New Year New You: Quick tips to revamp your style in 2010
Contradictory to my career, I am fairly set in my ways when it comes to my personal style. I know what works for me, what I am comfortable in, and what deviations from my style I can tolerate. Boring? Maybe. But it works, and it saves me alot of money. It is important to understand and master your personal style, even if you are thinking of changing it.
A new year undoubtedly brings in the want for change, and fresh starts. If you are thinking of revamping your image for 2010 I have outlined a few tips below to get you on your way.
- Identify the characteristics of your desired style. What defines the style. Is is bright colors with classic cuts and collared shirts, or all black with intricate shapes and silhouettes? If you can’t quite put it into words, try creating a fashion inspiration board and then list what you like about each item you cut out.
- Determine what key pieces, fabrics, and fits are representative of your desired image
- Take inventory. Go through your wardrobe and determine what items can transition into your new image as is, what items need to be altered, and store away everything else. (Don’t discard or donate just yet, once you start purchasing, you may find new ways to incorporate these items)
- Purchase the key pieces, in small amounts. Don’t go on a major shopping spree and buy every pair of leather pants you see. Introduce the items into your current wardrobe in segments to 1. ensure that you are comfortable with this new style 2. that you get the desired results with the items you purchase and 3. learn ways to wear the new items and figure out what other items might be missing.
- If you are transitioning into a style that is completely different from anything you’ve ever worn before or your personality, don’t splurgeuntil you are 100% positive that you are not following a trend or falling in love with the way something looks on someone else. Personal style is not trendy per se. It may include trendy items, but your style itself will transcend the trend. If you can’t see yourself wearing the staple items that are characteristic of a style the majority of the time, you are likely in love with the look of a style that may not work for you in the long run. You can still experiment with it, but don’t splurge.
If you are not surewhat style you want, but just know you want a change, have a friend make outfits for you out of items already in your closet. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh pair of eyes. Create an inspiration board and try to recreate the looks. Is there a cardigan in most of your inspirations that you don’t have? or a pair of heels? Purchase those items. You can also send me an email to email [at] thestyleaficionado [dot] com.
Accessories are a great way to update your look. If your closet is monocromatic, introducing color through scarves, hoisery, and jewelry will breath a new life into your wardrobe.
Play dress up. Pair colors, prints, and clothing that you might never consider together, in unconventional ways. Put your vest on over your blazer like Chloe did here, Or wear your cardigan up side down like Jennine seen here and here. The point is to think outside the box. Sites such as Chictopia or Lookbook are great for inspiration.
Just remember to have fun and think outside the box, and you’re already well on your way to revamping your image for 2010
These are great suggestions. I love that you encourage people to avoid splurging, and to be very thoughtful about their wardrobe changes. It’s amazing how much difference a few well thought out, great pieces can make in an outfit.
Julie @ Designer Hobo Handbags´s last blog ..Endless