Jill Chivers of Shop Your Wardrobe and I were asked about how to be comfortable, have a practical wardrobe but still be elegantly stylish. In this video we discuss some strategies to create a wardrobe that is both functional and comfortable yet stylish.
Fabric Selection to Be Comfortable and Stylish
Comfort and Ease
Do fabrics have ease of movement but are still fitted (never sloppy or baggy), and movement in fabric also gives it more elegance. Drape and lightness can add that little extra feeling of comfortable ease and elegance.
What's the care requirements for the fabrics that you choose? A practical wardrobe wants more easy-care fabrics that can be thrown into the washing machine and don't require handwashing or dry cleaning.
Quality
Fabrics need to be in the finer more high-quality arena. Consider fine merino knits which are machine washable for winter and summer weight knits from fabrics that include fibres like viscose or bamboo and elastane (rather than lots of polyester which pills or high quantities of cotton which can look cheap and wear poorly).
Layer a 3rd Piece
The Third Piece is a great wardrobe staple for a stylish outfit.
Jill often layers with a kimono - the drape and fabric give some glamour and elegance to the outfit.
Try a jacket. A jacket doesn't have to be a suit jacket - it could be in colour or in a knit fabric that dresses up a pair of jeans and takes your outfit up a level without feeling too overdressed.
Third Piece - Waistcoat
Wear a Dress
A dress is a great way to look more stylish yet not have to think about putting lots of elements together in your outfit. Because they can look dressed up and finished easily, yet they can still be very comfortable if they are made from fabrics like jersey.
Dress + Accessory = you're ready to go!
Which Shoes to Choose?
Comfortable but stylish shoes - wedges, espadrilles, ballet flats or sandals with sparkle or detail. In winter try boots made from polished leather.
Think about finish - patent or colour can add a little elegance and a more dressed up appearance. Or a pattern or pony hair is another option for a flat shoe to give it more interest and elegance.
Always maintain shoes so they don't look tired. Regular polishing (or brushing of suede) keeps them from looking scuffed.
How to Have the Perfect Wardrobe of Shoes
Add Accessories as Icing
Accessories such as necklaces, bangles/bracelets and earrings are key to making an outfit feel finished.
Alternatively try a scarf, hat or feature belt to your outfit and create that all important focal point.
Use colour and beauty bundles for interest (coloured handbags are also fabulous!)
10 Accessorizing Tips You Need to Know Now
Grooming is Key
I bet if you look around at images of women you consider to be stylishly dressed there is one thing in common, and that is grooming.
Spending a little time in the morning to do your hair and add a little makeup can take your whole look up a notch into a more stylish or elegant chic way.
Lastly, consider
- What suits your lifestyle?
- What calls to you?
- What elements do you love to wear?
- Does your outfit represent your style recipe?
- How does your personality influence what you choose, what makes you feel comfortable and what you love?
Remember, the best wardrobes are built over time with more carefully curated pieces!
If you'd like to know all the ins and outs of how your personality can be reflected through your clothing and accessories, this is Step 1 of my 7 Steps to Style program (Step 2 identifies all the physical elements of your body that influence styles of clothing that flatter your figure, and Step 3 is a personal colour analysis including information on contrast and colour selection that is ideal for you). Find out more here and really nail down your style. It will save you time and lots of money in the long run!
Linking Up to High Latitude Style, Currently Wearing, Not Dressed as Lamb, Style Nudge, Style with a Smile
How to Build Your Style from Ground Zero
Jill Chivers of Shop Your Wardrobe and I were asked about how to be comfortable, have a practical wardrobe but still be elegantly stylish. In this video we discuss some strategies to create a wardrobe that is both functional and comfortable yet stylish.
Fabric Selection to Be Comfortable and Stylish
Comfort and Ease
Do fabrics have ease of movement but are still fitted (never sloppy or baggy), and movement in fabric also gives it more elegance. Drape and lightness can add that little extra feeling of comfortable ease and elegance.
What's the care requirements for the fabrics that you choose? A practical wardrobe wants more easy-care fabrics that can be thrown into the washing machine and don't require handwashing or dry cleaning.
Quality
Fabrics need to be in the finer more high-quality arena. Consider fine merino knits which are machine washable for winter and summer weight knits from fabrics that include fibres like viscose or bamboo and elastane (rather than lots of polyester which pills or high quantities of cotton which can look cheap and wear poorly).
Layer a 3rd Piece
The Third Piece is a great wardrobe staple for a stylish outfit.
Jill often layers with a kimono - the drape and fabric give some glamour and elegance to the outfit.
Try a jacket. A jacket doesn't have to be a suit jacket - it could be in colour or in a knit fabric that dresses up a pair of jeans and takes your outfit up a level without feeling too overdressed.
Third Piece - Waistcoat
Wear a Dress
A dress is a great way to look more stylish yet not have to think about putting lots of elements together in your outfit. Because they can look dressed up and finished easily, yet they can still be very comfortable if they are made from fabrics like jersey.
Dress + Accessory = you're ready to go!
Which Shoes to Choose?
Comfortable but stylish shoes - wedges, espadrilles, ballet flats or sandals with sparkle or detail. In winter try boots made from polished leather.
Think about finish - patent or colour can add a little elegance and a more dressed up appearance. Or a pattern or pony hair is another option for a flat shoe to give it more interest and elegance.
Always maintain shoes so they don't look tired. Regular polishing (or brushing of suede) keeps them from looking scuffed.
How to Have the Perfect Wardrobe of Shoes
Add Accessories as Icing
Accessories such as necklaces, bangles/bracelets and earrings are key to making an outfit feel finished.
Alternatively try a scarf, hat or feature belt to your outfit and create that all important focal point.
Use colour and beauty bundles for interest (coloured handbags are also fabulous!)
10 Accessorizing Tips You Need to Know Now
Grooming is Key
I bet if you look around at images of women you consider to be stylishly dressed there is one thing in common, and that is grooming.
Spending a little time in the morning to do your hair and add a little makeup can take your whole look up a notch into a more stylish or elegant chic way.
Lastly, consider
- What suits your lifestyle?
- What calls to you?
- What elements do you love to wear?
- Does your outfit represent your style recipe?
- How does your personality influence what you choose, what makes you feel comfortable and what you love?
Remember, the best wardrobes are built over time with more carefully curated pieces!
If you'd like to know all the ins and outs of how your personality can be reflected through your clothing and accessories, this is Step 1 of my 7 Steps to Style program (Step 2 identifies all the physical elements of your body that influence styles of clothing that flatter your figure, and Step 3 is a personal colour analysis including information on contrast and colour selection that is ideal for you). Find out more here and really nail down your style. It will save you time and lots of money in the long run!
Linking Up to High Latitude Style, Currently Wearing, Not Dressed as Lamb, Style Nudge, Style with a Smile
How to Build Your Style from Ground Zero