Feeling like your fashion game has hit a plateau? Maybe your closet is full but nothing feels quite right anymore. Or perhaps there’s a big life shift happening and you’re craving an outer transformation to match your inner growth. Whatever the spark, you’re here because you’re ready for a fresh, new style. And we’re here to help!
Changing your style isn’t just about picking out new clothes. It’s a journey of self-discovery, confidence, and unleashing what truly lights you up. Here we share actionable steps and insider tips to help you transform your look from the inside out.
How To Discover Your Personal Style
Before we jump into how to change your style, let’s talk about how to figure out what your new fashion style might be. It’s like going on a fun adventure to find the real you!
First things first, pay attention to what you like. When you’re flipping through magazines or scrolling through Instagram, what catches your eye? Is it bright colors, cool patterns, or maybe sleek, simple looks? Your gut feelings can tell you a lot about what style suits you best.
Think of it like playing dress-up, but for grown-ups! Try on different styles in your mind. Imagine yourself as a bohemian free spirit, a polished professional, or a edgy rocker. Which one makes you feel most like “you”? Mix and match elements from different styles to create something uniquely you.
Your daily life plays a big part in your style. If you’re always on the go, you might want clothes that are comfy and easy to wear. If you work in a creative field, you might have more freedom to express yourself through fashion. Think about what clothes would make your life easier and more fun.
Your new style should also make you feel amazing in your own skin. Think about what parts of your body you love and want to show off. Maybe you’ve got great legs, or you love your shoulders. Choose clothes that highlight your favorite features and make you feel confident.
Really take some time to think about your aspirational style. What do you want your wardrobe to say about you? Are you aiming for sleek and professional, fun and quirky, or effortlessly chic? Having a clear style goal in mind will help guide your fashion choices as you update your look.
Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s get into how to change your style once you’ve decided what your style is.
How To Change Your Style
1. Clean Out Your Closet
It’s time for a closet cleanse! This is your chance to get rid of clothes that don’t fit, are worn out, or just don’t make you feel good anymore. Be ruthless – if you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s time to say goodbye. This will make room for new pieces that fit your fresh style.
Once you’ve cleared out the clutter, organize what’s left. Group similar items together, like all your shirts in one spot and pants in another. This will help you see what you have and make getting dressed easier. Plus, it’s super satisfying to look at a tidy closet!
As you go through your closet, take note of your current style. What pieces do you love and wear often? Which ones have been collecting dust? This will give you a good idea of what works for you and what doesn’t, helping you make smarter choices as you update your wardrobe.
As you organize, take photos of your favorite outfits and pieces. This will become your personal lookbook, a great resource when you’re feeling uninspired or shopping for new items. It’ll help you see what styles you gravitate towards and what gaps you might have in your wardrobe.
2. Find Your Color Palette
Colors can totally change how you look and feel. Try holding different colored fabrics up to your face in natural light. Which ones make your skin glow and your eyes pop? These are your power colors – use them as the building blocks of your new style.
Play with color combinations. Try pairing unexpected colors together, like pink and green or blue and orange. It’s all about finding what makes you feel awesome and confident.
Your skin tone plays a big role in determining which colors look best on you. Are you warm, cool, or neutral-toned? Once you know this, you can choose flattering colors that make you look vibrant and healthy.
While bold colors are fun, don’t forget about the power of neutral tones. Colors like black, white, beige, and gray are versatile and can form the backbone of your wardrobe. They’re easy to mix and match and can help balance out bolder pieces.
Once you’ve got your neutral base, add a pop of color! This could be a bright scarf, a colorful bag, or a pair of eye-catching shoes. These statement colors can instantly elevate a simple outfit and show off your personality.
3. Experiment with New Silhouettes
If you always wear skinny jeans, why not try a wide-leg pair? If you’re all about loose tops, give a fitted blouse a shot. Trying new shapes can completely change your look and help you discover styles you never knew you loved.
When playing with new silhouettes, remember to balance your outfit. If you’re wearing something loose on top, try pairing it with something fitted on the bottom, and vice versa. This will keep your look polished and put-together.
Try on styles you’ve never considered before. A-line skirts, boyfriend jeans, peplum tops – you might be surprised at what looks great on you. The key is to keep an open mind and have fun with it.
Look for pieces that can be styled in multiple ways. A wrap dress, for example, can be worn on its own or layered over pants. A button-up shirt can be dressed up for work or worn casually with jeans. These versatile pieces will give you more outfit options and help create wardrobe diversity.
4. Accessorize Like a Pro
Accessories can make or break an outfit. Invest in a few statement pieces like a bold necklace, a colorful scarf, or a eye-catching bag. These can instantly elevate a simple outfit and show off your personality.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on accessories. Mix high-end pieces with budget-friendly finds. A designer bag paired with affordable jewelry can look just as chic as an all-designer ensemble.
Stack bracelets, mix different necklace lengths, or combine multiple rings. This can add depth and interest to your look.
Look for accessories that can work with multiple outfits. A classic watch, a pair of pearl earrings, or a leather belt are all examples of versatile accessories that can complement a wide range of looks.
5. Upgrade Your Basics
Invest in high-quality basics like a great white t-shirt, well-fitting jeans, and a classic blazer. These pieces will form the foundation of your wardrobe and can be mixed and matched with trendier items.
Make sure your basics fit you perfectly. Get things tailored – it can make a world of difference in how you look and feel in your clothes.
A great pair of jeans is worth its weight in gold. Take the time to find flattering jeans that fit you well and make you feel confident. Try different cuts and washes to see what works best for your body type.
While it’s tempting to buy lots of cheap clothes, investing in a few quality pieces can actually save you money in the long run. They’ll last longer, look better, and often be more comfortable than their cheaper counterparts.
