Trendy ways to wear the clothes you have

Every so often just when one thinks they have a fair grasp of fashion rules, they change.

It happens when you feel a growing sense of the blah, or witness someone execute a fashion violation beautifully, or when you notice you have been wearing the exact same outfit the exact same way for too long or when a meeting, appointment, date or event jolts you.

Our first instinct is to go shopping. while all you need to do is revisit your closet. 

For a start, stop matching your shoe to your bag. This habit was cultivated to grotesque proportions when shoes would go on sale resting on a corresponding bag.

They are as great together as they are apart. They do not need to be a family of colour, texture and fabric. Ideally, I am hoping when you do go buying you are investing in these two pieces.

Wear metallics

Your sequins are not just nighttime glitter. They, along with metalics, are daytime wearables. The easiest way to do this is with accents. Go for one piece at a time.

To get the most out of that look, pair it with solids. Unless it is a full on dress, it can work before sunset.

If you have prints in your closet, you are allowed to mix them. Pare down your accessories and go for a simple stiletto pump or classic heeled sandal.

Review your closet and look at the details of it. If you have not already, keep your lines clean. Make it a habit to pack your wardrobe with 80 per cent to 90 per cent classic shapes, cuts and silhouettes like sheaths, A-lines, boot cuts and shifts. When your wardrobe is not complicated with odd or quirky shapes you are less likely to become a fashion victim.

It also makes it easier for you to play around especially if you have a selection of accessories that are minimal and polished. These includes faux pearls, gold and silver plated or actual jewelry and bold yet simple African accessories.

No plastic

You can mix gold and silver pieces. Ditch copper and plastic. Look at colourful scarves in the form of rectangles and squares which can be knotted in many ways.

Always keep your hair neat. Have your eyebrows done so you can have the most flattering shape for your face. Eyebrows are the frame that holds the picture.

Far too many women are dismissive of this rather significant aspect of their faces.

Take care of your nails and hands. It does not mean a manicure twice a week. Your hands don’t just do stuff for you. They are a bridge to the world. Appreciate them.

Take care of your skin. When you are happy and it glows people throw less scrutiny on what you are wearing. Odd, but there it is. These little acts of self kindness elevate your look from average to sophisticated.

Rather than the typical ballet flats go for a pair of loafers and a ballet pump with arch support.

Keep your denims dark instead of faded. Pay attention to your scent. The older you become the more complex the scents you can wear. No need limiting yourself to a body splash or a deo spray. Smell like money. Besides, scent lifts your mood. 

There is a reason monochrome conveys power and status. Head to toe anything in solid or neutral colours such as grey, black, navy, nude, blue and red is not generally favoured with women.

It is a look that gets broken with shirts or open blazers for fear of being engulfed.

But a properly fitted monochrome outfit is not always a suit. It can be a dress and blazer combination or a shirt and a bottom. This look draws attention to details like finishing, cut, style, texture and polish of both clothes and the shoes. It therefore tends to attract women with money because they belabor said points.

Changing weather

One thing that makes it harder to dress well is transition weather. It disrupts your rhythm rendering your daily wear inappropriate. It is critical to own a pair or two of quality knee high boots and for the more adventurous, above the knee boots.

These can be worn with any of the existing dresses or skirts you wear with heels whatever the hem length be it above or below the knee, midi or even floor length. Above the knee boots with shorter hems may not require stockings. All these suggestions should make your mornings less painful.