How to Look Stylish Every Day

Co-authored by Dina Scherer and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: December 14, 2021 References

If you're like most people, you probably want to look your best every day, but life can get in the way. You might be running late or feel like you have nothing in your wardrobe that looks good on you. Fortunately, if you spend a little time curating a stylish wardrobe, you'll always have something fashionable at your fingertips.

1

Buy timeless wardrobe staples.

Add some classics to your wardrobe that you can mix and match. You might have heard this referred to as a capsule wardrobe. Basically, you want to stock up on classic pieces like T-shirts, tanks, blouses or polos, sweaters, a black dress or suit, cardigans, jeans, and slacks. Then, you can mix and match them quickly when you're getting dressed.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Natalie Kay Smith
Sustainable Fashion Writer
Expert Interview. 25 May 2021.} Here are a few simple outfit combinations to get you started:^{[2]
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- Skinny jeans + striped T-shirt + flats, or skinny jeans + cashmere sweater + boots
- Slacks + polo + boat shoes, or slacks + button-down shirt + loafers
- Little black dress + printed scarf + heels, or little black dress + long cardigan + flats

2

Reach for clothes that fit you well.

Fit can make a big difference when it comes to looking polished.^{[3]
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Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.} Sort through your wardrobe and get rid of things that are too big or small. If something doesn't fit right, it won't look right either.^{[4]
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Natalie Kay Smith
Sustainable Fashion Writer
Expert Interview. 25 May 2021.} Periodically go through your clothes and try them on to see if they are comfortable and flattering.^{[5]
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- If you have pieces that you can't part with but they don't fit you well, consider bringing them to a tailor.
- Keep in mind that some pieces are supposed to fit you a little differently. For example, you might have a luxurious oversized sweater that's supposed to drape over you.

3

Get rid of items that don't make you feel your best.

Don't hold onto items that feel shapeless, outdated, or unflattering. You know what we're talking about—the sweater or pair of pants that's always in your closet, but you don't really like wearing. Clear them out to make room for pieces that you truly like wearing.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.} Aim for quality over quantity when it comes to garments.^{[7]
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- You don't have to hang onto clothes just because they were a good deal or because they fit you. It's totally fine to donate or sell them so you can invest in stylish clothes that you look forward to wearing.^{[8]
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  Expert Source
  
  Natalie Kay Smith
  Sustainable Fashion Writer
  Expert Interview. 25 May 2021.}

4

Build outfits around colors that go well together.

Pair warm tones with warm or cool tones with cool to look polished. Your outfit should look harmonious and color choice is a big part of that.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.} If you're wearing a top that has cool colors like blue, green, or purple, pair it with pants or a skirt that's also cool-toned so they don't clash. Black, white, and gray pieces are neutral so they can work with warm or cool shades.
- Warm tones include red, yellow, orange, and brown.

5

Wear clothes in flattering cuts or styles.

Identify your body shape and choose clothes that complement you.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.} The idea with any of the body shapes is to create balance and stylish symmetry. For instance, If you have an apple-shaped body, you have a rounded silhouette so belts can really help to define your waist. Long skirts or deep V-neck tops can also extend your torso.^{[11]
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- Pear shapes that have a wider waist than bust work well with patterned or textured tops since they draw the eyes up instead of down near the waist.
- Straight or rectangle shapes don't have a lot of definition so choose blouses or sweaters with gathers or ruffles to help create dimension.
- Inverted triangle shapes have a wider bust than waist so choose wide-leg pants or A-line skirts to bring attention to your hips.
- Hourglass shapes have a bust and hips that are the same so wrap dresses, fitted blazers, and mid-to-high rise pants all accentuate your shape.

6

Create a basic uniform and build on it.

Come up with a day-to-day look that you can easily customize. You might not have lots of time to plan your outfit every day, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style! This is where a basic uniform really helps. For instance, you might feel great wearing slacks, a fitted shirt, and a blazer. Use this as your outfit base and swap out pieces with different colors or textures.^{[12]
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- For example, if your uniform is jeans and a blazer, you might wear light-washed jeans and a casual tan blazer one day or skinny jeans with a moto jacket on another day. For a more professional look, wear black-fitted jeans with a structured blazer.

