How to elevate one's style? - YouLookFab Forum

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How to elevate one's style?

Sisi

Veteran

Sorry to pester you, dear friends, with my requests of advice.

A friend of mine recently mentioned - with a nostalgic sigh - how elegant the two of us used to dress in the past. We met in 1998, we were work colleagues and became friends. Back then we used to wear shirts,
jackets, pretty skirts, medium- or high-heel dressy shoes and dressy coats. Nowadays it is pullovers, jeans, flat practical shoes and puffers.

One of my 2022 goals has been to elevate my style – that is, to start again to shop for dressy pieces. I did buy a pair of pretty black suede shoes and a light-blue coat.

Now that my wardrobe needs a big refresh, I'm planning to look for:

- more blouses, less t-shirts

- some dressy trousers (I have only jeans at present)

- elegant and comfortable shoes (in this case a recent Angie's post was very helpful)

- a trench?

What do you think of my strategy? Did you ever feel the need to elevate your style and what did you do?

General

24 replies

Latest reply was from Sisi

Cee

Veteran

I sometimes ride a lift.

Star

Veteran

Haha Cee! Yes Sisi I went through this exactly since going into retirement and relocating to a small coastal town. Your ideas sound spot on. Accessories help too, even if they are simple, as well as basic make-up daily that works for you. For me it is eyebrows penciled in and lipstick. I try and make an outfit of my regular wear daily, even if I am in jeans and a knit. I have two complements of co-ordinating hats and gloves. I have upped my coat game. I am talking about winter only because this is when I am in the jeans/cords rut. Also I only wear my trainers for my morning walks, thereafter change into boots if I go out again. In summer definitely blouses/button downs over T-shirts.

jussie

Veteran

I always want to try and elevate my style! Practical constraints do need to be taken into account but…. Im sure there are ways. I don’t know if this is helpful to you,
but I find adding a denim or moto jacket to an outfit gives it structure and a more finished look without being corporate looking.

This year my goal is to include an accessory/s or bold lip colour each day, to me that always elevates an outfit.

Showing the waist shape somehow, with a half tuck or tuck helps elevate a bit I think.

I like to think having a statement piece helps too. But I know it’s not everyone’s approach. If I have something with either a bright color, unusual cut or texture or a wild print that helps me feel like the outfit is something special.
I like wearing coloured jeans, these are fun but still practical and comfy.

Oh and I should mention I have two statement puffer coats! One is sequined and one is a bright pink floral. In the dark depths of winter they are a lifesaver to inject a bit of “elevation”. Best of luck.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Honestly I would suggest that the best way to elevate your style would simply be to buy better/ cooler/ more luxe versions of the things you normally wear. You’re probably not going to put on heels and a skirt to sit around the house right? It would feel silly and uncomfortable! But maybe you WOULD want to wear a really fabulous pair of jeans, sweatpants in an avant-garde cut, amazing funky sneakers, or a puffer in a beautiful fabric. Does that make sense?

unfrumped

Veteran

What Jessikams said, especially if this is not about returning to an office environment, which is a different thing. But if you’re living a mostly very casual lifestyle and going to “ casual events” , you want to stay mostly in that wheelhouse of the type of clothing that is appropriate, but examine what makes it BETTER for you- my observation for myself and for people-watching is frequently FIT is sacrificed, or quality, not necessarily luxury fabrics but fabrics in good condition and have the appropriate heft or stretch or drape, whatever property is appropriate for the garment, plus maybe some special detail, color ( including great neutrals), and “ completing “ an outfit via belt, jewelry, tucking in shirt if that works, and so on.

Or if you are working outside the home, maybe it’s a combination of refreshing your office style and honing your casual looks also.

I’m trying to emerge from the several years of post- retirement plus pandemic huddle and muddle regarding how to dress, and need much clarity and refinement myself.
I’m focusing on seeing and acknowledging the recurring themes and silhouettes of my “ personal style”, trite as that sounds to me sometimes, and trying not to just add new things impulsively hoping to find it that way ( did some of that already and it was a mistake), but being more analytical and intentional, which sounds like what you may be trying to do.

Anonymous

I've been thinking about this a lot, especially for my winter wardrobe, which feels blah. What helps me is a dressier (read not a puffer) coat, streamlined boots, nicer fabrics, accessory complements, and making sure I have a couple of these-color/ pattern/ texture/shine in the outfit.

Indigoprint

Veteran

what has changed in your life the past 30 years? Do dressy items still fit your lifestyle? Angie's post today reflects some of her thoughts on achieving a more polished look. Your ideas sound like a good direction.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Constantly!l lead a very casual lifestyle and really could exist in gear ,gym kit and lounge wear but whilst l appreciate comfort l don’t like wearing lounge wear in the day and would love to elevate my look.l think it’s actually quite a difficult thing to do so will be interested in the responses.
Smarter toppers over outfits,brighter colours,slightly more refined but practical footwear,jewellry,better fabrics , modern cuts are all things l try and do and avoid spending money on one wear wonders but put it into things l do wear.Elevated basics.

unfrumped

Veteran

Christina Mychas has a YouTube on the concept of “ elevated basics” but with a good balance of being aware of the pitfalls of always buying things in search of “ perfect “ wardrobe, re- mixing pieces and combining dressy with casual. Some of her discussion was useful to me not only in doing SYC/ tryons but also in thinking about a wishlist or shopping focus.

