Elevating your style isn’t about being on trend, it’s about being who you are and wearing what syncs with your personality throughout your life.
If the latest TikTok obsession is something you are oohing and ahhing over, it might be for you. But if your first response is “good grief,” that’s just as credible a sign you know yourself pretty well. Go with it.
Still, combining trends with changing body shapes, sizes and age can be a challenge. Maybe it’s time to reexamine how you present yourself and create and curate your best style — your best you.
Here are several principles to use while defining, redefining or refining your look:
Learn what you like
Look for inspiration from your friends, family, influencers, films, video games, your own closet or wherever ideas present themselves. Simply copying someone almost never works, but choosing elements from one or two figures who have caught your eye can give you a great head start.
Fill in the blanks
Use items you already have or did have that always get compliments.
Know what looks good on you
If you haven’t settled on the styles and silhouettes that fit and flatter your figure, it’s time to find out.
Find and befriend a good tailor. This person will turn not-quite-perfect pieces into flawless outfits, whether an inch or two tighter or looser.
Cover your bases
Do you have staple pieces that fit you perfectly and can be dressed up or down with accessories for whatever occasion might arise?
This can vary seasonally and regionally, but in general you can look for:
Women — Midi dresses, white or off-white shirts, dependable dressy jeans, white sneakers, midsize heels, a black dress (little or long), black boots, blazers, trench coats and a selection of beautiful handbags.
Men — White T-shirts and dress shirts, white and blue button-down shirts, dark blue jeans, khaki pants, black and brown lace-up shoes, casual and dressy jackets, a charcoal or navy suit.
Everybody — don’t forget the most fundamental building block of all — a good selection of well-sewn underwear so you’ll always have something that works with, not against, whatever outfit you wear.
Put quality first
Once you get started shopping, focus on the quality of the merchandise you’re considering, ahead of designer labels or current trends.
Do a test run
If you’re looking to experiment with a wide variety of looks try renting clothes through Armoire, Nuuly or a similar website.
Choose substantial fabrics that will still be superior after more than a handful of washes and shoes that will hold their shape and texture through the beating they will inevitably take.
Treat them well
Follow the care instructions for any garments, and don’t allow them to wad up even while they’re in the hamper.
Air-dry as many clothes as you can and fold them carefully, keeping clothes that must be hung on wood or padded hangers in the closet.
