Having Style: 15 Brilliant Clothing Tips

"You could be the most stylish person with a t-shirt and jeans if you know how to do it.” Karl Lagerfeld gives you golden advice: having style is something you learn and work on every day. Every designer and every fashionista will tell you this. Style is hidden in the choice of clothing and accessories of course, but also - and especially - in the smallest details of your outfit. And then, there’s that little extra spark... But let’s start with the essential basics before addressing the ultimate details of the chic woman. Here are 15 brilliant dressing tips to have style with each of your outfits.

1. Minimal Shopping

Promotions, discounts, sales, clearance, end of series... the temptations to buy clothes and accessories are so numerous that your wardrobe is overflowing with fast fashion pieces that have never been worn. Or neglected because they have warped or faded after the first wash.

Minimalist and effective wardrobe (Photo: Freepik)

Buy the essentials. Consider each piece calmly before pulling out your money. Is it for a special occasion (in other words, will you only wear it once before forgetting it) or can you wear it often by twisting it into different styles?

Also read the article Zero Waste Dressing to discover new gems in your wardrobe

2. Stylish with the must-haves 

True fashionistas all have one thing in common, an insider secret that adapts to all fleeting fashion trends. This secret they willingly share (but often not taken seriously) is that their wardrobe contains 28 to 37 timeless classic garments.

Stylish with the essential pieces (Photo: senivpetro)

Trench coat, denim jacket, good quality t-shirt, fitted and oversized shirt, jeans, pencil skirt... No risk of fashion faux pas with these must-haves of women's fashion chosen in noble materials. Consider these purchases as a clothing investment that you will be proud of every day. Indeed, all your looks will be elegant and refined in all simplicity. 

Also read: Women's Wardrobe: the 25 essentials for having style

3. Always impeccable

Having style isn't something you just invent: you must carefully observe the condition of your clothes before wearing them EVERY DAY. Some stains won't come out with a wash at 30 or 40 degrees. This is the case, for example, with lipstick stains or deodorant rings that discolor black clothes and yellow white ones.

Never put on a stained garment first thing in the morning hoping no one will notice because it's tiny. That would really be a faux pas.

Track stains when folding your laundry. If necessary, clean again with warm water and mild soap, focusing on the stain. Is it stubborn? Turn to detergents suitable for the color and material.

4. Anticipate little accidents

A jostle that spills your coffee on your white blouse, an ill-placed elbow at the restaurant just when you're drinking your glass of wine, splashes on your new suede shoes... Wearing a stained garment all day is one of the most unpleasant experiences. Loss of credibility, snickering from colleagues, etc.

Photo: Freepik

To avoid those awkward moments, plan a complete change of outfit at the office: a white blouse, straight pants, and classic heels will go perfectly with the rest of your outfit for the day. And remember to replace the spare clothing the very next day.

5. Surfing the trends at mini prices

Following fashion trends season after season requires a significant budget... Unless you're a savvy fashionista who varies accessories to stay stylish, even with timeless classics.

Bags, shoes, jewelry, hats, socks, scarves, gloves, hair accessories... That's how to adopt the current trend without breaking the bank.

Always right on trend thanks to fashion accessories (Photo: cookie_studio)

Of course, you can splurge on a designer handbag on sale or gold and diamond jewelry. But to show that fashion interests you and to get plenty of compliments every month, nothing beats new items at low prices.

Insider tip: before investing in a designer bag, buy three inexpensive ones: a small, a medium, and a large. Which one do you prefer according to your lifestyle? A mini for nights out or a large tote bag for going to class, shopping, and heading to the beach all in one day?

You will then know what type of model to invest in.

Discover the collection of jewelry and accessories by Les Petits Imprimés

7. THE favorite piece

Do you have a piece of clothing or an accessory that you LOVE? A unique item that gets you compliments every time you wear it. It stands out, catches the eye, and fits you like a glove.

Whether it's a pair of vintage leopard shoes, a flashy jacket, an amazing print... you should really have this kind of piece in your wardrobe!

8. Attention to the little details

There are details that ruin your style! Like the color difference between the various metals in your outfit: does the color of the zipper on your shoes match that of your belt buckle, the hooks on your bag's shoulder strap, and your necklace? 

