Hero: KaiBoutiqueCrafts (Etsy) Having several go-to outfits that you know you look good in can be convenient and reassuring. Aside from helping you save time and energy when getting dressed in the morning, wearing the same pieces allows you to maximize their wear.
Still, there are times when an event's dress code might require you to dress differently from your usual fare. You may also want to try new styles to shake up your signature look or change it altogether. But it can be challenging to get out of your comfort zone and have the confidence to wear new clothes.
What if you wear pieces that don't go well together? What if you look awkward wearing outfits you don't usually wear?
Maybe such questions and other styling concerns are holding you back from making a style change. If that's the case, read on.
This piece will provide you with practical tips for styling pieces you don't normally wear, so you'll feel more comfortable and confident experimenting with different looks.
Use Your Signature Style as Reference
Instead of wearing clothes that are totally different from your usual outfits from the get-go, you may want to start by simply changing a few elements in your signature style. Look for pieces that have similarities to the clothes you're comfortable with but are a different color or style. Using your go-to outfits as a reference when adopting a new style can make the process less overwhelming because you'll probably feel like you're still within your comfort zone.
Let's say your favorite go-to casual wear consists of a sweater, skinny jeans, and sneakers. Rather than going for dresses and skirts that you aren't used to wearing, you can wear an oversized sweater with opaque tights and ankle boots. This ensemble offers the same comfort and feel as your signature style but looks more fashionable and chic. Go for a beige or light gray chunky sweater and shop tights in black for a classy, put-together appearance.
Be Mindful of the Fit
Whether you're wearing your go-to pieces or trying new clothing styles, the key to looking great is to ensure you wear items that fit you well. Waistbands that are too tight, skirts that drag on the ground, the wrong kind of baggy in your outfits, and similar issues can impact your comfort, confidence, and overall look. That's why you should always try on clothes before you purchase them or wear them for different occasions.
If you can't find items that fit your body perfectly, consider hiring a reliable tailor to alter your clothes. With the help of an experienced tailor, you can have perfectly-fitting pieces that can make you feel and look your best.
Dress According to Your Personality
Clothes aren't just mere body coverings to keep you warm and protected; they're essential elements to showcase your personality and communicate who you are to others. As such, your style goal should be to ensure that your overall look aligns with your personality and the impression you want to create instead of merely trying to look different. By doing so, dressing up becomes more fun and inspiring. You'll most likely feel confident and more satisfied with your look as well.
For instance, if your go-to outfits usually include flowy dresses and flouncy skirts, consider maintaining your feminine style even when exploring menswear-inspired pieces. There are several ways you can do this. You can pair jeans and tailored pants with feminine tops like a wrap or off-the-shoulder blouse. You can also try mixing and matching different types of fabrics when putting outfits together. A white lace dress under a tweed jacket or a silk blouse with jeans allows you to contrast the light, soft fabrics against heavier textiles. Lastly, you can use heels, jewelry, belts, bags, and other accessories to add interesting details and make your outfit look more put-together.
Aim for Balance
Learn how to balance proportions, as it's one of the secrets to creating flattering outfits. Instead of merely picking out pieces based on style, consider the shape, fit, and design as well. For example, if you plan to wear an oversized top, choose a fitted bottom like cigarette pants or a pencil skirt rather than something shapeless or baggy to create a balanced look.
Do you want to try wearing a printed or brightly-colored piece? Keep the rest of your ensemble neutral. Otherwise, there's a chance that the different visual elements will clash with each other and compete to be the center of attention.
Look for Style Inspiration
Another trick to styling clothes you don't usually wear is to search for fashion inspiration. Perhaps you can look at the social media feeds of well-dressed family members, friends, or even celebrities with a figure and complexion similar to yours to get style ideas. You can also browse fashion blogs, magazines, and online clothing retailers, or go window shopping to see how shops dress up their mannequins.
Don't be stressed about developing your unique style at the onset. It's perfectly alright to imitate, especially if you're a beginner. Pick an outfit that you like, copy it, and then see what you can tweak to make it more you. Maybe you can wear your favorite statement jewelry, choose similar pieces in a different color, or wear another type of shoe.
Experimenting with a different style can be intimidating, especially if you're used to having practically the same clothing pieces on rotation. But with a bit of boldness, creativity, and style tips like the ones above, the process can be fun and exciting. Who knows? Maybe all you need is to step out of your comfort zone once to gain enough confidence and inspiration to broaden your sense of style.
