Trying to jazz up your style from your norm of jeans and t-shirts can be quite frustrating especially for those who have no idea where to begin. Trust me, I’ve been there. Thanks to the loads of fashion magazines that were my style bible, I managed to find my own style and my own identity without looking like a) I’m trying too hard, b) I’ve just come out of a bad photo shoot c) the 60’s all the way to the 90’s exploded on me in an attempt to go vintage.
After going through flashbacks and all my magazines, I find that these are the best 5 steps that helped ME pull out of my frumpy stupor and onto the trendy map.
1) Comfort is key. I’m not talking about the fact that the clothes must be comfortable i.e. the oldest t-shirt you have in your closet. I’m talking about the fact that you need to be comfortable with who you are as a person. One just can’t go all punk rock when the person inside you is rapping to hip hop music. See what I mean? Or else you’ll be disconnected with the style you choose and the REAL you won’t shine through.
2) Know your body shape. Knowing your body shape is a great way to get your “makeover” ball rolling. Without knowing your body shape, you wouldn’t know what style of clothes that are most suitable and the most flattering for you. For instance, I am pear shaped. So I know that I need to avoid clothes that draw attention to my hips like cropped tops paired with skinny jeans. LOL! Now THAT’s a hideous vision, if I ever saw one.
If you don’t know your body shape, what can help you to determine your shape is to disrobe in front of a mirror. Lightly trace your body’s outline on the mirror and you’ll get a rough idea. Whether it’s round, like an apple, or pear like, or hour glassed figure, etc.
3) Latest trends aren’t always for you. When you see a certain trend, let’s take high waisted pants for example. You see them everywhere.. on the runway, on celebrities, in stores - screaming out for you, do note that, it is not necessarily right for you. You have to take into account your body shape and whether or not it is flattering on you. I’m not saying you CAN’T try it out, but you don’t have to feel pressured to stay with the latest trends just for the sake of being “current”. Trends come and go, style lasts forever.
4) Determine your interests. List down where the majority of your interests lie. Do you prefer to hang out at underground rock music scenes or are you more into chilling out at lounges and listen to jazz? Do you like to go for art fairs and go antique shopping or are you more of a Rodeo Drive kind of shopper? Knowing what you’re into plays a huge part in determining your style factor. If you’re the kind of person who likes everything, then all the better for you. Your style can vary from day to day and you’ll be comfortable either way.
5) Don’t be afraid to try something new. Choosing the unknown over the known can sometimes be surprisingly pleasant. Try new colors. When I wanted to change my style, I checked out my wardrobe and noticed that I had stuck to mainly neutral and earthy colors. Really boring stuff. After adding a little bit more color in my wardrobe, it seems like it has also brought on a transformation to my life. It really feels like my life has more “pazzazz” right now!
So those are my 5 Tips in Choosing the Right Style for you. Sure there are plenty more tips I can give out, but I believe that once you follow these 5 tips from the beginning, you’ll be more prepared to choose a new style for yourself. In doing so, once you’ve changed your style, you’ll be more confident in adapting to a newer you! It won’t be so difficult to handle after all!
Good luck!
Love,
S.
