Styling Tips to Elevate Basic Outfits

Sometimes bored feelings start with life and affect personal style, and sometimes it’s the boring style that affects how you feel about life.

When that happens (and it does 2-3 times a year for me!), I look at what I’ve been wearing and see a pattern. Usually, I’m just not interested in my clothing, and I need a styling remix to feel that pizzazz in my outfits again!

This is my pre-emotive approach to that. If you’re in a “bored but don’t know why” season with your wardrobe, I’m sure these quick & easy upgrades will help!

Elevate your workday outfit

If you’re now working from home, this can seem unnecessary, but I always find that I show up sharper and am more productive when I’m dressed well with my hair & makeup done.

For this first outfit, the base is already a good look. We have an indigo blue silk blouse from Sézane and some deep blue skinny jeans. First, I’ll tuck in this blouse to give definition and shape to an otherwise frumpy vibe. Next, I’ll lose the slippers, although if anyone makes work-appropriate slippers, it’s Birdies. Let’s assume I’m catching lunch with a friend, so I’ll need to put on shoes anyway. These low-heel sandals are elevated and still comfortable, and I can pair it with my ivory snakeskin belt for some textural interest and complimentary colored accessories. Then, I’ll pull my hair back, because this blouse is billowy, which can add too much heaviness to this look. That will also give the exquisite embroidered collar a chance to really shine.

And just like that! From frumpy to sophisticated, even while working from home.

Elevate your workout outfit

The first thing I notice is that everything on the left side is tight — too tight. I need to add some balance to this look. So, I’ll swap out the tight t-shirt with a cropped one and add a light jacket for some interest.

There are times when all black can look very chic & sophisticated, but oftentimes it looks like you’re hiding, which I think a lot of times we use it as a disguise. Instead, choose your favorite wardrobe color to add pops of interest. I stuck to a palette of rosy tones: a dusty pink hat, a mauve jacket, and a maroon crossbody bag.

Lastly, if it’s appropriate for your type of workout, add some sparkle! I feel more spirited when I can add some earrings and my wedding ring to glimmer beneath the studio lights.

Elevate your weekend outfit

Are you the person who loves dressing up on the weekends, or do you live in your loungewear from Friday night to Monday morning?

I totally believe you can be comfortable and stylish simultaneously. In fact, comfortability is a trait of personal style. It tells the world that you’re someone they can be comfortable with.

In this outfit, there are just a few key upgrades that turn it from mediocre to stylish. Firstly, I swapped the plain white cotton tee for a cashmere tee which feels cuddly and looks polished. Next, I added some coordinated accessories which also added texture: an ivory snakeskin belt, leather low-heeled sandals, gold jewelry, and a leather handbag with interesting construction. Then, I brushed my hair back so, again, I’m not hiding behind anything. This simple hair trick really opens up the face and shows confidence.

And just that quickly, we have an elevated Saturday look for the farmer’s markets or sidelines at the ballgame or coffee with friends.

Elevate your date night outfit

There’s a pervasive lie that a sexy outfit is tight and small. Not true! The sexiest thing you can wear is confidence.

So, before a date, ask yourself: What clothing resonates with my mood right now?

For this look, I swapped the mini skirt for skinny jeans. This will be especially helpful in case of sitting in a tall chair or going to the movies. Then, I added a handbag that’s black, which complements my black heels and completes “The Third Color Rule”. (Tip: Use 3 colors in your outfit to add sophistication.) Lastly, I pulled my hair back in a French twist, which I’ve so been loving in this warmer weather.

And so simply we have a refined but effortless vibe!

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What type of outfit would you like me to elevate on my next post? Scroll down & leave a comment.

Priska