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.
To give you further insight, we enlisted NYC-based stylist Jen Steele to share her tips on the five things that will always make your ensemble stand out from the pack. The good news is that her advice just so happens to be extremely approachable, meaning that there is officially no excuse for not knowing how to look polished whenever you're craving a gorgeous standout ensemble.
Keep scrolling for expert advice to make your look tomorrow that much better.
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.
At this point, gingham is rapidly becoming a new neutral.
Such a good price for a pair of trousers you'll hang onto forever.
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.
Big earrings are, erm, big right now.
These will look incredible with a tan and red lipstick.
Related: Summer Is Back! 16 Chic Dresses That You Can Wear Now And Well Into Autumn
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.
A bargain in the current Net-a-Porter sale.
Another wardrobe staple.
Related: I'm a Fashion Expert—5 Leather-Jacket Styles That Will Always Be In
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.
The line down the front gives these a polished look.
Take this style tip and tuck in your sweater halfway.
Related: This Body-Shape Calculator Will Guide You to Some Excellent Clothes
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.
The ideal size.
One of our latest designer handbag crushes.Next up! How to build a capsule wardrobe that will last a lifetime.
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