How to Be a Stylish Girl

Co-authored by Nejla Renee

Last Updated: October 21, 2024 References

Being stylish doesn’t necessarily mean following all the latest fashion trends. ^{[1]
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Research source} In fact, most stylish people do the opposite: they wear classic, timeless pieces and do things to spice them up, such as adding accessories or rolling up the sleeves of a tailored shirt. Being stylish isn’t so much about what you wear as how you wear it. Confidence is key!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Exploring Fashion

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1
Discover your fashion icons. A great way to develop your own personal style is to explore the style of others. This will help you figure out your tastes—what you love, what you dislike, and what you’d like to try.
- Fashion bloggers, celebrities, and designers are great people to look to when exploring fashion. Which celebrity do you think always looks well-dressed? ^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Nejla Renee
  Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant
  
  Expert Interview. 7 August 2020.}
- Keep track of your fashion icons' looks and interests on social media sites, such as Instagram and Pinterest
2
Create a fashion scrapbook. This can be online via sites like Pinterest or Clothia, or using a physical scrapbook, into which you could paste print-outs and magazine cut-outs. Consider organizing your pages in some way. For example:
- By what you'd wear during each season, such as spring, summer, and winter.
- By different garment type, such as jackets, boots, and dresses.
- By purpose and occasion, such as work, formal, and casual.
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3
Consider who you are . As you explore fashion, consider whether a theme emerges when you look at your favorite items. ^{[3]
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Expert Source

Nejla Renee
Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant

Expert Interview. 7 August 2020.} Are you often choosing punky looking outfits? Maybe you’re more into a retro style like ‘70s rockstar or ‘50s pin-up, or maybe you’re more of a minimalist.
- Think about what the things you like say about you, and about how you can express who you are through the things you wear.
- If you’re an outgoing actor who loves to dress up, you might wear bright colors and chunky accessories, for example.
4
Don’t be a carbon copy. As you start out it might feel overwhelming to put together a great outfit, and it may be tempting to just copy other people’s outfits. Try to keep your look more unique by doing variations on what you see elsewhere.
- For example, you might do the same silhouette as someone else did, but with different colours or patterns.
- Alternatively, you can use the same colors, but different pieces. For example, instead of wearing a white blouse, a blue skirt, and tan heels, try a white shirt, blue jeans, and tan boots.
- Add individuality to your outfit by using different accessories, such as bags, belts, hats, or jewelry. For example, instead of using fancy gold jewelry, you could try rustic wood jewelry.
Angelina Jolie, Actress & Humanitarian

Having a compelling personal style is about being authentically yourself. "I think we all know boldness when we see it. Nothing makes me smile more than when I see someone being fully themselves, with their own individual style and character, whatever that is."
5
Pay attention to how people wear things. Ever seen those “who wore it better” photos? People rarely wear the same clothes in the same way. In addition, they’ll often pair their clothes with different hairstyles and accessories. For example: ^{[4]
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- One person might wear a loose-fitting blouse untucked over skinny jeans with a pair of thigh-high boots.
- Another person might wear the same blouse tucked into the same skinny jeans, but with the sleeves rolled up and a pair of chunky ankle boots.
6
Don’t be a snob. Stylish people can put together great outfits no matter what store they’re in. Don’t limit yourself to the big brand stores. Check out thrift, vintage, and discount shops to see if you can find any treasures. ^{[5]
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- Consider the corporate ethics of the stores that you shop in, especially if you're trying to be politically and environmentally conscious.
- For example you could shop exclusively at stores that use naturally-sourced materials and donate their proceeds to different organizations.
7
Stay true to yourself. It’s important to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things, but don’t do so at the expense of your self-confidence. Only wear what makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
- Pick clothes that fit your lifestyle. ^{[6]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Nejla Renee
  Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant
  
  Expert Interview. 7 August 2020.} For instance, if you're really active and have to run a lot of errands, you might want to go for fashionable sneakers rather than super high heels.
- For example, if you don't feel comfortable dressing "sexy" in tight jeans and low-cut tops, then you don't have to.
- Set a style for yourself. If you like vintage-inspired clothing, then go for it! Part of being stylish is being unique!
8
Be confident . Confidence is as important to style as what you’re wearing. ^{[7]
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Research source} Ever heard the saying “don’t let the clothes wear you”? If you lack confidence, you might not be able to pull off the stylish clothes that you love.
- Work on feeling good about yourself no matter how you look, and no matter what hangups you may have about your body.

