Having great style comes down to your ability to put an outfit together. It’s not just about knowing the latest trends, or having a closet full of design things – if you’ve mastered how to put together an outfit, then you’re on your way to having an amazing style! Keep reading for 8 easy tips to help you master outfit styling, and you’ll be on track to your best style yet.
1. Start with Your Favorite Basics
The trick to learning how to put together an outfit is to start with your favorite basics. How do you find your favorite basics? First, think about your lifestyle and personal aesthetic. Do you love the polished yet laidback look of a white button-down and jeans? Maybe you prefer something a little more feminine, like a maxi skirt and a t-shirt. Or maybe you stick to something even a little more casual, like a white t-shirt and jeans.
Once you find your favorite basics, you can start thinking about how to style them in a more interesting way, which I’ll cover in the next few tips!
2. Add a Layer
The simplest way to make your basics look more interesting? Add a layer. The type of layer will depend on your local climate and the occasion. Layers not only make your outfit look more interesting, but can help you adapt your basics to fit where you’re headed.
Want to dress up your t-shirt and jeans to grab brunch with friends? Try adding a lady jacket to elevate the casual outfit. Running errands, but still want to look polished? Try a trench coat for the perfect amount of Parisian flair and protection against the elements. Heading out for drinks? Add a leather jacket for a bit of edge.
jeans | trench coat | shirt
3. Balance the Proportions of Your Pieces
Once you have your outfit base and another layer, take a look at the proportions. We’re aiming for a balanced look! Different outfits look best with different proportions, but as a whole, a mix of oversized and slim-fitting pieces is best.
If you’re looking at your closet, start to familiarize yourself with the fit of each piece you own. Then, creating a balanced look will become second nature with a bit of practice. For example, oversized knits, wide-leg jeans, an a-line dress, a balloon sleeve blouse, etc., all have more “visual weight”. On the flip side, pieces with low visual weight could include a fitted blazer, low-profile loafers, a snug-fitting t-shirt, a slip skirt, etc. These pieces hug your body, rather than float away from it.
For every oversized piece you’re wearing, pair it with one that has low visual weight. Think wide-leg trousers with a snug-fitting turtleneck. Or an oversized button-up with skinny or straight-leg jeans. Creating a balanced look with varied silhouettes will not only look more flattering, but also result in a more interesting look in the end.
jeans | trench coat | shirt
4. Choose at Least Two Accessories
One of the best ways to create different outfit combinations with the same core pieces is to switch up your accessories. Aim to incorporate at least two accessories into your outfit. Examples could include scarves, jewelry, belts, handbags, hats, sunglasses, etc. Just don’t overdo it when it comes to pieces that make a statement! (Big chunky jewelry, colored sunglasses, patterned bags, etc.)
Examples of accessory duos could include a belt and a baseball cap, a leopard print handbag and oval sunglasses, or a scarf and a basket bag. Accessories are also another easy way to change the vibe of your outfit – stick with classic pieces if you’re headed to work, dinner, or a special event. For somewhere more casual, have fun with bold colors, textures, and patterns.
jeans | trench coat | shirt | flats | earrings | bag | sunglasses
5. Choose a Hero Piece
“I need a hero!” Your outfit might as well be singing this in Bonnie Tyler’s voice. And it’s right! Your outfit needs a hero piece if you want to make it memorable. A hero piece, or a statement piece, is the focal point of your outfit. The hero piece is meant to stand out, while the other pieces in your look complement it – instead of trying to overpower or compete with it.
Key pieces could include a patterned bag, a gorgeous trench coat, a classic blazer, or a signature dress. The hero piece is the star of the show, and if you want, could actually be the first step in building an outfit. If you already know what your hero piece is for the day, it can make things easy in order to build the rest of your outfit around it.
In the analogy of outfit recipes, this is your main ingredient. Get to know your wardrobe well, and identify the potential hero pieces hanging in your closet!
jeans | trench coat | shirt | flats | earrings | bag | sunglasses
6. Add a Pattern or Pop of Color
If you haven’t already, you can add a pop of color to your outfit. The colors you wear might depend on your moods, but if you want to brighten up your look, color is a great way to make your outfit more interesting. Chic color combinations can serve as your guide.
Working with a black and white outfit? Try adding a pop of red with a sweater or pair of flats. Styling a brown and ivory base? Try incorporating navy for a subtle hint of blue, or butter yellow if you prefer a look that’s a little bolder.
You can also use a pattern to do the same thing as color. Leopard print, stripes, polka dots, etc., can all make your outfit look more interesting! Just stick to one per outfit.
jeans | trench coat | shirt | flats | earrings | bag | sunglasses
7. Make Minor Adjustments
Even the best outfit ideas typically need a little bit of adjusting. This is where the real magic happens. Self-tailoring can take your outfit from good to great, with just a few simple tweaks.
Examples of adjustments include rolling your sleeves or cuffs to show more of your forearm (perfect for oversized tops), cuffing your jeans so your ankle boots are visible, tucking in your shirt, etc. These strategies will make your pieces look more polished and expensive. They’re also all secrets that a personal stylist uses to make her pieces fit exactly how she wants them to.
jeans | trench coat | shirt | flats | earrings | bag | sunglasses
8. If You Like the Final Result, Snap a Photo
Putting together chic outfits takes practice! You won’t love every single outfit you create, and that’s okay. It’s about progress, not perfection. One really important tip to keep you on the right track? Take photos of your looks – especially the ones that you feel good in. They can be selfies, taken in the mirror, or taken by friends or family. They don’t have to be Instagram worthy – they’re just for you and your own style research.
Save them to a special album on your phone and computer. This will help you to create a digital archive of your favorite outfits and give you the data to figure out the strategies that work best for you. And the best part is, you’ll start to figure out your personal style in the process!
jeans | trench coat | shirt | flats | earrings | bag | sunglasses
How to Put Together an Outfit Like a Pro
Once you figure out how to put together an outfit, it will make it so much easier to shop with intention. You’ll know what you like, and what pieces your wardrobe is missing. You might also find that you naturally start to build up a capsule wardrobe of versatile pieces that make it easy to style a wide variety of looks. Then, all you have to do is sprinkle it with your own natural personal style!
Looking for more fashion tips? Here’s What Makes an Outfit Look Tacky, and How to Avoid It
What a great post. Thank you for sharing your concepts. I got a lot from this one.
That was the goal! Pleased to hear that 🙂
Ins tresting
Such an enjoyable as Nd very inspirational article!!!
I really enjoyed every part of this, and am now actually excited and enthusiastic to have a wardrobe cull, and put the outfit styling advice into practice!!
Thank you!
Yay, so happy to hear that!
I thank you very much for the extremely informative and easily understood article on how to create a perfect outfit. All without sacrificing your own likes for the others who will also be noticing what you happen to be wearing. Better allowing space for your own self expression, hopefully not while offending others.
Thanks again,
You’re welcome, Heidi! I am so glad this helps!
I love your taste and fashion advice. I am ooold but can weed put the styles that are too young for me. I find your ideas easy to read and inspiring. You are the first fashion blogger I followed and still compare others to you as a standard! Keep up the great content!
Thanks, Sally! That is so sweet to say. I am thrilled this content helps you!