Consider creating a capsule wardrobe – a small collection of versatile, high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched to create numerous outfits. This can simplify your daily dressing routine and ensure you always have something great to wear.
6. Try a New Hair Style
A new haircut can completely change your appearance. If you’ve had long hair forever, try a chic bob. Or if you’re always rocking short hair, grow it out for a new look. Don’t forget about color – a new hair color can be a game-changer!
Even if you don’t want to cut or color your hair, try styling it differently. Learn how to do a messy bun, try out some braids, or experiment with hair accessories. It’s an easy way to switch up your look without a big commitment.
When choosing a new hairstyle, consider your face shape. Different cuts can flatter different face shapes, so do some research or consult with a stylist to find the most flattering option for you.
If you’re feeling bold, why not try a new hair color? You could go for a dramatic change or just add some subtle highlights.
7. Update Your Makeup Routine
Makeup can have a huge impact on your overall style. Try out a bold lip color, learn how to do a smoky eye, or experiment with highlighting and contouring. YouTube tutorials can be a great resource for learning new techniques.
You don’t need to pile on the makeup to look stylish. Sometimes a fresh, natural look can be just as impactful. Find what makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Your makeup should complement your overall style. If you’re going for a bohemian look, you might opt for natural, earthy tones. If you’re channeling a glamorous vibe, a bold red lip might be just the thing.
Also great makeup starts with great skin. Invest in a good skincare routine to keep your skin healthy and glowing. This will give you a great base for any makeup look you want to try.
8. Embrace Prints and Patterns
Prints and patterns can add excitement to your wardrobe. Start small with a printed scarf or patterned shoes, then work your way up to bolder pieces like a floral dress or striped pants. Stripes and florals can look amazing together when done right.
If you’re new to patterns, start with subtle ones like pinstripes or small polka dots. These can add interest to your outfit without being overwhelming. Patterns can be used strategically to flatter your figure. Vertical stripes can make you look taller and slimmer, while larger prints can balance out a pear-shaped figure.
9. Invest in Statement Shoes
A great pair of shoes can elevate any outfit. Invest in a few statement pairs like colorful sneakers, elegant heels, or trendy ankle boots. These can instantly update a simple jeans-and-tee combo.
The most stylish shoes are the ones you can actually walk in. Look for options that are both fashionable and comfortable – your feet will thank you!
Aim to have a mix of casual and dressy shoes in your wardrobe. A good starting point might be a pair of sneakers, ankle boots, pumps, and sandals. This will ensure you have appropriate footwear for any occasion.
Take good care of your shoes to keep them looking their best. Clean them regularly, use shoe trees to maintain their shape, and have them resoled when necessary. Well-maintained shoes can last for years, making them a great investment.
10. Layer Like a Fashion Pro
Layering can add depth and interest to your outfits. Try layering a turtleneck under a dress, or a denim jacket over a maxi skirt. Play with different textures and lengths to create unique looks.
Layering isn’t just stylish – it’s practical too! It allows you to easily adjust your outfit as the temperature changes throughout the day.
When layering, try mixing different textures for a more interesting look. For example, pair a silky blouse with a chunky knit cardigan, or a leather jacket with a soft cotton dress.
Experiment with different lengths when layering. A long cardigan over a short dress, or a cropped jacket over a long tunic can create visually appealing proportions.
11. Mix Old and New
Thrift stores and vintage shops can be goldmines for unique pieces. You might find a vintage leather jacket, a designer bag at a fraction of the cost, or a one-of-a-kind dress. Plus, it’s eco-friendly!
Pair your thrifted finds with modern pieces for a truly unique look. A vintage blouse can look amazing with contemporary jeans and shoes.
When thrift shopping, look for quality materials like real leather, silk, or wool. Check for any damage and consider if it can be easily repaired. You can always alter items to fit better or update them with new buttons or a hem adjustment.
Thrift shopping requires patience and an open mind. You might not find something amazing every time, but when you do, it’ll be worth it. Make thrifting a regular habit to increase your chances of finding great pieces.
12. Dress for Your Body Type
Understanding your body shape can help you choose clothes that flatter you best. Are you an apple, pear, hourglass, or rectangle? Once you know, you can focus on styles that highlight your best features.
While it’s good to know what typically works for your body type, don’t be afraid to break the rules sometimes. If you love how something looks and feels, wear it with confidence!
Choose clothes that highlight the parts of your body you love most. If you have great legs, show them off with skirts or shorts. If you love your waist, choose clothes that cinch in at the middle.
13. Follow Fashion Influencers
From TikTok, to Instagram and Pinterest, social media is full of fashion inspiration. Follow style influencers who have a look you admire. Pay attention to how they put outfits together and try to recreate their looks with your own twist.
Look for influencers who have a similar body type or lifestyle to you. This can give you more realistic ideas for how to style outfits in your day-to-day life.
Use platforms like Pinterest or Instagram to create a digital style board. Save outfits and pieces you love for future reference. This can be a great resource when you’re shopping or putting together outfits.
Influencers often present a curated version of their lives. Use them for inspiration, but don’t feel bad if your everyday style isn’t as polished. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in what you wear.
14. Create a Signature Look
Develop a signature style element that becomes your “thing.” Maybe it’s always wearing red lipstick, rocking statement earrings, or never leaving the house without a scarf. This can make your style more memorable and uniquely you.
Your signature look can change as you grow and evolve. Don’t be afraid to switch it up if you feel like your trademark no longer fits who you are.
Once you’ve identified your signature look, build your wardrobe around it. If your thing is colorful scarves, make sure you have plenty of neutral pieces to pair them with. If you love statement jewelry, choose clothes with simple necklines to showcase your accessories.
Your signature look should feel natural and effortless. It should be something you genuinely enjoy wearing, not something you force yourself to do because you think you should.
