Fashion

Between balancing career, family, and finding time for ourselves, stepping out the door with style every day can seem impossible—but it’s not! We asked the most stylish women we know (our Stylists) what their secrets are for unlocking the next level

The secret’s out! Keep reading for 10 tips to stay effortlessly stylish.

Image c/o @joyfullygreen

1. PLAN IT OUT

“You can’t plan for everything, but don’t let your mornings catch you off-guard. Just like you’d plan a week’s worth of meals on a Sunday if you’re trying to save time, give outfit planning a shot to make way for stress-free mornings and outfit-regret-free days.” —Stylist, Amber F.

Image c/o @arielleestoria

2. SEEK OUT (STYLISH) INSPIRATION

“Find stylish women to follow—whether it’s your favorite Instagram style star or your sister’s best friend’s cousin. Discover fashionistas whose style inspires you, then use their photos as inspiration to help plan your outfits (see tip #1). Not sure where to start? Check out our Instagram and Pinterest boards for endless inspiration from our most stylish ladies.” —Stylist, Jennifer M.

3. WHEN IN DOUBT, (OVER)DRESS

“If you’re ever on the fence about what to wear, consider your destination and who you’ll see. When in doubt, err on the side of being more dressy. If you’re worried about looking too done-up, bring along a casual layer like a jean or cargo jacket to give your look that effortless chic touch.” —Stylist, Angela G.

Image c/o @twentysomethingplus

4. STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

“It never hurts to try something new. Whether that includes a bright new hue that stands out from your usual neutral palette, or shifting from skinny jeans to a boyfriend silhouette, great style is built from trying new things. Who knows what trends you might discover you love!” —Stylist, Jennifer M.

Image c/o @hellorigby

5. ALWAYS ACCESSORIZE

“Try to wear at least one accessory, whether it’s a statement necklace, a pop-color bag or a great pair of earrings (or all of the above). A solid statement piece can take an ensemble from ho-hum to a stand-out in seconds.” —Stylist, Stephania S.

Image c/o @kathleen_barnes

6. CRAFT A CAPSULE WARDROBE

“A stylist’s not-so-secret secret weapon is a capsule wardrobe. A closet full of items that can be mixed and matched with ease can take the guesswork out of your morning. Invest in classics that will last a lifetime, like a great pair of jeans, a simple LBD and timeless jewelry.” —Stylist, Stephania S.

Image c/o @caitlinclairexo

7. TRY A STATEMENT SHOE

“When it comes to footwear, color, print and style packs a huge aesthetic punch—and they don’t have to be sky-high heels, either (flats can make the same statement and your feet will thank you). Even if your look is casually thrown together, adding a printed flat or a pop-of-color wedge can make things appear more intentional.” —Stylist, Jennifer M.

8. OWN AT LEAST ONE CONVERSATION PIECE

“Every once in a while, you need that pure “wow” factor. Whether it’s an amazing pair of over-the-knee boots, a vintage dress that you borrowed from your mom’s closet or an enviable handbag, keep something in your arsenal for the days you need to really show up stylish.” —Stylist, Chelsea T.

Image c/o @victoriarathweg

9. GET TO KNOW YOUR BODY SHAPE

“The golden rule of stylish women? Fit first. With that, getting to know your body shape is key. Consider yourself a petite pear shape and prefer to highlight your shoulders? Build your closet with clothes that put the spotlight on your shape and favorite features.” —Stylist, Crista G.

10. AGE IS JUST A NUMBER

“When it comes to trying a new trend or rocking a piece that catches your eye, don’t allow that number to prevent you from trying something new. 62 and looking to rock a pair of boyfriend jeans? Try it! 22 and wanting to shift into a buttoned-up, business-first closet? Button it up!” —Stylist, Megan S.

Have style secrets of your own? Share them in the comments!

Gain confidence in your style with fashion advice for styling every look in your closet.

Work your capsule wardrobe. Make sure you have reliable wardrobe staples: an iconic little black dress, a pair of jeans that fit perfectly, a classic blazer, simple T-shirts and button-downs in neutral colors, and an effortless leather jacket (or denim jacket). Investing in a capsule collection of mix-and-match basics (and learning how to style them) is the key to looking put together.
Make sure your clothes fit perfectly. One trick to making any item of clothing look amazing is to hire a good tailor. Tailored clothing not only looks polished, but it also feels more comfortable. Pants that drag on the ground and dresses that bunch up awkwardly won’t make you feel stylish. If your capsule wardrobe fits you well, you can start to play with over- and under-sized items in a way that feels fashionable, not sloppy.
Learn how to balance proportions. Balancing proportions is about styling your outfits to create an overall aesthetic harmony. The way you achieve this is by wearing clothes that are fitted to your body shape. When you want to play with oversized clothes or unusual shapes, make it a fashion moment by keeping the rest of the look fitted. For example, try pairing a tight crop top with wide-leg jeans, or a puff-shoulder top with straight-leg pants.
Find your personal style. Developing a signature style can take years, but you can get started by creating a moodboard. Remember that personal style is an experiment; you never know what amazing looks await you until you’re in the dressing room. The categories “menswear” and “womenswear” shouldn’t dictate how you shop. Take time to play with colors and shapes to find what looks great on your unique body.
Become a better shopper. Learning how to shop for exactly what you want will help you avoid filling your closet full of items you never wear. When your wardrobe consists of pieces that you love, styling an outfit will become second nature.
Add a belt. Adding a belt to your look is one of the easiest ways to make any outfit look more put-together. It’s also a great trick for bringing balance to a look that otherwise might not work—like a long cashmere sweater and billowy midi skirt.
Play with color. If you’re nervous about adding color to your look, start with just one colorful piece, and keep the rest of your look neutral. As you get more comfortable with colors, you’ll learn which color combinations work best for your style. Take a look at a color wheel for inspiration.
Mix patterns and textures. The days of matching your handbag to your shoes are over. Clashing textures and prints make a bold fashion statement. Start small with neutral patterns like stripes and low-key textures like leather and knits, adding in the sequins and paisleys in small amounts (like a scarf, tie, or clutch) until you learn what works for you.