Part 2

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Building a Stylish Wardrobe

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1
Choose a few classic staples to build your wardrobe around. Style experts build their closets around a few key pieces—all in neutral colors—that can be combined to make the majority of their outfits. ^{[8]
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Research source} Nearly all of them list the same basic pieces: ^{[9]
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- Tops: white, long-sleeved, button-down dress shirts, neutral-colored crew-neck sweaters, and neutral-colored V-neck T-shirts.
- Bottoms: slim-legged black slacks, dark blue skinny jeans, and neutral-colored pencil skirts.
- Dresses: little black dress in whatever shape best fits your body type.
- Shoes: basic black pumps, black or brown ankle boots, and nude or black ballet flats.
- Outerwear: black blazers, beige or black trench coats, and black or neutral-colored motorcycle jackets.
EXPERT TIP

Alena Le Blanc
Personal Stylist
Alena Le Blanc is the Personal Stylist and the Founder of Le Blanc Label. Based in San Francisco, California, Le Blanc Label is the leading personal stylist brand for sustainable style transformations. Alena and her team specialize in seasonal wardrobe refreshes, closet edits, styling for special events, travel, photoshoots, and general personal needs. Alena has been featured in podcasts including EMPOWERED BY WMN, I Am Fearless, and Mind Power Meets Mystic. Alena received her BFA in Fashion and Apparel Design from the Academy of Art University.

Alena Le Blanc
Personal Stylist

Invest in high-quality garments. Instead of a pile of trendy fashion, choose a few well-crafted, timeless pieces you can wear in many ways and never go out of style. Doing so will ensure you look your best, promote sustainable choices, and build a sophisticated and enduring style.
2
Have a signature silhouette. Narrow your style down to a set of silhouettes that suit your body. This will help focus your choices and make it easier to buy new clothes and put together outfits.
- Once you know what you look best in, stick to that silhouette and buy variations on it.
- Your silhouette might be tight pants with chunky boots and loose-fitting tops, or high-waisted skirts and dainty heels.
3
Consider your daily routine. When buying clothes, shoes, and accessories keep in mind how you spend your days. This will ensure that you actually wear what you buy. ^{[10]
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Expert Source

Nejla Renee
Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant

Expert Interview. 7 August 2020.} ^{[11]
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Research source}
- For example, teacher will need a completely different wardrobe (e.g., slacks, pencil skirts, sweaters and flats) than a waitress at a fancy restaurant (e.g., cocktail dresses and heels).
4
Clean out your wardrobe. Remove everything that doesn’t match your current style tastes. If something doesn’t fit you properly, donate it or have it tailored. ^{[12]
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Research source} Make sure that you feel great in everything that’s in your closet.
- Be picky. Get rid of anything that you don’t feel good in. It's just taking up space and making it more difficult to compose stylish outfits.
5
Spice up your outfits with accessories. Belts, handbags, and statement necklaces are a great way to spice up your classic clothing pieces. ^{[13]
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- Take a little black dress from day to night by switching your flats for heels, and adding a big statement necklace.
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Don’t forget about hats, belts, and bags. Earrings and necklaces aren’t the only things you can use to boost your style.
- Cinch in your waist and add a retro look to a plain little black dress by combining it with a vintage brown belt and handbag.
- Wide-brimmed hats have enjoyed popularity for a while now. They’re a great way to dress up most outfits, and are often seen paired with maxi dresses or skinny jeans and blazers.
7
Invest in a pair of sunglasses. Another must-have accessory for the stylishly minded is sunglasses. Generally big aviators and cat’s eye sunglasses have been popular over the past few years, but you need to choose what looks best on your face. ^{[14]
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- Stand at a sunglasses rack and try on all the different styles. Who knows? Maybe you look best in a pair of small circular sunnies like John Lennon wore.

Part 3

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Trying Specific Tricks

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1
Keep it neutral. If you’re worried about what colors to go with, start with a neutral palette like black, grey, beige, and white, and then incorporate a few punchy items as you go.
- For example, pair a vibrant green blouse with a black pencil skirt and black blazer.
- Alternatively, complement a little black dress with a chunky, colorful statement necklace.
2
Experiment with monochromatic outfits. Monochromatic outfits, or outfits all in one color, can be really eye-catching. Try putting together an outfit in all one color—popular choices are red or white, but really it depends on what looks best with your skin and hair. ^{[15]
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- All black is a safe bet (although maybe a bit too safe!) and can go easily from casual to chic. ^{[16]
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3
Always wear accessories. Classic fashion advice is to go minimalistic on the clothing and silhouettes and then amp them up with accessories like a scarf or belt. ^{[17]
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Expert Source

