What makes a great outfit and how do you put one together when your personal stylist isn’t around to help you? Keep reading to find out!
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RLS’s Recipe for a Great Outfit
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1. Well-Fitting, Flattering Pieces
Are you wearing the right pieces for you? Know your most flattering neckline, skirt-length, and pant-shape. Make sure your pants and sleeves are hemmed to the correct length. Other people can’t tell how much your clothes cost, but they can tell how well they fit. It is better to have one pair of perfectly fitting black pants than five mediocre ones. If you are petite or have a large bust, switching from a crew-neck to a v-neck top will add length to your silhouette and give you more of a waist. For some, switching from a wider leg to a skinny leg pant will give the illusion of height and more balanced proportions.
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2. A Good Base Piece
Do you have a perfect sheath dress, brightly-colored blazer, or black pant you can always count on when you’re in a pinch? Having a staple set of well-made, well-fitting pieces that can form the basis of most of your outfits will cut down on wardrobe confusion and increase your confidence.
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3. The Right Color Palette
What are the colors that look best on you? The right color palette will make your skin glow and your eyes sparkle. Did you know that there are many shades of red? An orange-red looks best on warm skin tones, while a blue-red looks best on cooler skin tones. If you have a hard time figuring out your best colors, stick with universally-flattering jewel tones such as cobalt blue, purple, ruby red, and emerald green.
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4. A Modern Shoe that’s in Good Shape
Have you been wearing the same black pump for the last three years? It is time for a refresh! Pick up a magazine, read this blog, or walk around the shoe floor at a department store to check out the latest footwear silhouettes. Right now, we suggest buying a block or kitten heel and shelving anything with a platform.
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5. An Interesting or Personal Detail
Start a conversation with your earrings! Or maybe your shoes or necklace. Try a top or jacket with an interesting detail on the back, or wear a burgundy bootie with your outfit instead of basic black. Pick one element of your outfit and give it a twist. Have you ever heard of the concept of a “third” piece? Adding a bold accessory, vest, or jacket will complete your look, lending it that “put-together” element every women wants!
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And finally, keep up with the trends! Your wardrobe and style should always be evolving. The easiest way to keep up with the trends is to read this blog or follow bloggers whose style inspires you through Pinterest and Instagram. (That includes RLS!) Go through every piece of your wardrobe every season and evaluate it for style, wear, and fit. No, seriously. Keeping up with your wardrobe will allow you to shop proactively for the base pieces that form the foundation of your wardrobe, and allow a little room for adding fun, unexpected pieces!
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Lani Inlander is a personal stylist who has been working with clients who want to feel their best and look put-together every day for over 15 years. You can find her in the Washington, D.C. and New York metropolitan areas. Are you looking for professional training to be a personal stylist? Click here to learn how you can train with Lani at The Stylist Studio.
You can find Lani Inlander and Real Life Style on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.