The little details make all the difference in style (Photo: rawpixel)

Style is hidden in the smallest details of your outfit. And no self-respecting fashionista mixes silver and gold in the same outfit.

9. Handpicked colors

Do you use the color wheel in mode to find the best color combinations between your top, bottom, shoes, and bag? 

You can use it in two ways:

• Develop your style in gradient around a color from your colorimetry.
• Be bold with complementary colors.

 

Short colorblock kimono Santiago - Les Petits Imprimés

 Attention: some colors create a visual effect that may be undesirable:

• Warm colors like orange, yellow, and brown can make you look smaller. This can be problematic if you are already petite.
• Blue, purple, and green are calming colors that exude serenity.
• Black, white, and gray are neutral colors, ideal in all circumstances.

Attention: to have style, do not exceed three colors per outfit.

Also read: Colorimetry: Which colors suit me best?

10. Smart underwear

Have you ever seen a woman with a stunning look... with the lines of her panties visible under her ultra-skinny jeans? Or the lace of her bra clearly visible under a very thin t-shirt?

Each body type has its own underwear (Photo: master1305)

To avoid unwanted details ruining your outfit (especially if you're wearing a shorty that adds horizontal lines and makes you look wider), think about these tips when buying:

• choose shapes that slim you down
• opt for invisible underwear like seamless bras and shorts or even a thong
• try your future bra with a thin t-shirt to see if it shows through

Finally, ultimate advice: check in the mirror if your underwear is visible before going out, whether it's for the office or an evening out.

11. Patterns and structures: traps to avoid

Having style means being aware of your morphology, your strengths, and the points to work on through cuts, textures, patterns, and colors.

Having style means choosing the clothes and accessories that will highlight you. It would be a shame to ruin your efforts by choosing a beautiful cut but a bad pattern (and vice versa).

Patterns are your allies to brighten up an outfit, give it character and personality. It must absolutely reflect your personality and style.

12. Giving style to a shirt and a t-shirt 

Are you wearing your t-shirt over your jeans, shorts, or dress? Know that a single small gesture will show the whole world how fashion-savvy you are. Plus, changing just a tiny detail will enhance your look and make it more dynamic.

The classic white shirt becomes modern (Photo: svetlanasokolova)

The first idea that comes to mind is to tuck your shirt, blouse, or t-shirt into your bottoms to transform your look.

But to add even more spice to your style, vary the styles: half-tucked t-shirt in front, with a knot, bloused over the pants... The choice is vast!

13. Yes to vertical stripes!

It is known: horizontal stripes are not flattering for most body shapes. Only hyper-thin body shapes can afford horizontal lines without giving the illusion of being two sizes larger.

Prefer vertical stripes that elongate and slim your body shape. 

14. Undress yourself with subtlety

A plunging neckline and a mini skirt do not mix well in the same outfit if you want to show that you have style. Show only one part of the body at a time: a neckline and a midi skirt, ripped jeans with a sweater, a short skirt and a round neck t-shirt...

 

Twisted gray long dress Sara - Les Petits Imprimés 

15. The jeans that do you good

Jeans are a must-have in the women's wardrobe: durable, practical, and fashionable, they can be worn on all occasions. Casual, chic, relaxed... the other pieces will set the tone to adopt to succeed in your style.

Take the time to choose the right jeans to enhance your silhouette (Photo: nensuria)

But choosing the right jeans according to your body shape is not an easy task. A little tip to overcome this challenge: choose one size smaller than your usual size and wash your jeans twice before wearing them. Indeed, denim has the superpower to stretch. The same goes if they are too short at the ankles: they will gain a few centimeters without worry.

To have style, know that the jeans should sit on the top of your shoes. So if they are too long, roll them up with a thin cuff. This 7/8 cut slims the ankle, and we particularly recommend it with high, thin heels. 

Will you dare to have style?

Did you enjoy this article and get some fashion ideas? That's great, that was the goal. If you liked it, share it with a friend.

To finish beautifully, here is Jane Birkin's opinion on our topic of the day: “It’s impossible to have style without self-confidence.” The famous little spark on top...