You want to create a more elevated outfit?
*Disclaimer; You do not need to go and buy new things to spice up an outfit, not to throw around the buzz word sustainable around too loosely, but let’s try and re-cycle what we all already own in our closet’s please.
You wake up one day and want to make an effort in how you dress to elevate your look. You are probably a busy Mum with a pants-dropping schedule (or not – just busy running the rat race) the last thing on your mind is what to wear, let alone create a whole new look, #OOTD. I have you covered!
We all tend to reach for the nearest thing in our wardrobes, worst case scenario repeat clothes or maybe stay in gym gear the entire day which is OK, gym gear at the moment is cute. I am a sucker for this – I have been living in my Andola unitard for the past few weeks, no judgement, not brave enough to wear it at the gym yet – not recommended for Zoom calls either.
Making this more fun I have created a seven day ‘express your damnself’ challenge, Anyone can do it, HOW TO: In any order complete each assignment per day, post your progress on Insta and #expressyourdamnself.
- Accessorise – go statement or go home. Go and find an accessory that is out of your comfort zone, think bold. An accessory can instantly make a look more elevated. Statement bag or belt, Pat Butcher style earrings, all you true Londoner’s will know will know my referral to Pat butcher. Accessorise with jewellery – layering jewellery alone with a plain white t-shirt and denim chicane effortless, a statement necklace, colourful or patterned scarf, a belt, sunglasses, a watch alone can be a blog statement. If you don’t already know how much I appreciate preloved items, this goes for accessories too and jewellery – just remember to sterilise guys! I adore my square sparkly vintage earrings from an instagram seller (insert link here – basic studio- basic_studio) what a find, they can make a plain outfit playful. Do not feel daring enough; a statement handbag can upgrade a plain outfit.
2. Opt for a punch of colour? If you are more of a monochrome type of girl you can still intertwine one of these elements into your monochrome look, step outside of your comfort zone and add a pop of colour, do not be afraid to experiment. Trust me when I say once you step outside of your comfort zone and add a splash of colour even if you are not that colourful kind of gal – you will feel eager to try again, sooner or later you will effortlessly be adding colour to your outfits. You can wear a monochrome outfit and then add a pop of colour! My fave, my Zanotti electric Miami styled heels, basic tee and denim add some fun polka dot socks for fun, voila.
3. Wear a party outfit during the day. A bit of personal preference not for everyone, but add sequins EVEN IN THE SUMMER to set yourself apart. I am a Se-queen myself. What a way to add more luxe into your ensemble than a playful knit. Adding More texture can be fun and bring more pizazz to any basic look – try it!
4. Style up your hair differently – creating a new hairstyle or get a styled cut. What can perk up any look is the hair, a blow dry can make you feel like a million dollars. Ultimate hair hack that is sustainable, wearing your hair in a different parting can ultimately change your face frame – apparently it is good for the hair too. The double plait or stacked braid plait trend is a big and viral on TikTok as we speak, it can upgrade your look alone, again you can add a hair accessory to add some quirkiness.
5. Add texture (mix the photo of my sequin jacket with this post) metallic, leather, double denim, linen, sheer, lace, silk. You can say it is my daring nature that I like to go for metallic, or it could be as simple as adding a classic leather, suede or furry jacket.
6. Change your make-up look, add a bold colour lipstick, try a winged eyeliner, go for the bushy eyebrow look. Treat yourself to that one makeup item that has been on your wishlist. You will be surprised by experimenting with the way you put on your make-up romantacise putting your make-up in the morning. You can automatically give your whole outfit a boost of freshness. For all you olive skinned girls, Bobbi brown the colour salmon lipstick is my ‘go to’ such lovely sheer coral.
7. Finally, in order to make your outfit more interesting you need to not be afraid of experimentation, have fun with it.
How you can find inspiration…
I select my curated capsule closet by running my fingers through the rails and getting a feel for the textures of garments, texture can suddenly make a basic outfit not so basic anymore, some can come off looking garish at times, they do add a little something to any basic uniform – not for everyone I understand but how will you know if you know if you don’t try.
My ultimate hack is adding texture to your outfit, sequins are my personal choice but any of the above are brilliant if you haven’t a clue. For those of you who might be a little fearful of sequins, challenge yourself with the seven day express your damn self challenge, you don’t need to take it too seriously just #expressyourdamnself – enjoy!
