Looking stylish and put-together is a goal for many people, but creating well-thought-out outfits can be challenging, especially if you’re just starting with this whole “fashion” thing.
There’s often a misconception that you need to perfectly match the colours or buy all kinds of new pieces and accessories to look good.
While some attention to detail is necessary, looking stylish is easier than it may seem, and we’re here to help.
Here are 7 tips for always having perfect outfits.
1. Complement, not match
Let’s get to the biggest myth first. You don’t have to actually match the colours of your clothes perfectly! Just think about it, if your bottoms and top are identical, you’re running a high risk of looking like you’re wearing a uniform!
So instead of matching, complement your outfit. Use a colour wheel (you can easily find an image on google) to ensure that your outfit colours are far apart or at least a little bit removed.
Also, avoid wearing two primary or super bright colours, e.g. bright yellow and bright red or blue. That’s just too much!
2. Monochromatic style
But what about if you want to opt for a tonal outfit when you wear different shades of one colour?
No problem! Our tip is to choose different textures and patterns to give your look more depth and contrast. Also, try keeping your shades further removed on the colour wheel, as wearing the exact same tone can look childish or even cartoonish.
For example, if you love blues, match dark navy trousers with a light blue shirt and super-dark blue loafers.
3. Match your leathers and metals
While matching colours is to be avoided, you do want to match your leather and metal pieces.
For example, your belt leather should match your shoes and bag, or your watch should match your bracelet or belt buckle. Think black boots and a black belt.
That’s why when purchasing new accessories, always have in mind the items you already have.
If it’s impossible to match precisely, try finding close enough colours, e.g. deep dark chocolate leather with black, but not light brown or beige.
The same goes for metals, match silver with silver, gold with gold etc. One way of tricking the system is wearing a piece with two metals (for example, white and yellow gold watch); this way, you have more options for styling.
4. Wear more neutrals
If you’re a beginner, we recommend stocking up on neutral pieces as they’re so much easier to pair.
Neutral colours are greys, black, white, tan, olive, navy, light blue. They are an excellent base for any outfit and minimise the space for error.
Get high-quality t-shirts like the ones from Fresh Clean Tees in at least a few of these colours, and know that you’ll always have a perfect base to build on. Find here their advice with 15 of the best t-shirt colors and color combinations.
You can mix and match these shades together or add a pop of colour. We love such combinations as olive trousers and a white tee, khaki chinos, light blue or navy shirt, etc.
The pieces you want in neutral colours are trousers, shirts, t-shirts, footwear, formal wear.
5. Don’t mix styles
Okay, this one might seem obvious to some, but we just have to point it out. Always wear the same style of clothes and don’t mix styles unless you’re truly sure of the outcome.
For example, don’t wear your gym shorts with a blazer or graphic tee under your dress shirt.
Now, sometimes this rule can be bent, especially when it comes to footwear. Sneakers have become acceptable with smart-casual outfits; however, our strong recommendation is to opt for sleek leather ones over your classic runners.
6. Colours for the season
While fashion rules and recommendations keep changing and getting loser, it still helps to consider the season you’re dressing for.
For example, summer and spring always call for lighter colours and fewer layers, so it’s easier to style and outfit. Dark and moody colours might be your favourite, but going out in an all-black outfit to hundred-degree weather probably isn’t the best choice.
Think whites, light blues, olives and beiges and add pastels like salmon, greens or yellows.
You should go for darker colours like browns, greys, burgundy and navy for autumn and winter and add more layers. Here you might spend more time trying to match all the layers.
7. Get inspiration from celebrities and influencers
We understand that following any rules can often seem clear on paper but become challenging in everyday life.
To sharpen your sense of style and what goes with what, we recommend opening a fashion or celebrity magazine or scrolling Instagram fashion profiles for inspiration (and education!).
If you have your favourite celebrity or an influencer that dresses the way you like, take a look at what they’re wearing and go from there!
These people usually have professional stylists that work for them, so you can rest assured the room for error is very small!
