If the contents of your closet leave you feeling less than inspired, you’re not alone: perhaps you’re stuck choosing the same outfit day after day because it’s a “safe” choice – or maybe despite having plenty of clothes you still feel like there’s nothing you want to wear.
Styling an outfit is very different from wearing one, in that it’s less about simply getting dressed and more about dressing up, an idea we usually associate with occasions such as parties or dinner dates. A little playful ingenuity and creative flair can make everyday outfits feel that little bit more special.
Make a Statement
While contemporary and classic pieces make great capsule items, it’s always a good idea to have a couple of statement pieces in your collection. Online boutiques like Dihsan can be a great place to source items from both established and up-and-coming designers.
When looking for your own statement piece, a modern, sculptural pair of earrings, or a bag with an intriguing design, ignore the trends and choose something that instantly appeals to you. This can help to inform and develop your own personal style.
Consider Christian Apparels
You could also consider Christian apparel while contemplating your wardrobe and personal style. A wide variety of Christian-themed clothing is available that allows you to express your faith and look fashionable at the same time. From stylishly designed t-shirts featuring meaningful scriptures to accessories adorned with crosses and other symbols, such items add a unique, faith-inspired element to your fashion statement. You can easily incorporate these pieces into your day-to-day outfits or wear them on special occasions. Selecting pieces that resonate with you and can help personalize your style.
Try Some Shape Shifting
Making adjustments by safety-pinning, tucking or folding is common practice at fashion shows, and it also happens to be something you can use to revive pieces of clothing and give a fresh new look to otherwise ordinary, everyday items such as shirts, skirts or dresses.
Rolling the cuffs of your shirts or pants always looks chic, while a half, full or French tuck is an easy, effortless way to instantly change the shape of a plain button-down or tee shirt. Alternatively, you can use belts, suspender braces or even gothic-inspired harnesses to alter the silhouette of your outfit while adding structure.
Accessories and Embellishment
Accessorizing can be a simple and easy way to make any outfit more put-together. Besides belts, other items such as hats, shoes and even socks can be used. Other fun ways to add visual interest include embellishments such as rips, patches, applique or dye (be sure to always test this out on an old, worn item first).
You can even put a twist on how you wear your jewelry: a necklace peeking out from the collar of a buttoned-up shirt for example, or (if the fabric is not too delicate), you can even use brooches to change the look of a skirt or dress by pinning the hem up to make it asymmetric or gathered.
Three Ways to Add Style
If you want to come up with some styling ideas of your own, making color, shape or texture
a focal point (or even mixing and matching the three) can take an otherwise-boring outfit to new heights. For instance: a pop of color can be used as an accent against a neutral outfit, or to contrast or even clash with other hues.
You can also add contrast by combining textures you might not normally see, such as sequins and wool. Lastly, the shape of clothing can be adjusted either by using accessories (such as a belt), or in the flowiness or structure of the garment itself. Most of all, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it; after all, that’s what fashion is all about.
