There comes a time in every girls life where she feels the need to finally throw out the animal t-shirts and slightly dodgy jewel encrusted flared jeans and find her own style. Whether you like country, boho, classic, streetwise, sporty, or edgy, filling your wardrobe with clothes you love and will ACTUALLY wear can take a lot of time and money. So, here are 5 easy steps to get you started.
- Find your style
One way to do this is to look at celebrities or your friends and see which of their styles you like best. Emulative fashion is a great way to begin and then you can put your own spin on things. If you think Audrey Hepburn’s look was the epitome of chic (who can deny it), you don’t have to be able to afford Givenchy to mirror it! Find some black ballet pumps, cigarette trousers and then deck your wardrobe with polo necks and sleek coats. If Tori Kelly is more you then go for a good leather jacket as your base and add some pretty, swinging dresses. Whoever you think looks good, use their style to find yours!
- Investment pieces
Louise Roe – www.louiseroe.com
If you’re not a member of the cast of Gossip Girl, I’d imagine there’s not thousands lying in your bank account just waiting for a Chanel spree to diminish the numbers. Therefore, be wise with your pennies (a great undertaking for anyone with a deep commitment to clothing) and only splash out on important, statement parts of your wardrobe. A proper winter coat, a pair of posh heels for special occasions, a go-to work bag, a pair of sturdy jeans that will last. Make sure that what big money goes on, big use will come out of.
- The fit
I cannot stress enough how important it is that your clothes fit properly. No matter what size you are, your clothes will look so much better if they fit you properly. A good wardrobe is one filled with clothes that fit the owner correctly. Buying clothes and thinking “I’ll squeeze into it one day” is never a good plan, celebrate the beauty you have and buy clothes that fit the stunning body you have now! Equally, buying clothes that swamp you to try and hide what you look like isn’t going to make you smile at yourself in the mirror- so try stuff on and don’t buy it unless it fits. If there’s a piece you ADORE and they don’t have your size, find a tailor and get them to take it in or out for you!
- Outfit creating
www.oliveclothing.com
A really good way to shop is to shop by outfits, rather than finding random tops here and there, save your shopping money until you can buy a skirt and shoes to go with it! That way, you’ll have lots of outfit options in your wardrobe before you start mixing and getting creative. A good way to do this on a budget it start with a slightly more expensive part, like a dress or pair of trousers, and then add cheaper options, a few tops that go with both or some different shoe choices (charity shops tend to hold a host of discarded Nine-West treasures with a very low price tag so try there).
- Embellishments
Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise. As with clothes, it’s super important to find your taste in accessories whether that’s vintage, punky or colourful. The trick is to find accessories that complement the wardrobe you’ve built. Don’t overdo it to the point where you look like you’ve bedazzled yourself (like the picture above…) but don’t be afraid to take it a little further with jewellery and scarves and hats- show of a hint of uniqueness and make your wardrobe completely yours, and completely fabulous!