Nejla Renee
Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant

Expert Interview. 7 August 2020.} ^{[18]
X
Research source} Adding an unexpected accessory that doesn’t obviously go with your outfit can give it an extra punch. For example:
- Pair a feminine cardigan and fitted pencil skirt with a chunky watch and spiky ear studs.
- Spice up a plain, loose-fitting black shirt, black skinny jeans and black chunky ankle boots with a chunky gold chain necklace and diamond (or diamond-like) ear studs.
- Add a pop of color to an all-white ensemble with a colorful silk scarf a pair of silver hoops. ^{[19]
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4
Play up your favorite attributes. Show off those long legs, accentuate that small waist or full bust, or choose a color that makes your eyes pop (or do all three!). Whatever you like best about your body, choose things that show that off.
- For example, make your legs look longer with a miniskirt or skinny jeans and heels in the same color.
- Alternatively, if you want to bring out your blue-grey eyes, add a blue-grey scarf to your outfit.
Leave that shirt partly untucked, or wear a pair of casual shoes with dressy slacks and a blazer. Looking too put together might make you look like you’re trying too hard, which can make you look less stylish.
6
Be stylish no matter what you’re doing. Stylish people always look stylish, whether they’re in their pyjamas, having low-key hangouts with friends, or out for a night on the town. With the right styling, you can look stylish even in skinny jeans and a T-shirt.
- For example, pair black skinny jeans and a white V-neck T-shirt with a grey scarf, charcoal ankle boots, a black blazer, and silver hoop earrings.
Having great-looking hair, eyebrows, skin, and nails will immediately boost your stylishness by making you look more put together. ^{[20]
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Research source}
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Ensure that you’re comfortable. No matter what you wear, make sure you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing. This will immediately boost your stylishness by making you look at ease in what you’re wearing.
- Heels won’t accentuate an outfit if you look like you’re drunk or injured while you try to walk in them. ^{[21]
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  Research source}

How Can You Be Stylish On a Budget?

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How can I attract boys with my fashion?

Stephanie Alexandris, MA
Master's Degree, Fashion Business, ESMOD Paris
Stephanie Alexandris is a Fashion Stylist in New York City. She has worked with an extensive range of brands, including Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Maison Margiela and Rick Owens while she was living in Paris, and Harper's Bazaar, J.McLaughlin, and Express during her tenure in New York City. She holds a Master's degree in Fashion Business from ESMOD France and an undergraduate degree from New York University.

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Expert Answer

Confidence is the best way to look attractive - if you feel good you will look good to you and others! The best way to do this is find clothes you feel great in. Make sure you take care of them and yourself - hygiene is just as important as the clothes you wear.

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What if you have a small budget?

Stephanie Alexandris, MA
Master's Degree, Fashion Business, ESMOD Paris
Stephanie Alexandris is a Fashion Stylist in New York City. She has worked with an extensive range of brands, including Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Maison Margiela and Rick Owens while she was living in Paris, and Harper's Bazaar, J.McLaughlin, and Express during her tenure in New York City. She holds a Master's degree in Fashion Business from ESMOD France and an undergraduate degree from New York University.

Stephanie Alexandris, MA

Master's Degree, Fashion Business, ESMOD Paris

Expert Answer

You don't need expensive things to be stylish - you need to have a good understanding of who you are and what your style wants to portray. Be consistent and true to yourself. Stay informed on fashion trends and what's new, but never be a slave to it. Remember trends are seasonal and should never be followed exactly and always.

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How many clothes do I need as a minimum? I don't have much space and really, I don't care to spend all my time choosing outfits.

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Have at least five casual outfits and three dressy outfits; along with pieces in between casual and dressy. You will also need a couple of pairs of pajamas, socks and some underwear. Things you only need one of include: A swimsuit, coat, jacket, and a nice sweater. For shoes, you only need one or two dressy pairs, and about three casual pairs, along with a pair of boots. If you're sporty, have one of each item needed, as most sportswear washes and dries quickly.

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Some experts say that limiting how often they shop actually helps them keep a trimmer and more stylish closet. One supermodel claims to only shop 4 times a year, and to only buy 2 good pieces each season. ^{[22]
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Right now (early 2016) it’s popular to wear shoes that don’t obviously complement your outfit, for example, chunky leather shoes instead of ballet flats with a pair of fitted slacks or a miniskirt. ^{[23]
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Read fashion magazines and blogs for inspiration.

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Warnings

If you go to school/still live with your parents, make sure that they are okay with the clothes and makeup that you want to wear before you buy it.

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If you love a trend but are on a budget, save money by shopping at cheaper shops like Forever21 or H&M. Trendy items aren’t meant to be worn for more than 1 or 2 seasons, so it doesn’t make sense for you to spend a lot of money on them.

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Only buy clothes and shoes that fit and feel comfortable. If you’re not comfortable in them, you won’t wear them. They’ll just add clutter to your closet and make it more difficult to put outfits together.

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Avoid impulse purchases, which will only clutter your wardrobe and take money away from your fashion budget. ^{[24]
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How to Be a Stylish Girl

Steps

Exploring Fashion

Building a Stylish Wardrobe

Trying Specific Tricks

How Can You Be Stylish On a Budget?

Quiz Pack: We’ve handpicked these quizzes just for you.

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