FASHION GUIDE

By Ashley Nielsen

7 Ways to Stay Stylish Year Round

Photos: Canva

One of the key secrets to always looking good is dressing appropriately for the weather.

Taking your wardrobe from summer to winter is usually more difficult than it sounds. However, after investing in some pieces in your closet, you might find it sad to store your winter clothes until the next season. However, there are steps and measures you can take to look amazing all year long without having to overhaul your closet.

If you’re looking for tips on how to stay stylish all year round, you’ve come to the right place.

Buy items for every occasion

When shopping at a clothing store, it can be easy to get distracted by pieces of clothing you think would be perfect for a specific occasion you have in mind. With this mindset, you may find yourself with a closet full of clothes with the tag still attached and less money in your bank account. Buying clothes for one occasion means that occasion may never come and you just wasted money on something you’ll never wear.

Instead, when shopping for clothes, think about what you’d pair the item with and whether that item can be dressed up, as well as dressed down. Don’t buy your clothes with one occasion in mind. By purchasing pieces that can work for various occasions and styles, you leave yourself with many options when crafting your outfit at any time of the year.

Every season usually calls for a sale following its end, so check out holiday gift guides from your favorite clothing stores to see what sales are going on and get a great deal on something you could implement into your wardrobe year-round.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Nielsen (Click to enlarge)

Layer it up

While you may not be layering it up in the summertime, the Winter is the perfect time of year to pile on layers of clothing. To successfully layer your outfits, combine different patterns and colors and connect them with a single element to make your outfit cohesive between all of the different pieces.

Even though the summertime is warmer, you can still strategically layer clothes for a unique look. In the summer, opt for lightweight fabrics such as cotton and linen that help keep your skin protected from the sun while also looking stylish.

Find your favorite basics

Basics are an essential part of any wardrobe. A well-tailored basic has the power to look simple and elegant at the same time. A quality well-fitting basic also allows you room for simplicity on the days you can’t be bothered to think of an outfit to wear.

Some go-to's you should have in your closet are tank tops, a great pair of jeans, some black slacks, a quality white tee, a nice sweater, and a button-up. All of these basics are great to have in your closet because they provide you with structure and a baseline for looking stylish any time of the year.

Photo: Unsplash

Don’t forget to accessorize

Accessories can completely transform almost any outfit. Accessories can help you dress up for an evening out or dress down for a stylish, but work-appropriate outfit. Find your favorite style of jewelry and build your collection. Whether you like minimalist jewelry, dainty pieces, or statement pieces like costume jewelry, your accessories can help you feel confident in your outfit.

And you don’t have to stick to jewelry for accessories. You can collect various bags and purses, hats, socks, and belts to help you bring a personal touch to your outfit. Whether you like to keep it simple or pile on layered necklaces and rings, accessories are your final front to a perfect and complete outfit any time of the year.

Photo: Unsplash

Footwear variety

Our philosophy is you can never have too many shoes. From high-heels to boots, flats, platforms, and more, there are lots of options to choose from when it comes to footwear. Whether you like to keep things comfy by rocking your favorite sneakers or strut down the street in your favorite pumps, shoes can help make your outfits pop.

Invest in high-quality footwear that lasts and keeps you comfortable while wearing them. You can play around with color or you can opt for shoes in neutral colors to pair with almost anything. No matter the time of year, shoes are a necessary part of your style, so don’t be afraid to switch your shoe game up throughout the year.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Nielsen

Find pieces that speak to you

If your goal is to look stylish through Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall, you need to invest in pieces you love. Let go of the mindset of buying items for one season of the year and instead find ways to rock your favorite pieces all year long. With a layering strategy, you can take your summer clothes and rock them during Winter. If it's an article of clothing that you love, you’ll find a way to wear it all year long.

Buying pieces of clothing that speak to you and express your individuality can help you curate a closet of clothing that you love and can’t wait to wear.

Photo: Unsplash

Incorporate color theory

Color theory isn’t just for making beautiful art, it can also help you develop stellar outfits. If you’re wondering how to incorporate color theory into your everyday wardrobe, consider some basic principles. Color theory helps distinguish complementary colors and when you implement those colors into an outfit, you may find that colors that don’t “match”, actually look pretty great together. If complimentary colors scare you, try beginning with analogous colors, colors next to each other on the color wheel. You can also opt for a monochromatic look that incorporates a pop of color through your shoes or by layering accessories.

Staying stylish any time of the year

If you’re a fashionista at heart, you take pride in looking good all year long. With limited space and budget for curating a wardrobe you love, it's essential to invest in pieces you love and find ways to wear them all year long. With some of these tips in mind, you’re one step closer to looking and feeling like the confident stylish human that you are.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ashley Nielsen earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration Marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University.

She is a freelance writer who loves to share knowledge about general business, marketing, lifestyle, wellness, and financial tips. During her free time, she enjoys being outside, staying active, reading a book, or diving deep into her favorite music.

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