Tried and True Tricks to Being Stylish

By Jayde Johannsen

One thing that all trend-setters and fashionistas around the world, to say nothing of the best designers, understand is that while fashion changes with the seasons, style is a timeless trait. A huge mistake that women make is assuming that the present season is what needs to be focused on when choosing clothing. Instead of trying too hard to get your must-haves for this season, dressing well can be more about focusing on the elements of style. Specifically, timeless style, the sort of staples of fashion that outlast the trends year after year.

It's not about the money. So you don't have a walk-in closet and a disposable income of five figures to spend each time the season changes. That doesn't mean you need to be running around in a burlap sack, honey. Regardless of your budget, it's possible to find clothes that are stylish anywhere and everywhere. From thrift stores to designer stores, there's always at least one garment in your size that's classy, timeless, and chic. Learn to hunt for those pieces, and you're pretty much promised a look that's stylish.

Size has nothing to do with it. Of course it's easier for a skinny woman to find something at the local boutique, but just because you aren't a size zero, it's no excuse to not find something to dress well in. Don't allow your height or weight to give you permission to bow out of the race for style. Confidence and well-fitting clothes are the secret to success for so many women, and you don't have to have Mick Jagger's figure to get ahead in this world, ladies.

One of the easiest ways to feel beautiful and sexy is to never let yourself underdress. Even if you're just going to be hanging out at home, you don't need to put on a cocktail dress, but please at least brush your teeth and find a clean pair of pants to wear that you actually feel not just good, but cute, in. Putting thought into what you wear each day not only makes you look good, it makes you feel good, too. Don't let yourself go for no apparent reason, and not because of a pressure to be perfect, but rather, as a service to yourself.

It's not actually that hard to dress well, it just requires knowing what to buy. And really, all you need to buy are a few things. It will take less than five hangers in your closet to have the cornerstones of a great wardrobe. One for a snappy dress shirt, one for a cardigan, preferably cashmere, one for a stylish and timeless pair of black pants, and one for the quintessential little black dress. These are the articles of clothing by which all other articles of clothing are measured, and putting in a little bit of an investment on them all will give you limitless returns. It's also much easier to build and mix and match outfits based on some seriously solid base items.

Aside from basic items, the most important choice you have to make is shoes. Shoes are the wild card to an outfit, the piece that can make you feel sexy and incredible or, if chosen poorly, allow you to fade into the background. Never underestimate a great pair of shoes. It is best to have a couple of reliable pairs, depending on the level of formal for your outfit. You'll be strutting your stuff with an even bigger smile on your face if the right pair of shoes are on your feet.

Learn what clothes look good on you, and dress accordingly. There's nothing sadder than a woman who refuses to admit or learn what looks good on her. Accentuate your positive features, and you'll find that you get that much more mileage out of your wardrobe. Choosing garments with necklines in particular that are flattering is a great way to go, as it brings attention to your delicate facial features and also accentuates your femininity.

Whether you're a young night-clubber or a power-suit wearing businesswoman, it's important to have a sense of specialness about yourself. - 29959

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