fashion

We asked a stylist the easy tweaks you can make to update your outfits. Here's what she told us.

Imagine this: you're standing in front of your wardrobe, staring at a sea of clothes, yet somehow, you still feel like you have nothing to wear. Sound familiar? 

As a professional personal stylist, I hear this all the time from women. 

Let's cut through the noise and get real — style doesn’t have to be complicated.

Watch: Inside my wardrobe. Post continues below.

In fact, it can be incredibly simple with this mantry I live by: "It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it". 

Your wardrobe is brimming with potential. Sometimes, a few clever tweaks or adding one standout piece can transform your look. Believe me, the power of style is real.

The key is to start rebuilding those style muscles without feeling the need to revamp everything you own. Sure, some pieces might need to go, but before you make any drastic changes, take a good look at what you already have. 

Those hidden gems are just waiting to be rediscovered and paired in new, exciting ways.

I know what you’re thinking, "Okay Emelia, but how do I actually do that?" Don’t worry I’ve got you covered. 

Here are some easy styling tweaks to elevate your outfits. 

The power of styling with layering.

Image: Supplied.

Adding more elements to your outfit can truly elevate your look. 

Take this example: I'm wearing a striped top with indigo blue jeans, but it feels like it's missing something. To enhance the outfit, consider incorporating additional pieces to add interest. 

For instance, try tucking in your top — an easy styling trick that can work wonders in balancing your proportions. The tuck doesn't have to be super fitted and tight; a loose tuck can achieve a relaxed yet polished look.

Another option is to layer with outerwear, such as a trench coat. Adding a lightweight trench not only provides structure but also adds a stylish layer that complements your look. 

In colder months, adding a contrasting knit draped over your shoulders can introduce another dimension to your outfit. For example, I've opted for a grey knit, which contrasts nicely with the stripes and denim.

These subtle additions can transform your outfit.

Tweaking your sleeves.

Image: Supplied.

Never underestimate the power of a little cuffing, folding, or gathering of your sleeves. Trust me when I say that a simple zhoosh to your sleeves can work wonders. 

Imagine this: You’re rocking a blazer, trench coat, or even a shirt, and just taking an extra five seconds to gather or roll up the sleeves to your waist, your outfit instantly elevates. 

And if you find yourself grappling with sleeves that won’t stay put, consider using sleeve garters, also known as sleeve holders, tucked under the gathered fabric. These handy accessories keep your sleeves neatly in place throughout the day. You can easily find affordable options for these on Amazon.

For example, take a look at this picture: when I wear my oversized blazer with the sleeves hanging loose, it completely overtakes my frame. But when I gather the sleeves at the waist, I instantly create a waistline and a shapelier silhouette. It’s an absolute game-changer!

Mastering the art of wearing oversized.

Image: Supplied.

One thing I see as a stylist, time and time again, is that many women reach for ultra-baggy clothes or wear clothing that's too big for them to hide their bodies. 

I get it — we've been fed a narrative for years to dress a certain way and hide if we're a certain size and shape, but it's simply not true.

Rocking oversized clothing can feel like a cosy embrace, and many of us love the relaxed vibe it brings. But here’s the trick to making it work: balance. 

Oversized pieces offer comfort and a laid-back style, but pairing them with something fitted keeps your look balanced and put-together. Instead of going all-in with oversized everything, try this: 

Pair oversized pants with a more fitted top, or vice versa.

This combination adds variety and ensures your outfit maintains a flattering silhouette.

For example, on the left, I'm wearing an oversized bomber and wide-leg jeans with quite a lot of fabric, and instantly, I have no shape at all. 

But on the right, I’ve kept the jeans and wore a more fitted grey knit (it doesn’t have to be super fitted) instead of the bomber, and it looks instantly better. 

If you prefer to wear your tops out, that is fine too; you would opt for more of a slimmer style pants.

Balancing your proportions is the key.

Let the oversized piece be the star while the fitted item provides structure. 

By mixing oversized and fitted pieces, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the comfort of loose, flowing garments and the polished look of a well-balanced outfit.

Maximise your skivvy.

Image: Supplied.

You might think skivvies are just for pairing with pants or skirts, but they can be so much more versatile. 

Layering is key, and skivvies are perfect for creating chic, multi-dimensional outfits — even layering under a dress or vest is very chic. 

I especially love layering skivvies under button-down shirts during winter. This way, I’m using my button-down shirts all year round — I love making my wardrobe work hard for me. 

I've layered my skivvy under my button-down shirt and also under a red cardigan. This not only adds warmth but also creates visual interest and style. The contrasting layers add dimension to your outfit, making it look more thought-out and intentional.

This layering technique not only enhances your look but also allows you to mix and match pieces in your wardrobe, getting more wear out of each item. 

Accessorising with impact.

Image: Supplied.

Accessories are often overlooked, but they hold the power to elevate your outfit. Trust me, a few carefully chosen pieces can work wonders. 

If you're just starting to explore accessorising, it's best to begin with small, easy steps. For example, layering a delicate pendant over a simple white tee adds a touch of sophistication and transforms your look. 

Here’s a stylist's tip: when you're new to accessorising, opt for subtle pieces over statement, unless of course, you want to go all out. 

I find going for something simple over extra, like wearing a simple stud earring, a pendant necklace and perhaps a thin neutral belt, can take your outfit to new heights. 

Happy styling, people! 

Feature Image: Supplied.

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