When it comes to fashion, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends. However, genuine style goes beyond what you wear, or rather it comes from inside. If you’ve ever been around someone who seems to look great no matter what they wear, but somehow always pulls it off and looks cool – it is likely due to their confidence and how they project themselves to others.
Is it really that simple though? Well, there’s a bit more to it and it does require some mindful practice. In this guide, we’ll go over the five keys to help you look effortlessly fashionable.
Key 1: Comfort
Some days you may find yourself fidgeting. We’ll be the first to say that this is a total style killer.
Some common ones we see are people pulling down on t-shirts if they’re worried they’re too short, repeatedly itching wigs/hair pieces, and messing with a tucked-in shirt or belt line or even shoe laces. This act of constant faffing is a crime against fashion in our books. That’s because it can be a major distraction and breaks the illusion of an effortless, relaxed style.
When you’re constantly fidgeting, you’re drawing attention to the very thing you don’t want people to focus on – a weak point in your outfit. Plus, this behaviour can make you appear nervous or just generally uncomfortable, which can detract from your overall presence and sense of style.
You can prevent this by choosing clothing that fits nicely and feels good. You want to avoid pieces that are too tight or too loose, or that require constant adjusting. There are some simple things you can do to make life less faffy: Let your clothes air dry instead of tumble drying them, (preventing shrinking). Swap out those annoying boots that keep coming undone for a pair of Chelsea boots that can be worn all year round. Pay attention to the materials and fabrics, as well – you should try to choose pieces that feel comfortable against your skin, and try moving around or stretching your arms if you’re trying on something new.
Just keep things simple. You don’t need to wear complicated or overly fussy outfits to look stylish – sometimes, less is more. Someone wearing a cheap pair of pants that allow them to move freely looks much better than someone in designer skinny jeans who looks restricted in movement. This is an easy way to look more fashionable and it’s cost-effective.
Key 2: Confidence
You probably already know that confidence is said to be a powerful tool, but how does it make you more stylish? Well, we must consider the fundamental question – why are we concerned about appearing fashionable in the first place?
When you think about it – the act of improving your confidence is similar to working on your style. Both of these areas help you achieve your goals and to build stronger relationships. When you’re confident, you project an air of self-assurance that is attractive to others, we can thank our instincts for that! Survival of the fittest.
So naturally, when it comes to fashion, confidence is really important. People subconsciously judge the way that people carry themselves, and following on from the above – confidence is shown in posture, body language and facial expressions.
So how can you show confidence in your personal style? One approach is to start by focusing on your mindset. Positive self-affirmations go a long way towards building self-esteem. Instead of dwelling on your flaws, focus on your strengths and what makes you unique. Becoming confident can be a long road for some, depending on where you start. It can take work but don’t give up. Remember that internal confidence is about embracing who you are. When you feel good about yourself, others will take notice and you’ll be effortlessly stylish.
Key 3: Mood
When you’re happy, you are relaxed and appear open to others. Your shoulders are nice and low, your breathing is calm – and these are subtle signs to people in your social circle that you are easy to communicate with. On the other hand, if you’re stressed or angry – you may fold your arms, hold your head down and arch your back more than usual.
Looking fashionable and feeling positive is not so different. Sure, a new luxury handbag may help you look cool, but even this expensive item won’t look good if the person wearing it is giving off neggy vibes!
There’s no getting around the fact that people are naturally drawn to positivity and happiness, and when you project these qualities, you’ll find that others respond positively to you as well. Look, we get it – life is stressful, and there are plenty of factors that can bring you down throughout the day. However, by making a conscious effort to focus on the good things in your life and cultivate a sense of gratitude, you can shift your mindset and improve your mood. A welcome side effect of which is that this will improve your style by a long shot too!
Key 4: Integrity
Pssst!… This one’s a really powerful tip for looking stylish and it’s something that people often miss. That’s because people don’t always associate their own morals and values with fashion. If you’re able to bridge these aspects successfully, in turn, it will build up your confidence and your mood, because you’ll be feeling good about the choices you have made and who you’ve given money to.
Perhaps you’re concerned with the environment, in which case you may want to shop locally so that you are reducing the need for delivery vehicles. Perhaps you shop from a company that uses sustainable materials. Maybe you’re vegan and so you opt for vegan leather footwear.
Though, most people fall somewhere in the middle – yes, they care about these things in life. But it can be difficult to tick all of these boxes, especially when you’re trying to be cost-effective. A great way to promote your own values when it comes to fashion is to simply support brands that you believe in.
This could mean shopping from companies where you look up to their owners, how they started out, or maybe they support social causes that are important to you. This way, the clothes that you wear represent your cultural values, even if this is only subtle it will make you feel great and we know from the above that feeling great helps your style in numerous ways.
Key 5: Authenticity
At the core, fashion is about self-expression, though often people associate it with fitting in. Whilst we are all for being part of a subculture or a certain image where you feel comfortable, don’t forget to dress for yourself. Even if that means just putting a small spin on things in a subtle way.
Whether you’re wearing your favourite old jeans or trying out a new statement piece, embrace your authentic self and let your personal style shine through. After all, there’s no one else quite like you – and that’s something to celebrate.