The key to looking fabulous lies behind many insider trade secrets that many of our top fashion stylist swear by. Looking fabulous doesn’t have to be complicated. With these 10 tips and tricks, you’ll be on your way to a fashionably fabulous life in style.
“The hardest thing in fashion is not to be known for a logo,
but to be known for a silhouette.”
-Giambattista Valli
- Double-sided Tape – Undoubtedly one of the oldest tricks in a stylist’s book; double-sided or fashion tape aids in helping to keep garments in place and can avoid any unwanted wardrobe malfunction. It’s a must-have staple that I keep conveniently at my side. It can serve multiple purposes like holding tops in place, keeping knee high books in place, temporarily holding hemlines in place and even hold down the excessive length of belts. Hollywood Tape is my go-to brand, which you can purchase here.
- Invest in Body Shapers – The Spanx brand revolutionized the concept of body shapers in recent years when Sara Blakely had a single vision of eradicating visual panty lines and uncomfortable thongs. The brand has expanded tremendously since its original inception. Even the most fashionably fit can benefit from a little extra support in places that warrants a little more structure.Proper undergarments can make or break a look. They are totally worth the investment.
- When in Doubt, Over Dress – Simply stated. Not sure what the dress code is for a particular event? When in doubt, over dress. It’s always great to play it safe. Best quoted by Oscar Wilde, “one can not be overdressed or overeducated.” I second that!
- Less is More – This can be tricky. However, not knowing when to apply the concept of minimalism can seemingly turn a look from understated to overwhelming. When we say less is more, we’re not talking baring it all here. We’re talking opting for less accessories and opting for less fads in exchange for more elegance and sophistication. The art of perfecting elegance lies within the ability to embrace the concept of simplicity. Conceptualizing the basic principles of an minimalistic approach works best with sleek silhouettes and geometric patterns. Designers like Jil Sander, Calvin Klein and an all-time favorite of mine Phillip Lim has perfected the design concept of clean silhouettes with minimal embellishments—-a concept that transcends far beyond the decades, allowing simplicity a chance to live on forever.
- Opt for More classics and Less Trends – I absolutely hate trends. Let’s face it, all trends are not for everyone. Stay tuned for my future upcoming post on all the reasons why I hate them. One minute they’re in, the next they’re out. It’s just that simple. You’ve probably figured out by now that I’m not one that follow trends. Simply looking at my shopping pattern is a tell tell sign. Most of the items in my closet are about 5 years-old on average. You’ll save lots of money sticking to the basics.
- Basics First – Piggybacking off of the previous bullet point. Investing in staple must-haves provide more styling flexibility and more options in your wardrobe building process. There are some items that you absolutely need readily available in your closet. These make up the basis of your wardrobe; they’re the must-haves, no matter what your style — they are the wardrobe essentials.They are versatile, classic and of great quality. Items such as a pencil skirt, black blazer, great pair of jeans, a LBD and a classic black handbag all fall under this category. Starting out with these staple basics gives you the opportunity to mix-and-match, while creating the illusion of an expansive wardrobe.
- Dress Your Age – I know. Some of you will probably give me the ultimate side eye on this one. As I get older and my style evolves, the struggle remains how do I maintain that perfect balance between classic and eclectic. Certainly there is a thing called age appropriateness, right? That golden fashion rule that says we should remain confined within societal boundaries of what a thirty something should dress and look like. While I do get that opting for classic, “grown-up” and structured pieces reflects a certain sentiment; at the end of the day, you are never too old to have a little fun with fashion. Am I advocating that a sixty-something rock a freakum dress? Absolutely not. What I am saying is rock what makes you feel great and works best for you within reason.
- Know Your Measurements – Knowing your body measurements aligns with knowing your body type. Whether you are the circular, rectangular, hourglass or triangular shaped woman—knowing your measurements is the first step in perfecting what type of clothing works best for your shape. There is nothing more unflattering than a person failing to dress for their body type. If you can’t steer your car comfortably, chances are that blazer is too tight. If your breast are playing peek-a-boo in that button down shirt between buttons, you may need to go up one size and make the appropriate alterations by taking in the sides. If you aren’t sure how to shop your body type, The Lucky Shopping Manual and The Fine Art of Dressing:Make Yourself a Masterpiece by Dressing for Your Body Type are two fabulous resources to add to your fashion library.
- Invest in Alterations – Ladies and gents—it is all in the fit. I suggest that you get to know your local alterations lady quite well. Sure there are many complexities to being fashionably fabulous, but the least complex principle in the world of fashion is ensuring that your garments fit well; and standing by to help in that process is your local alterations shop. It is totally worth the investment. Another great tip in this category is to look for garments with flexibility. Garments with a little ease or stretch in the fabric or tops with adjustable straps for example.
- Be Confident – You look as you feel. If you feel comfortable and confident, you will look the part.
