Looking for ways to elevate your style? Good news, it doesn't take tons of time and an endless clothing budget to do it. In the end, it comes down to the details. Here are 7 ways to elevate and class up your style in no time as well as the things you may be doing that are bringing it down!
Ways to Elevate Your Style
It is not my intention is to offend anyone with this list. These are my personal opinions and it doesn't mean everyone has to agree. Fashion "rules" are changing all the time, haha, and at the end of the day, wear what you feel most confident in! 🙂
1. No exposed bra straps
Personally, I think exposed bra straps look a little tacky. Especially when it looks like you're trying to "hide" them with nude or clear straps. That does not make it invisible! Furthermore, going for a bright red bra under a racerback tank does not say chic.
There's no reason to have exposed bra straps when there are a ton of different bra options these days. Strapless, convertible, one shoulder, etc. You name it! These can all work with different outfits to help create an elevated look.
On the flip side, I have seen "pretty" bra straps exposed and I think it works as long as it looks like it was done on purpose.
Instead...bralettes, sheer/lacy bra straps
Related: Upgrade Your Style With These 8 Pieces
2. Consider swapping out your tanktops as layering pieces
I certainly have nothing against tanktops. They definitely have their place as a basic piece in your wardrobe and can look casual-cool when worn by themselves in summer. If you're looking to elevate an outfit, however, try upgrading your basic tank top that's used as a layering piece and try a nice lace cami or silk/satin one instead! The luxe material and added lace detail make all the difference.
3. Retire your flip flops
There are so many shoe options out there, especially when you want something comfy and easy to put on. I really don't think cheap flip flops need to be in your wardrobe unless you're slipping something on to go take out the trash or you're taking a shower in a dorm room.
Instead...upgrade your flip flops to a nice leather (or leather looking) slide. Just as easy to put on and one thousand times classier.
4. No socks with sandals
Socks with sandals are something you'd maybe see in high fashion magazines or people that just got done playing sports, but I don't think it translates well to a chic everyday look. Personally, I think socks with heels look kind of runway chic, but I know many will disagree with me.
Instead...socks with loafers, socks with tennis shoes, and socks with heels (if you feel like taking a risk) 😉
Related: 5 Combos That Will Always Look Like Expensive Outfits
5. No bandage bodycon dresses
Are you auditioning for Jersey Shore? Hitting the clubs? No? Then you really don't need a bandage bodycon dress in your closet. There are other ways to look chic and elevated while also highlighting your body's best features.
Instead... A form-fitting dress that picks one body piece to highlight. You don't want something short, tight, and low all at the same time. Low v neck? Opt for length and/or long sleeves. Mini dress? Look for one with a higher neck and/or sleeves. Super tight? Close to knee length may be best. Generally, darker colors read as chic while brighter colors can come off as more "party girl".
6. Don't buy platform heels (or toss them out if you have them)
I love a little bit of height as much as the next girl. Not to mention certain heels can seriously elevate your look. However, platform heels don't exactly scream chic and elevated. Now not all platform heels are "bad". These are cute and boho chic. I'm talking more specifically about the ones with extreme thickness and height (pictured below). That being said, there are some better heels options out there that will elevate your look.
Instead...stilettos, pumps, etc. Something streamlined and preferably with a pointy toe.
7. Keep your Uggs as slippers only
I know many people will agree to disagree with me here and that's okay! That being said, I've personally never been able to get behind the Ugg train. Frankly, they're shapeless and they look like you forgot you were wearing your slippers while you went to the grocery store. They don't add to your outfit at all and instead, they take away from it. To be fair, Ugg has some boot styles out that I think are pretty cute (like this one and this one). I bet the standard uggs are comfy but there are more elevated ways to have a cute outfit in fall & winter.
Instead...boots that have a heel and/or some sort of shape to it
Next up: How to Always Look Timeless
Great !!
Thanks, Carolyn!
Thank you!!!!!! I thought I was the only one that doesn’t like Uggs.
