Elevating One’s Style

September 23, 2024
By Daramola Tosin

How do I elevate my style? To be honest, we all struggle, myself included, and when it comes to style, it all comes down to what interests you and helps you express who you are.

Colour psychology plus personal expression creates the best base for elevating one’s style. We are quite aware of the effects colour psychology plays, but I can help to refresh some. Black exudes luxury, power, elegance, and sophistication; White exudes cleanliness, innocence, peace, purity, and simplicity; Grey exudes balance, calmness, and neutrality; Pink exudes affection, compassion, and feminity. Green exudes health, growth, prosperity, and freshness; Red exudes power, warmth, and attention; and Purple exudes creativity, royalty, and wealth.

What is your favourite colours? Pastel colours? Dull colours? Bright colours?

What kind of accessories are your go-to? Silver or gold? Rings or earrings?

What kind of clothes inspire you or make you feel confident?

Whose style are you inspired by? The end goal is confidence in your appearance, so if you are interested in elevating your style, keep on reading.

First, Aesthetics—what kind of clothing are you comfortable and confident in? Are you a fan of art styles (styles that do not make sense to the public but do to fashion enthusiasts)? Do you like simple styles (a basic tee and trousers/skirt is your go-to)? Where do you spend most of your time (at work, church, casual outings, hospital)? What is your body shape and outline? These can influence how different clothes appear on you and enhance your features. There are five common body shapes, which are hourglass, pear, inverted triangle, rectangle, and apple/round. There are two common body outlines, which are curvy and angular. I am a medical student, so I prefer to have simple styles because I spend more time in the hospital than anywhere else. Here is a little bit on some body shapes and outlines to help get started.

With a rectangle body shape, because of the appearance of little definition at the waist and lack of curves generally, clothes with layers and structure will work perfectly. Also, the use of belts to create more definition, well-fitted/tailored clothes, flare clothes, and skirts (pleated, A-line, or ruffles) can create more definition and add volume to the entire outfit.

With an apple/round body shape, because of the definition of the bust and midsection area, clothes that focus mainly on the lower body frame will work. Outfits such as knee-length dresses/skirts, flowy outfits, structured jackets to de-emphasise the midsection, and straight leg pants will make the body shape appear less big than it is.

With a curvy body outline, well-structured clothes that do not drape too tight (flare dresses), fitted clothes, wrap dresses, and woollen clothes can work to emphasise the body’s definition.

With an angular body outline, free-flowy clothes, satin clothes, and silk outfits can work to add movement, definition in hard angles of the body, and texture overall. Tops/gowns, and sometimes slim-fitting tops, will add a silhouette to the lower body area and create balance.

Second, Basics—this depends on your aesthetic. What basics are you into (loose-fitting, tight-fitting, or well-fitting clothes)? What main colours would you want your basics to be (bright like pink and green, or dull like black, white, and grey)? The basics should be colours that you can easily mix and match with some statement outfits if the need arises. I prefer dull-coloured to bright-coloured basics because they can be easy to mix and match.

Third, Statement Outfits – what will be staples in your wardrobe (top like a bold blazer/scarf or bottom like a colourful pant/bold shoe)? Feel free to experiment with different tops and bottoms.

Fourth, Attention to the outfit – loose-fitting clothes are nice, but on a skinny or petite person, it can make them look shabby and look smaller than normal. Tight-fitting clothes can be too tight, which automatically translates as uncomfortable. Well-fitted clothing can enhance your appearance from the basics, so don’t be afraid to get some clothes tailored to suit your body and size.

Fifth, Accessories and Layers – Accessories can range from pieces of jewelry to scarves, to bags, to shoes, all to add more personality to your look. Shoes can make or break an outfit, so choose ones that can be mixed and matched with your outfits. Layering can help to add depth and personality too, from different textures to prints, according to the season. Summer layering can have a light jacket or light scarf, while a spring/winter jacket can have a thick heavy coat with a thick scarf.

Sixth, Personal Grooming – Elevating your style also involves taking your personal grooming seriously. You don’t need to have fixed nails every single time or new hairstyles, but personal grooming is a necessity because it enhances your overall appearance. It impacts how your style is perceived, so pay attention to your nails, hair, and skin.

Lastly, elevating your style takes Trial and Error, and Patience. You don’t have to get it all at once, but with each step, you are sure to learn what works for you. It is also how you carry yourself, so don’t forget to have fun with it. You do not also have to break the bank to buy everything you see trending; that is a sure way to disaster and financial ruin.