige are versatile choices that can seamlessly complement various prints, textures, and colors in your wardrobe.

When selecting shoes, your lifestyle plays a crucial role. For example, if you walk to work, you might prioritize comfortable boots over heels to handle rainy days. Conversely, if you work in a corporate setting, white sneakers may not be appropriate, but they could fit seamlessly into a smart casual office environment.

5. Choose a standout accessory that elevates your entire look

Similar to shoes, you don’t need a vast collection of accessories—just a few versatile pieces that complement most of your wardrobe. Consider items like playful earrings, classic gold or silver studs, a simple necklace, and a watch. These accessories can enhance the colors, textures, and patterns in your outfits. Choose accessories that best suit your existing wardrobe, face shape, and personal coloring.