Every morning when I open my closet, I face the same dilemma: despite having a wardrobe full of clothes, I feel like I have nothing to wear. Clothes that looked good when buying them somehow look unfashionable when worn. As a blogger who transformed from "unstylish to fashionable," I deeply understand this feeling. I remember when I first became interested in fashion, I was completely lost. After years of exploration and learning, I finally found my own approach to styling, and today I'd like to share my insights with you.
When it comes to styling, color matching is the most challenging aspect. Many people find dressing difficult simply because they don't understand color coordination. I remember when I first started learning about outfit coordination, I instinctively stuck to safe colors like black, white, and gray, afraid of making mistakes. Until one day, I saw a lady on the street wearing a mint green and beige outfit that exuded elegance, and I was instantly amazed.
Since then, I've been obsessively studying color combinations. I discovered that color coordination is key to achieving a fashionable look. The safe yet stylish color formula is actually quite simple: use neutral colors as the base and add one bright color as an accent. For example, one of my recent favorite combinations is a beige wool coat paired with a mint green knit sweater, which looks both sophisticated and eye-catching. Another example is a navy blue blazer paired with a coral pink silk shirt, which looks professional yet gentle.
Besides these basic combinations, I also like to match different shades within the same color family. For instance, I'll pair a light khaki cardigan with dark camel wide-leg pants and beige ankle boots, creating a harmonious overall look. Another technique is using complementary colors, but this requires careful control of intensity. For example, I'll pair a dark purple sweater with a light yellow pleated skirt, creating contrast without being too jarring.
When it comes to layering, many people's first thought is looking like a dumpling in winter. Actually, the essence of layering lies in the clever combination of fabrics and lengths. The lightness of silk paired with the heaviness of wool, plus the luster of leather, can create rich textural layers.
I particularly love an outfit I put together last fall: a cream-colored silk shirt underneath, a camel wool vest over it, and a knee-length dark brown trench coat as the outer layer. This combination is not only warm but also looks very sophisticated. The variation in fabrics gives the overall look great dimension, and the lengths of all three pieces are carefully coordinated.
Speaking of length coordination, I have a small tip: generally follow the principle of "short top, long bottom" or "long top, short bottom." For example, if choosing a cropped top, pair it with long wide-leg pants or a skirt; if wearing a long trench coat, pair it with a short dress or shorts underneath. This not only elongates body proportions but also creates rich layering.
Recently, I discovered an interesting styling method: creating layers using different textured pieces in the same color family. For example, I'll combine a beige silk shirt, wool sweater, and leather jacket - though they're all similar colors, the different textures prevent the look from being monotonous.
Many people now seek versatile pieces, but how can you make the same piece work perfectly for different occasions? After years of exploration, I've developed a method: choose basic pieces and change the style through accessories.
Take my most frequently worn black dress pants as an example - their styling possibilities are endless. For work, I'll pair them with a white shirt and black flats, plus a simple watch, looking crisp and professional. For date night, I'll switch to a sexy camisole and pointed heels, instantly transforming into a sultry goddess. For weekend shopping, I'll wear them with an oversized hoodie and white sneakers, becoming casual and relaxed.
Not just dress pants, but many basic pieces can be styled this way. For instance, a white T-shirt paired with a blazer and heels becomes office-appropriate, with a denim jacket and sneakers it becomes street style, and with a floral skirt and ballet flats it becomes feminine. The key is using accessories to change the overall style.
I have an incredibly versatile camel trench coat in my wardrobe that's my styling secret weapon. For work, I'll add a printed silk scarf to instantly elevate the sophistication; for dates, I'll switch to a thin belt to emphasize the waistline; for shopping, I'll wear it open casually for a more relaxed style.
Everyone should have their own personal style, but finding what suits you isn't easy. I suggest starting with imitation and gradually finding your own sense of style.
I remember when I first started exploring personal style, I was obsessed with French style. I frantically bought all sorts of floral dresses, bow blouses, and berets, trying to transform myself into a Parisian woman. But something always felt off, like I was pretending to be someone else. After long exploration, I discovered that I'm actually better suited to a simple, intellectual style. This process took me about two years, during which I discarded many unsuitable clothes.
Looking back now, finding your suitable style is actually a process of self-discovery. You need to consider your body type, lifestyle, work environment, and various other factors. For example, due to the nature of my work requiring frequent business trips and meetings, my wardrobe is dominated by professional pieces, but I add some design elements in the details to prevent the overall look from being too serious.
Regarding clothes shopping, my advice is: better to buy less but buy right. What's right? It's those well-cut, good quality basic pieces. Based on my years of experience, a good basic piece can last at least 3 years and gets better with wear.
For example, the MaxMara cashmere coat I bought in 2020 cost nearly 20,000 yuan. Many might think it's too expensive, but calculating that I've worn it at least 90 times over these three years, it averages to just over 200 yuan per wear. Moreover, because of its classic cut and quality fabric, it still looks crisp now, showing no signs of being three years old. In contrast, some coats I bought for a few hundred yuan lost their shape before one season ended, ultimately wasting more money.
When it comes to investing in clothes, I have a suggestion: divide clothes into basics and trendy pieces. Basics are items you can wear long-term, like suits, coats, and jeans - these are worth spending more on. Trendy pieces are more design-focused or fashionable items - these can be from more affordable brands since you might not want to wear them after a season or two.
Fashion really lies in the details. Many people focus only on clothing combinations while neglecting the importance of makeup and accessories. Actually, the same outfit paired with refined makeup and suitable accessories can look several levels better.
Now I spend some time on makeup before leaving home each day, adjusting my makeup style according to my outfit. For a professional look, I'll do natural office makeup: subtle effects focusing on creating clear skin and bright eyes. For casual looks, I'll choose a fresher no-makeup makeup style, sometimes just applying lip balm.
Accessory selection is also important. I have a small habit of wearing one or two accessories before leaving home each day, whether it's a necklace, earrings, or a bracelet. These small details can make an overall look more complete. For example, a simple white T-shirt paired with a gold necklace instantly elevates the overall quality.
Additionally, I think bag and shoe coordination is an important detail. I usually keep my bag and shoes' styles consistent - for formal occasions, I'll choose a structured bag with pointed heels; for casual occasions, I'll go with a canvas bag and sneakers.
These years of styling experience have taught me that fashion isn't about blindly following trends, but finding the style that suits you best. As I mentioned before, finding your suitable style might take a long time, but if you persist, you'll definitely see results.
My styling insights are actually quite simple: First, understand your body type and know which styles suit you best; second, choose clothes based on your lifestyle - clothes you buy should be ones you'll actually wear; third, be observant and learn, but don't blindly imitate.
Looking back now, my clothing style has gone through several stages: from blindly following trends at first, to crazy experimentation, to now being calm and confident. Each stage taught me a lot and helped me better understand myself.
Finally, I want to say that the most important thing about dressing is being happy. If you think it looks good, feels comfortable, and makes you walk with confidence, that's what matters most. Fashion is actually that simple.
Share your styling experiences below!
Previous
