Find your style with this fashion guide for both men AND women!
As you may or may not know, fashion is undeniably the quickest surefire method of taking your looks to the next level and is a form of self-improvement accessible to virtually everyone around the globe.
Of course, changing your entire wardrobe seems like an incredibly daunting task at first - especially if you don’t have any experience in clothing (I totally feel ya!)
Well, that’s why you’re here!
In this definitive style guide for both men and women, I'll lay out beginner-friendly fashion tips that'll help you find a dress code that works for your body type so you can have that 2023 glow-up you've been longing for since 2019.
If you’re ready to stop stressing, and start dressing, then keep reading!
Table of Contents:
Clearing Misconceptions
Before I can get into the meat and potatoes of everyday fashion, I’d like to clear the water by addressing a few misconceptions and expectations.
1. Not Every Fashion Style Works for Every Body Type
People will tell you to express yourself and dress however you want. And you know what? I absolutely agree. If you want to wear something, then you should wear it!
But that doesn't mean that every style works with every body type. To look your best, you'll want to find outfits that match your height, size, and skin color (which I'll cover later.) Yes, we’re in an era of self-expression, but that doesn’t change the hard truth that fashion is dependent on the person.
If you're someone who doesn't look good in a style you admire, don't fret. There are thousands of fish in the sea. Just because you have to cross one out, that doesn't mean you won't find another that you adore and works well with your body.
2. Your Wardrobe Won’t Change Overnight
In the intro, I said that fashion is the quickest way to improve your looks. While that’s pretty much true, your wardrobe most likely won’t change overnight.
See, the problem with fashion is that it's expensive (like every other hobby out there.) That's why it's a lifestyle for many young trendsetters and go-getters as opposed to a one-time thing.
Think of it this way:
Changing your style is kind of like watching television. You've got dozens of shows on your watchlist, but you can only watch one at a time. Eventually, you get through it, but it takes time.
3. You Don’t Have to Follow Trends to be Fashionable
Trends come and go with the seasons. Some are cyclical, while others are never seen again. This is the way of fashion and a surefire way to burn a hole in your wallet...
Actually, it’s not.
Yeah, trends can help shape your style, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow them to be fashionable. Developing your own unique dress code is extremely important for shaping you as a person and preventing you from constantly buying and throwing out clothes.
The trick is to find timeless articles of clothing that persist through every trend and every era, and most importantly, to find a style you love.
How to Find Your Most Fashionable Style as a Man or Woman
If you’re a fashion newbie, then you probably have no idea where to start. I know I didn't!
Funnily enough, it’s simple, really: just look to others for inspiration! Why try to figure everything out for yourself when the experience of millions before you is accessible via the internet?
These sites and apps are usually the best places to find outfit inspo:
Instagram - a bustling hub for fashion and an incredible platform for finding influencers with great style.
TikTok - short videos that get straight to the point and are excellent source material for wardrobe building.
YouTube - longer, more in-depth videos that give every detail about various fashion topics and outfits.
Fashion blogs - when scouring the internet, you'll find a plethora of personal and professionally run blogs with fabulous outfit inspo.
Pinterest - tons of unique outfits and an easy way to find individual pieces of clothing in a picture.
Once you've got a pretty good idea of what your fashion tastes are, it's time to get started dressing for your body.
Drawing Outfit Inspo From Niche Styles
After doing a thorough search on fashion, you will likely have come across some niche style names.
Examples of this would be Y2K, cottage-core, Japanese streetwear, techwear, and grunge - just to name a few (trust me, there are literally thousands upon thousands and I couldn't possible name them all.)
These keywords are essential for finding pieces of clothing that match your tastes and work well with each other. Take notes, and use your favorite styles to develop your own unique outfits.
Pairing Clothes With Your Body Type
Since not every style works with every body type, here’s a little key of what works and what doesn’t work:
-Tight clothes work fine with thinner and muscular builds but don't look as good on plus-sized folks.
-Baggy styles are incredible on plus-sized and skinny people alike but work against those with a shorter height as it makes them look even shorter.
-Dark colors and whites work with every size, shape, and skin color.
