It’s a tale as old as time — you’ve ransacked your wardrobe and are bored by what you see. Your go-to pair of jeans just isn’t hitting the spot. Your favorite tee doesn’t seem to evoke the same appeal it once did. You feel like you have worn it all and then some. You feel like you have a ton of “basics” or classic closet staples and haven’t considered other ways to refurbish your usual way of styling. However, finding the right inspiration for an uncomplicated, yet attention-grabbing, ensemble is easier (and more creatively satisfying!) than you think.
Everything you need to become an effortlessly chic style maven already lies in your dresser drawers — and if it doesn’t, you can find socially-conscious fashion threads with a more minimalistic design pretty quickly and inexpensively. While they may seem small and simple, the tips we have outlined will surely revolutionize the way you dress on a daily basis.
Tie, Tuck, or Knot Your Top
Instantly achieve next-level style when you fashion your basic tee with a trendy twist at the midriff or timeless French tuck into the waist of your pants. To better balance your perfect proportions, pair your knotted top with high-waisted jeans or a belly-button-surpassing skirt, and enjoy an up-to-the-minute style moment. This same trick applies to your button-ups featured on heavy rotation or usually just slung around your hips. This rather obvious stylistic choice infuses just the right amount of trend while being universally flattering.
Show off Your Socks
Watch out, world. Socks are moving up the ankle, and we’re into it. Historically, it seems we shy away from having our foot sweaters be seen (No-show socks, anyone?!).But, one way to accent your outfit in a unique way is to put on a pair of show-stopping socks. Socks can be slouched down with sneaks and jeans or pulled to the calf while rocking heels and a skirt. You can play with different proportions with this genius illusion. Get matchy-matchy or defy what’s expected with off-setting bold colors or patterns — the options are limitless, and the style impact is immediate.
Cuff Your Jeans
You don’t need a tailor to look totally put together. Cuffing your pant legs can bring style to almost any casual outfit and can perfectly accent your kicks. From jeans to slacks to elastic-hemmed pants, create a new lower-half look just by rolling up the rim. Turn up your trousers for any occasion, any day of the week, and enjoy the casual, cool charm it brings to your look.
With cuffs, you can change the way a plain pair of pants looks entirely, without any cost to you. For shorter women, cuffed pants can help elongate the legs. For taller women, a once-over fold creates the ideal taper at the ankle. From a neat fold to a tight pinroll to messy cuff, and more, there are tons of super simple ways you can upgrade your pants game and still enjoy all-day comfort.
Rock a Neck Scarf
If you’re bored with all of your necklaces, a handkerchief scarf or bandana is an easy and unexpected way to take a simple outfit up a notch. The right scarf with the perfect print or subtle texture can transform any ensemble — adding a bit of vintage-inspired sophistication and detail. Smartly tie it around your neck and fashion it to the side to accent your top and draw out your face’s gorgeous features. Fasten one to your tote for an elevated update to your favorite bag. Wrap it around your wrist for a new-fangled bracelet. Wear it around your head or add an ultra-feminine flourish to your ponytail.
Dress up Your Digits
Whether you want to channel a chic, minimalist look, or you want to make a bolder statement with the latest jewelry trends, rings really are the universal upscale-style-in-an-instant accessory. Stacking your rings is like assembling an outfit, it’s personal to you. Stack on one finger or spread across your fingers, whichever suits you best. Adding a few brilliant baubles to your fingers gives your look a pretty polish, without going overboard with other accessories like dangling earrings or clangy bracelets. Don’t be afraid to mix and match metals. Flatter your skin tone with your chosen combo. Silver and gold hand candy work together beautifully to create a cool, on-trend look.
Take these few simple tricks and incorporate them into your next #OOTD deliberations. There are no hard and fast rules to determining which quick fixes will be the most impactful, so play around with more ways to accent your ensemble with pieces you already own. You won’t believe how much inspiration you may find after seeing your clothing staples with a new and fresh perspective!
Author Bio: Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but also enjoys covering the fashion industry and world of fitness.