I like suntiger’s suggestion of dressy ( or dressier) coat as that is something I might consider for next F/W - I’ve passed on all my fabric coats die to various fit/ color issues. I like the look of a longer wool coat over more casual outfits and realize hey, I’m pretty sure I’m going to be wearing mostly casual warm basic outfits in cold weather but could throw on a coat.

I like dressier trousers also- I actually still have a few left that I still like& they fit, and have been able to re- mix with more casual/ washable items. If you are on the lookout for dressier pants perhaps you can think what you need in this new version- more comfort, anything about fabric care, what silhouettes will blend in with your current “ environmental norm” .

Runcarla

Veteran

Like you I’m retired and wear practical items for my casual lifestyle with a winter uniform of jeans, warm top (sweater or flannel shirt) practical footwear and puffer. I ‘elevate’ with accessories - scarf, hat, gloves or mitts. I’m a fan of using a silk scarf that co-ordinates with what I’m wearing and interesting hats. Berets are my signature, but I have co-ordinating beanies too. I sometimes pin a broach to a knit hat to dress it up. My winter walking boots are a colour that matches my coat and accessories. No matter how practical the pieces, I try for a certain ‘intentionality’.

Challenge yourself the next time you go out for an ordinary task in your regular clothes with ‘styling’ using items you already own, rather than shopping for something new.

cat2

Veteran

My resolution for the new year may also help you; it’s to take the time to accessorize. My pandemic pattern of minimal makeup, too frequently wearing just my tennis shoes when I go out, and leaving my jewelry tucked away in the safe hasn’t been working for me. I plan to pull out and play with my current pieces and pull together more finished looks: makeup, jewelry, scarves and belts should all come out to play. We’ll see how it goes!

Dee

Veteran

I find the best way for me to elevate my style is by combining my dressier items with my casual stuff. I have a grey lace-trim dressy top that usually languished in my closet but recently I’ve paired it with my dark blue jeans and a navy, long cardigan and voila, the outfit feels elevated now.

I think you’re on the right track with swapping out t-shirts for blouses, and as others have suggested adding more refined footwear, jewelry and coordinating accessories which all help to add polish to any look.

kkards

Veteran

interesting...i don't think of elevating my style as wearing/dressing in dressy items. i see it as dressing with intention consistently, as not reaching for the same things all the time (even as i maintain a pretty solid uniform of jeans and sweaters), i see it as looking my best, even if I'm not going anywhere....its part of why I'm doing my Jan challenge, because i was getting lazy and wearing the same thing on repeat.

Star

Veteran

Sisi, when I said blouses/button downs over T-shirts in summer, I mean instead of T-shirts. I so agree with everyone's input here.

slim cat

Veteran

Lots of great advice already here! I'm feeling similar about my casual /off work clothes - need more polish and some upgrades. Adding fun colorful scarfs, earrings, cute bag, more texture and a bit of shine in my everyday outfits would be my tentative goal this year.
I was thinking more blouses versus tee shirts as well - however it depends on the availability of those at stores ( plus silk and rayon as preferred fabric ) and it may end up in couple high end tees in the end .

rachylou

Veteran

Like Jessikams, I feel the easiest and probably most effective thing is buying the coolest, nicest version of what you wear.

Also: I’m thinking there’s a difference between fancy and elevated… There are ballgowns and then there are ballgowns.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Nodding along with kkards, Dee, and Indigoprint, whose question will really help you focus. What are your needs now, as compared to the past? Once you get clear on those, you can decide whether new, improved versions of what you currently wear, something different, or shopping your closet might be your best strategies. Or all of the above!

I like juxtaposition (dressier items with less dressy ones) for a comfortable yet not overly casual feel. But I also like to spend my money on the kinds of pieces I will genuinely wear, so that might mean a better pair of jeans, a really cool looking and comfortable boot, etc.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I was thinking about this recently, and I came to the conclusion that my hair and eyeglasses have to do a lot of the heavy lifting for my style. So keeping those feeling current and fresh is important to me.

Helena

Veteran

Agreeing with Jessikams and Rachy, as well as those who suggest polished hair, makeup and accessories ... And a nice trench elevates any outfit in my book!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Agree with basically all the great advice here and would emphasize starting with what you already own and wearing your best on a daily basis.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

The look you are moving away from sounds very much like the winter look I default to, unhappily. One change I’m trying to make is wearing more pattern in the winter. Jessikams makes a great point about what you will actually put on for your daily life.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I own a lot of unstructured things in the category of trench / duster / long lightweight coat. Easy to throw on over jeans and a tee or sweatshirt, feels like a cardigan, but elevates the whole look more than a cardigan would. So I think your trench idea is good.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I find I feel more polished when I put on a bit of makeup and some jewelry. I have seen examples of where switching shoes and bags make an incredible difference but I default to my one bag most of the time, and my shoe wardrobe is quite limited as I am a challenging fit. Adding structure anywhere in your outfit elevates it, I think, but I usually prefer comfort. A more interesting version of a basic helps, whether it is the color, cut, pattern, texture, etc.

Sisi

Veteran

Thank you very much to all for your comments!
A premise: I'm not retired, I work. So many interesting suggestions here about outerwear, accessories, makeup, structure ...
Firecracker - you are so right about hair! I suspect I am feeling unfab lately as I'm growing out a very short haircut and my hair is currently a mess.
I will keep in mind your suggestions for my future purchases and keep you updated.