-Long, tighter pants and platform shoes make you look taller.
Your best bet is to research what people with your body type are doing and mimic them until you find what works best for you. I know this is a vague, do-it-yourself mindset, but that's the point of fashion; expressing who you are and conveying your individuality.
Basic Fashion Tips For Styling (Beginner Friendly)
So, without further ado, here are some infinitely useful fashion tips both men and women can use when creating stylish outfits:
Accessories Can Make or Break an Outfit
Did you know that if you add a necklace to a plain T-shirt and jeans, you'll give the illusion that you're fashionable? Little accessories like necklaces, earrings, and rings can really take an otherwise simple outfit to a whole new level.
Investing in Quality Basics is a Must
Always strive to build a foundation of timeless, well-made pieces of clothing, like a tailored blazer, a little black dress, a white button-down shirt, and/or a good-fitting pair of jeans.
These versatile items can be mixed and matched with trendier pieces to create more stylish and unique outfits.
Pay Attention to Fit
Well-fitting clothes can instantly make you look more put-together and oh-so-delectable.
Simply take the time to get your clothes tailored if needed, as proper fit can make even affordable clothing look expensive. And if you got a pair of clothes that are a little loose or a bit too tight? Return them and get the right size! Trust me, it’s worth it.
Mix High n’ Low
Never be afraid to mix high-end and budget-friendly pieces together. Combining designer items with more affordable finds can create a stylish and unique outfit that’s much easier on your wallet.
Dress for the Occasion
While this may seem like a moot point, it's worth mentioning that you should always consider the occasion and dress accordingly. Whether it's a casual outing or a formal event, ensure your outfit is appropriate and suits the vibe.
You wouldn’t want to upstage the bride at her own wedding, would you?
Experiment With Layering
Layering has the extraordinary ability to add depth and interest to your outfits, especially during colder months.
Play with different textures, lengths, and colors to create stylish combinations.
A simple example of layering would be adding a vest on top of a regular T-shirt, though don't be afraid to be bold and get feisty!
If you're more of a visual learner, here's a chart:
Pay Close Attention to Detail
Details matter, folk! Take care of the small things.
Iron your clothes, polish your shoes, and keep yourself well-groomed. These little touches can make a big difference in your overall appearance.
Embrace Asymmetry
Asymmetry is unpleasant to the human eye and a non-aesthetic.
No, non, nein, nyet! Tis simply not true!
Incorporating asymmetrical elements into your outfit can add an ultra-unique and slightly edgy touch. Look for things like tops, dresses, or skirts with uneven hemlines, one-shoulder designs, or mismatched patterns, and you'll soon see the true beauty of asymmetry.
Opt for Nude Colored Undergarments
When wearing light or sheer clothing, choose nude undergarments that closely match your skin tone. This helps prevent your undergarments from being visible and creates a seamless look.
Experiment with Tucking Techniques
Tucking your tops in different ways can create various looks.
Try the front tuck, a partial tuck, or a side tuck to add dimension and playfulness to your outfit!
Mix Vintage and Modern Pieces
Incorporating vintage or thrifted items into your wardrobe can add character and individuality to your style. Mix these unique finds with modern pieces for a one-of-a-kind look!
Experiment with Unexpected Color Combinations
Step outside the traditional color pairings and try unexpected combinations. For instance, pair pastels with bold neons or mix different shades of the same color family for a visually exciting and explosive outfit.
Be Confident and Authentic
The most important tip is to wear what makes you feel confident and authentic.
Fashion is an expression of your personality, so embrace your individual style and wear it with confidence.
So basically, be yourself!
Final Thoughts
Stylish. Ravishing. Unique. Expressive. EXPLOSIVE! Embrace these elements and more when incorporating everything you’ve learned in this article to create your own lovely little outfits.
Of course, at the end of the day, the most essential part of fashion is enjoying yourself and having fun. There's a slight learning curve at the gates of being fashionable, but once you've passed it, becoming an expertly dressed man or woman is all too attainable!
If you want more articles with fashion advice or some outfit inspo, be sure to visit my blog here!
Also, be sure to leave a comment with your own fashion experience down below :)
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