How to Level Up Your Personal Style

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A reader had a great question: how to level up your personal style? Everyone gets into style ruts, and it's been way too long since we discussed it here.

(In the past, we've discussed how to get your style groove back, how to cultivate style (vs trend), how to make an outfit look put together, how to look great for work every day, and how to do a complete wardrobe revamp. We've also shared tips on creating a capsule wardrobe for work, as well as thoughts on “the weekend you versus the workday you.“)

How to Level Up Your Personal Style

First, here was the reader's question:

Has anyone ever seriously up leveled their personal style? I’m feeling like I’m in a rut. I care. I have money to spend. I have a good sense of how I want to look, what styles work on my body, and what my everyday life and social calendar really look like. I’m willing to spend time at the tailor. Still, the whole thing is not coming together. Help!

Readers had some great suggestions!

Make sure you're looking at “current” fashions… A few people said that they rely on specific websites to “make things more current,” such as Evereve. Another person suggested “passively consuming” fashion content through blogs, Instragram, and Pinterest — that way she discovers brands and knows what to work for.

… but only buy what you're willing to wear. For example, 4″ stiletto heels definitely add polish — but maybe you're a flats person at heart. This can also mean that you should only buy what you love!

It's in the bag… A number of readers chimed in that paying special attention to a few great details can really elevate a look. As one person put it, “Maybe start with accessories. Daily jewelry, good shoes, sunglasses, and a few cute purses will go a long way towards making you feel put together.”

… and a great hair day. Another person suggested the same about hair — having a great haircut, or just knowing how to work with YOUR hair, can make a big difference. Two other people agreed that knowing exactly “what to do when you can't style it” makes a big difference — for example, one woman noted that a barrette works for her, but a ponytail with elastic does not. Someone else said she went and bought a bunch of different hair clips until she could figure out what worked for her. (Her favorite? Banana clips!)

Consider starting with one outfit that feels great. One person said she started with sleeved dresses (“and appropriate undergarments”), and once that was perfected, she could focus on the harder combos with separates like skirts, pants, and tops. One reader noted that she used to actually copy outfits she liked from magazines or the internet, head to toe.

Pay attention to what DOESN'T feel great. A bunch of readers agreed that they love the idea of “quiet luxury,” but that in practice it doesn't work for them. “It doesn't make me feel good,” said one reader, while another agreed, “I fade into the background in a bad way.” A third agreed that it didn't elevate her look in any meaningfulw ay.

Try, try, and try again. A number of people noted that this takes a ton of trial and error (and returns, and goodwill drop offs). This can be true with hair, outfit, and more. One person suggested that a clothing rental subscription like Rent the Runway can be a great help during this time period! (Here's our last roundup of the best clothing rental subscriptions for office clothes.)

In general, though, readers had a BUNCH of great questions for the OP to ask herself, including:

• What’s your favorite outfit? One favorite for work and a favorite for weekend outings?
• Have you figured out your hairstyle, posture, workout routine, face moisturizer, shoes you’re willing to wear?
• What do you spend the most time doing? (For example: I WFH and do a lot of yoga, so I’ve recently invested in more workout clothes.)
• What makes you feel comfortable in your body? (One woman noted: For me, that’s flats, and nothing skintight or midriff barring, though I love a good mini dress.)
• What do you see out and about, at restaurants, walking around your city/town/neighborhood?

Call in the experts. Finally, there were a lot of suggestions to hire a stylist — someone who comes to your home, your closet, works with what you have and helps you identify what you need, what looks good on you and why.

Readers, what are your thoughts on how to level up your personal style?

Stock photo via Stencil.