How To Improve Your Fashion Style.

Christmas is here, and we've got a lot to catch up with. Gift-giving. Party dressing, holiday hosting and, of course, building out our festivity wardrobe. There's the essentials that consistently get you through the season: a chunky knit, a layerable turtleneck, a coat or jacket. But there's also those trend-driven items that pop up each year that, frankly, we have to have — and that's what this write-up is dedicated to.

If you've found yourself lusting over a pair of classic shoes, a patent trench, or an oversized shirt, now's the time to, well, just go for it. And if you already have said pieces in your closet, now's the time to experiment with how you style them.  

Sick of your plain old white button-up? Go for one with statement sleeves. It'll make a world's difference.

Finding (and refining) personal style can be a struggle; we’re the first to admit it. We’ve all been there at least once, if not multiple times, as we gaze into our closet full of clothes and need something for the post-graduation to professional transition (so, platform sandals don’t work in office?), landing the big promotion we’ve worked so hard for, or dressing after having a baby (suddenly all those dry clean only silk blouses aren’t so practical). Regardless of what life throws at us, it’s important to be able to adapt while still maintaining a style that is all our own.

And why exactly is this important? The impact of personal style goes far beyond making a good first impression; great style is also about approaching each day with confidence, and the ability to feel legitimately beautiful in what we are wearing. Believe it or not, the right wardrobe can make a difference in that department.

In terms of your wardrobe, we want you to really know what you like, understand what looks good on you, and how to shop. 

Jot down the names of your favorite style icons and do a bit of research via Pinterest, Google, or Instagram to gather inspiration from their looks. Pulling different types of inspiration from several sources is a great way to figure out what you like and dislike.

Take a good, long look at your closet and the pieces you already own. Toss what you haven’t worn in the last year so you can start fresh. Then you can begin to rebuild and refine your wardrobe with a style that truly reflects where you are in your life and career. And if you waver between the keep pile and donate? Err on the side of placing it in the donate pile. The more you trust your gut, the faster the process will go.

YOUR DRESS SIZE DOESN’T MATTER…BUT CONFIDENCE DOES!

Get out of that squeeze-into-the-smallest-size mindset, because that number doesn’t make you confident.

No one can see what the size tag reads on the inside of your dress (and truthfully, no one cares!). The focus should not be about fitting into the smallest size possible. And admittedly, who hasn’t taken two different sizes into the dressing room, secretly praying it’s the smallest one that fits? It happens to the best of us. But please, get out of that squeeze-into-the-smallest-size mindset, because a number shouldn’t make you confident—how you feel in your own skin does. And when you feel your best, you stand taller, smile wider, and people will notice. So wear what makes you feel confident!

STOCK UP ON ACCESSORIES

Accessories are, without a doubt, the easiest way to pull any look together regardless of the vibe you want to achieve. You can update jeans and a white t-shirt with a bold necklace or pair layered, delicate jewelry with a dress for a more feminine feel. A cool ear cuff or stacked rings can give you an instant edge, and pearls can make you look polished and lady-like in an instant. Add a patterned scarf, opt for edgy ankle booties instead of your normal black pumps, or pull out a bright clutch to add more personality.

With these gems, you’ll be well on your way to living your most stylish life.
source: refinery29