How to be more stylish

Here are amazing ways you can upgrade your style game.

Don’t buy something for just one occasion

We’re all guilty of it. A wedding, a Christmas party, a Friday night reunion in the pub with your friends post-lockdown. Heading somewhere exciting means we inevitably feel like we need something special – and therefore something new – to wear. However, more often than not, as much as we like the piece that we buy, it rarely gets more than one outing.

Instead of purchasing something specific for certain events, try to have a few dressier pieces in your wardrobe that are more versatile. If you go for something simple and more classic, rather than trend-led, you’ll be able to wear it again and again. Accessorised cleverly, it will never feel like the same look.

Give up outdated footwears

Still reaching for rubber flip-flops, wedge sneakers, and boots on occasion? It's time to swap them out for more forward options, like sock boots, kitten-heel mules, backless loafers, and white boots and heels.

Don’t buy or keep something that doesn’t suit you

As well as holding onto things that don’t fit, many of us keep pieces that we know don’t suit us. Often we’ve bought something on a whim because it’s a big trend or because we saw someone else wearing it and thought they looked amazing – but because it just doesn't suit us, we've never actually taken it out of the cupboard. If a piece of clothing doesn’t make you feel confident and comfortable, it has no place in your life.

Don’t buy something just because it’s a bargain

It’s easy to be won over by a big discount, and you should make the most of huge markdowns – especially when it comes to investment designer pieces – but only if that piece is something that you really need to add to your arsenal. Never buy something just because it’s a great deal. No matter how affordable it was, if you never wear it, it’s a complete waste of money.

Swap your plain black outerwear

If you want to stand out, swap your old black coat for something a little more vibrant and interesting. Because in the colder months, your outerwear is sometimes the only way to show the world just how stylish you are.

When you buy something, get rid of something else

An excellent way to keep your wardrobe at a sensible size is to adopt the one-in, one-out policy: every time you add something new, take a piece out (and sell it or donate it to charity). Not only will it keep your rails and shelves from overflowing, it also means you have to be much more confident about what you are purchasing. You’ll never buy something unless you completely love it, knowing that you are going to have to lose something special from your wardrobe.

Ask yourself: Do the colours coordinate?

Make sure the colours in your outfit complement each other and you!

Look at the colours you’re wearing and review the palette. Is it subdued, bright, or contrasting? Colours can affect your entire mood so, in addition, to fit, make sure the colours help your attitude.

If you’re feeling happy and excited, you wouldn’t want to squash that energy by wearing all black. Choose a colour palette to suit your mood or use colour to bring you out of a funky mood.

When you’re feeling down, don’t reach for black; reach for your favourite coloured item in the closet and add some fun accessories. Use clothing as a mood enhancer.

Always accessorise

Try to wear at least one accessory, whether it’s a statement necklace, a pop-colour bag or a great pair of earrings (or all of the above). A solid statement piece can take an ensemble from ho-hum to a stand-out in seconds.