Whether you’re 20 or 60 years old, it’s easy remain firmly in your comfort zone when it comes to your personal style. And while the idea of overhauling your wardrobe with all new clothes can seem appealing, it’s not the most budget-friendly option (nor the most eco-friendly, for that matter.)
And looking stylish isn’t always about what you own—how you’re wearing and styling things can make all the difference and help you look and feel your absolute best. If you’re in need of simple style tips or inspiration, look no further than the advice below.
7 Simple Style Tips That Will Instantly Elevate Your Look
1. Find Your Style Inspiration
Not sure what to wear? Thanks to social media, it’s easier than ever to find people who have a style you love. Find fashion influencers on Instagram whose style you dig and follow them to draw inspiration from their outfits and apply them to your own.
Here are a few of my favorite sources of style inspiration on Instagram:
2. When In Doubt, Overdress
Worried about being overdressed at a formal occasion? Don’t be! Looking too casual is more likely to draw unwanted attention than if you show up looking like you just stepped off the red carpet, so it’s better to err on the side of overdressed.
If you’re still worried, you can always bring a more casual top layer like a jean jacket or neutral-toned cardigan to make your outfit look more casual if you end up feeling out of place.
3. Stick To The “Rule Of 3”
If you’re overwhelmed at the thought of putting a cohesive outfit together on your own, it can help to think of every outfit as having 3 main elements. Basic components like a pant/skirt and a top make up the first and second elements, while the third element should be something that adds some pizazz.
My go-to triple combination is a t-shirt and jeans jazzed up with a colorful cardigan, but I could just as easily swap my sweater out for a statement necklace, fun handbag, big belt, or eye-catching shoes. The “rule of 3” is one of the best simple style tips when it comes to your outfit strategy.
4. Open Flaps That Are Stitched Closed
Have you ever noticed the little “X” that’s stitched onto the backs of blazers, jackets, and coats? Not everyone knows that you’re supposed to remove that stitching before wearing the item.
The “X” helps the coat keep its shape while it’s in transit and hung up at the store. But coats like these are designed to have open vents to give you a wider range of motion and and preserve its shape, so you’re supposed to remove that stitched “X” when you bring it home.
And keep an eye out for these stitches on skirts too—some of them have the same stitch.
5. Add Flair With Animal Prints
Animal print can add a little sass to any outfit. Consider adding it to your outfit where you would normally wear a neutral item in black, white, navy, blush, or camel.
From bright shades to subdued pastels and neutrals to metallic tones, leopard print and other animal prints can go with everything. You can even pair it with other, more subtle prints to “power clash” like a fashion pro.
6. Remember That Age Is Just A Number
When it comes to style, age truly is just a number. There are no age limits in fashion, and you shouldn’t let the idea that you’re “too old” deter you from at least trying out a current trend that interests you.
There are plenty of stylish staples for mature women that can be easily combined with trendier pieces to create flattering and fashion-forward outfits. For more on that, check out this blog post.
7. Spend On Staples, Save On Trends
It makes sense to buy high quality staples that you’ll be able to wear for a long time to come, even if that means investing in items with a heftier price tag. Trends come and go, but a timeless coat or pair of boots will always look great as part of an outfit.
If you do decide to try out a new trend, hit the racks at discount stores like T.J.Maxx or the clearance and sale sections of your clothing retailers. That way, you can try something new while keeping your financial risk low.
What simple style tips would you add to this list?