7

Plan outfits with comfort in mind.

Check the forecast and take your day into account. If you look stylish but your outfit makes you uncomfortable, then you're not really winning! Look at the forecast before you get dressed so you know your outfit will be warm or cool enough. You should also consider your day. Running lots of errands? Chasing after toddlers? You'll probably want to skip stilettos and reach for fashionable flats.^{[13]
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- Being prepared for the weather might mean grabbing a light sweater or jacket to throw on if it cools off later in the day.
- Don't want to sacrifice style for comfort? You don't necessarily have to! If you'll have a meeting or presentation, consider bringing those slightly uncomfortable sleek leather shoes to wear for your meeting, but change into casual flats or loafers when you're done.

8

Upgrade your outfit with chic accessories.

Add a belt, watch, or jewelry to make your outfit look put together. You've spent time creating a fashionable outfit, but you can really take it to the next level with some key accent pieces. Carry a designer handbag with a color that really pops or complete your look with an eye-catching belt. Don't forget jewelry! Men might reach for a simple chain necklace or classic watch while women can accessorize with earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.^{[14]
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- The key to accessories is balance. You don't want to overwhelm your look, so stick with 1 or 2 statement pieces. For instance, if you're rocking a neutral-colored outfit, wear earrings that really stand out or a bold-colored belt that adds interest.

9

Tweak your outfit to add finishing touches.

Take a few moments to check your look before you walk out the door. Sure, you can throw on a button-down shirt and sweater, but you'll instantly elevate your outfit if you pull the cuffs out so they're peeking from under the sweater. Look at your outfit and find ways to look polished. This might mean popping your collar, tucking in your shirt, or rolling up the cuffs of your pants. Play around to find what looks best on you.^{[15]
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- You might roll up the sleeves on your blazer, for instance, or tie a silk scarf around your neck.

Expert Q&A

Question

How many items of clothing do I need for a capsule wardrobe?

Natalie Kay Smith
Sustainable Fashion Writer
Natalie Kay Smith is a sustainable fashion writer and the owner of Sustainably Chic, a sustainability-focused blog. Natalie has over 5 years of sustainable fashion and green living writing and has worked with over 400 conscious brands all over the world to show readers fashion can exist responsibly and sustainably.

Natalie Kay Smith

Sustainable Fashion Writer

Expert Answer

The general rule of thumb is 40. That's roughly 10 tops, 10 bottoms, 5 trousers, 10 outerwear pieces, and 5 dresses. You can totally adjust those ratios to suit your personal needs, though.
Question

What can I do if I can't update my wardrobe right now?

Natalie Kay Smith
Sustainable Fashion Writer
Natalie Kay Smith is a sustainable fashion writer and the owner of Sustainably Chic, a sustainability-focused blog. Natalie has over 5 years of sustainable fashion and green living writing and has worked with over 400 conscious brands all over the world to show readers fashion can exist responsibly and sustainably.

Natalie Kay Smith

Sustainable Fashion Writer

Expert Answer

Nobody said you have to go out and update everything right away! You can piece your wardrobe out over time and buy things slowly. Alternatively, you can just get thrifty and look for quality brands being sold at deep discounts.
Question

How can I look stylish naturally?

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Dina Scherer is an Image and Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Modnitsa Styling, based in New York City. With over a decade of experience, Dina specializes in color analysis, style development, closet editing, and personal shopping. She helps her clients elevate their personal style and curate a wardrobe aligned with their lifestyle. Dina holds degrees in Advertising and Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, and a Certificate in Image Consulting from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Dina Scherer

Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper

Expert Answer

First, try identifying your ideal style and color palette. Then, you have to invest in pieces that really fit your body type and that can make you feel confident in yourself, as that will make you naturally stylish.