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10 Clothing Tips That Will Change Your Life

When it comes to style and clothing tips, there are a few tried and true nuggets of advice that can make all the difference for your wardrobe! My friend and clothing expert, Charlotte, is taking the reigns on this post while I get caught up on work (and laundry) from my adventures in Egypt and Jordan! (I’ll be back to posting as usual tomorrow.) Check out these 10 life-changing clothing tips Charlotte put together, below, and I’ll see you all tomorrow. 

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Written by Charlotte Doyle 

Black and white photo of Audrey Hepburn laying down propped up with her hands, wearing a black dress and black heels with short hair.

1 . Consider Classic Outfits

A classic fashion approach is a timeless approach. Trends are great, but they come and go. What truly stands out, however, is a wardrobe that has elegant necklines, a classic black dress, or clothing reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn. She wore simple, uncomplicated styles that flattered her figure and avoided gaudy, loud, and trendy styles. She created her own signature look by wearing sophisticated pea coats and collared shirts.

2 . Research Flattering Colors

What colors compliment your skin tone? Are you a “Spring”? If your skin is ivory white, peach, or warm beige, colors like green, yellow, coral or periwinkle may be for you. What about a “Summer”? If your skin is pinker or a cool mocha, colors like jade green, powder pink, and blue-gray may be for you.

Skin that is considered “Autumn” are those colors more of a warm beige or warm brown and the colors that complement this kind of tone is olive green, mustard, pumpkin, and brown. “Winter” skin is those who have olive, rose, or cool brown complexions. They can wear purple, black, cobalt blue, and red, and look amazing in it. Much research can be done here to see what colors look perfect on you.

Blouses, skirts, and tank tops on wooden hangers hanging from a black hanging rod

3 . Match Clothing to Body Type

Are you apple-shaped, or pear-shaped? In other words, do you carry more of your weight on the top half of your body or the bottom half? If you’re plus-sized with a pear shape, Empire waist dresses would look amazing, as would an A-line dress. If you are tall and thin, a mermaid-style or trumpet dress would be amazing. This is also true for an hour-line figure.

Woman with long brown hair slightly curled sitting at a white table with a white sewing machine, sewing a tan piece of fabric

4 . Have Your Clothes Tailored

They don’t have to be necessarily tailored, as this can end up being quite costly. But at least have clothing that is fitted and to your size. Long work pants can look sloppy if they are scraping, and ripping, beneath the bottom of your shoes. Keep fabrics in mind, as some are more easily worked with than others.

Outdoor lifestyle portrait of elegant happy smiling woman wearing trendy straw hat, yellow satin blouse, blue trousers, with shoulder wicker round bag, walking in street near pink spring blossom trees

5 . Accentuate with Details

Buy a fun purse, get some big seashell jewelry or some gorgeous dangling earrings. Invest in some colorful, comfortable shoes in a unique color or pattern.

6 . Stick to Basics

When you master the basics first, you start to gain some fashion confidence. Some must-haves are fitted T-shirts, black pumps, and black pants that are the ‘skinny’ tailored. These tend to complement hips as they taper down the ankle.

Lindsey wearing a long grey cardigan paired with black knee high boots and a black and white silk scarf and black sunglasses, she is standing on a street in Moscow during the winter

7 . Try Layers

Layers can get creative. If you have a pair of black pants, a solid-colored shirt, and a fun patterned scarf or jacket, the look is complete. Consider wearing a jumper with a cute white shirt underneath. Combinations are endless, but if you’re new to layering, buy a few fun scarves with designs that you love and try to get colors that complement what you already have in your closet.

Pattern & Print Mixing - How to Wear Stripes & Florals Together

8 . Mix Various Prints!

Don’t be afraid to mix plaid with an animal print, or a light gingham with a polka dot print. IF you do this, try to keep the fabric within the same family. Think a blue-lined shirt that is throwing off nautical vibes mixed with a cute, off-white skit with large red roses. Another example is a grey leopard print shirt with a sienna skirt that has tiny black and brown squares. Try a bold, wide, waist-defining belt to tie the outfit together. (Click here for more info on print mixing.)

Young woman with black leather belt and purple sweater

9 . Add a Belt

Many shirts, even long T-shirts, can benefit from a wide belt. Wide belts come in many shapes and colors and also come in a variety of waist sizes. They help define and accentuate the waist area. The different colors can complement our outfit.

Belts may have different textures as well, and some have more classic designs on the buckle, while others might have fancier or ‘louder’ designs. You’re going for a svelte silhouette that screams feminine vibes. Keep wild colors around, but also keep classic colors on hand, like black and brown. Try wearing your belt over your coat to add something different to your look.

10 . Fancy Up Your “Boyfriend Jeans”

Your ‘boyfriend jeans’ are those jeans that have holes in them. They aren’t your favorite pair of jeans, but they are super comfortable. Why not dress them up with an amazing shirt, and bold jewelry and a crazy (but beautiful) pair of leopard print pumps? It’s a bit more of an adventurous style, but it’s definitely a great way to put those comfortable jeans to work for you.

Thank you, Charlotte! I’m curious, now, which tip is your favorite? Let me know in the comments! (I’m liking #8 the best myself – I am all about print mixing!)

About the Author:

Charlotte Doyle is an artist, freelance writer, homeschooling mother, and college student pursuing a Master’s degree in psychology. Check out more of her amazing articles by clicking here

10 Clothing Tips That Will Change Your Life
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Clothing tips that will change your life

8 Comments

  1. I have to say matching clothing to your body type is sooooo important. I love to change things up and wear the newest trends, but they don’t always work on my figure! I alway regret not staying to classic beautiful shapes and garments that I know will work!

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      I hear you there! I’d argue that’s the most important tip in this post.

  2. TiredMama_16 says:

    I love how simple and easy these fashion tips are! I am not fashion savvy at all lol. Thank you so much!

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      So glad you enjoyed them!

  3. Courtney Byers says:

    These are such great tips! Getting things tailored makes the biggest difference. I also agree that classic is always good.

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      I think so too. 🙂

  4. I couldn’t agree more with this. Especially having things tailored!!
    XOXO
    Jodie

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      Thank you for reading, Jodie! 🙂

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