You're definitely not the only one! 😉
The bra strap thing is interesting. All the women you chose to display are flat chested I could never keep these triple D’s up with a bralette. All other not looks are women with curves. Boots with heels in winter no thanks. Clearly written by a tiny white chick.
This article gives great points to ponder. Consider this point: I'm 5' 11", over 200lbs, and not white. I agree bra straps should not show. I wear something on my arms and shoulders to cover bra straps in summer. I even pin my straps to the shirt so they do NOT creep out. I plan my look and it does not include tacky. Uggs do not have any support for your foot and very little traction. No, high heels in the winter, wear a hiking-style boot for warmth and traction. It is much sexier.
Life is good. There is more than one way to do anything - just think about it.
I would stick with no bra straps showing, period. Even the nice ones are tacky.
Is there something wrong with being a tiny white chick? There is never a need to mention the color of someone’s skin or their size. Not ok.
You are clearly ignorant. Looks to me like this author is either black or bi-racial. Quit stereotyping and maybe you won't look so racist.
At least they’re appropriately named!
No you are not the only one. To boot they look ridiculous in 70degree weather! (CA.) they are winter boots!
You certainly are not, they are just UGLY
Me too, hate them!
Good information
Classy way to look at any age
Thank you
Really glad you liked the info, Anna 🙂
Great advice! However, I can't go along with the pics for #2, Swipe out Tank Tops. Yes - switch to lace or satin, but the pics show what looks like a lingerie top. When 1/3 of the look says "underwear" or "sleep wear", that says cheap. Those should be partially covered or walked out entirely along with the Bandage bodycon dresses. As for the rest - right on!!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Tricia! Wishing you a happy new year!
Love this! Thank you❤️
First off, I have a fear of things around my neck due to being a sexual assault survivor so tanks tops are my top of choice. Flip flops are another must have. Why because I have psoriatic arthritis and the shoes I have allowed me to leave my house when my feet swell. If you think bra straps are tacky, I think boobs hanging out without a bra is beyond tacky, its nasty. Point is, just because you think its tacky isn't because some one chooses to sometimes its a must!
Hi, Jo Ellen! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I definitely agree that if there is a physical reason or traumatic experience that requires you to wear a specific item then you need to wear what you're comfortable with and what works for you. Wishing you a great new year!
Thank you for this post. I totally agree with most of your suggestions. (Although I do love wearing flip=flops, I agree that they are not the most supportive or attractive option.) The plain, simple tank tops are more to my liking/style than lacy ones. BTW, I am 65 years old. 🙂
Thank you for sharing, Rose! I definitely agree that you have to dress to your liking and style first. 🙂
I love my Birkenstock slides leather and or the hard rubber material ones!
Choices choices choices! Just because you think you need these items, that doesn’t make them less tacky!
Love your advice. I also do not like the look of Ugg’s. My daughter loves them and has several pairs, as fo me I like a little hill.
Haha well they're not for everyone (or me), but I do know others that just love them as well!
Cami’s and pretty things to wear under jackets/blazers would be great but when you aren’t lucky enough to be small chested you do whatever you have to do to have the same look. Shelf bra’s don’t work for a majority of large chested women.
What I would give to have smaller breasts!
You definitely got to wear what works for you at the end of the day!
Some stuff is good other not so much. I live in Colorado and love my Uggs in winter. Heels not so much in the snow and my birkenstocks are worn how I want and they don’t look tacky.
I agree that heels wouldn't work in the snow! At the end of the day, you've got to wear what you love. 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
Thank you for your great tips. Love the examples of your do’s and don’t. I am new to your site/ newsletter. Look forward to all the great tips to come.
Happy to hear that, Karen! 🙂
Pointy shoes and heels? Ha! Never! I’ve gotten to my mid 60’s without ruining my feet....I’m not going to start now! My Cole Haan weekender loafers are a comfy and stylish casual shoe for most occasions. If I need to dress up, a low wedge does the job.
Weekender loafers sound really comfy! I love my loafers too.