We never leave the house with the intention of looking bad. Our goals after getting dressed in the morning are looking put together and getting noticed. Are you with us? While we all have those days (hey, we're human), our best fashion moments usually happen when we follow a few specific styling criteria.
NYC-based stylist Jen Steele shares her tips on the five things that will always make your ensemble stand out from the pack.
Perfect-fitting separates
The simplest way to make a great first impression? Wear clothes that actually fit. A tailor is your best investment to guarantee your clothes fit you like a glove—this includes everything from blouses to blazers to trousers.
Killer accessories
It's no secret that the accessories make your outfit—regardless of how beautiful your clothes are. To ensure you look on point and aren't going overboard, go for add-ons that have character but aren't too flashy. Steele loves a quirky pair of sunglasses (like the styles from RetroSuperFuture) to get noticed.
Simple layering
Layering is essential for a well-styled, high-concept vibe. But there is such a thing as too much. Steele recommends layering when you need to (i.e., tossing a cardigan over a tee when it's cold) and avoiding it when you don't so it doesn't look like you're trying too hard.
Luxe-feeling handbags
To echo the importance of accessories, the one item that will automatically make your outfit feel high-end is a gorgeous leather handbag. But this doesn't necessarily mean dropping five digits on a designer find (unless you want to, of course). Go for a style that doesn't have a major logo or tacky hardware, and you'll look like a million bucks.
Appropriate hemlines
As Steele recommends, hemlines definitely need to be thought out. Skirt and pant hemlines vary based on body shape. If you're tall and have too short of a style, your overall ensemble isn't going to look as put together as it could be. And vice versa.