How to Style the Perfect Outfit
It’s easy to put together an outfit that makes you look and feel great — all you need is a little creativity and planning. Read on for tips on choosing tops, bottoms, dresses, and other apparel pieces and using them to find the perfect outfit.
Consider the Occasion
When choosing and styling your outfits, the first thing you’ll want to think about is the occasion. The outfit you might choose for a day at the apple orchard probably isn’t the same one you’d wear to a five-star restaurant for date night. Here are some examples:
For a laid-back lunch date: Toe the line between casual and dressy with a mid length skirt and knit top with an eye-catching neckline — think V-neck, boatneck, or keyhole styles. Finish the look with a pair of ballet flats or Mary Janes for a look that’s polished but not too dressy.
For a crisp fall day: Leggings and tunic tops are the ideal uniform for fall. This outfit is comfortable and lets you move freely, plus it provides plenty of warmth. Layer a tunic sweater over a lightweight tee or tank top for even more versatility and add calf-high boots for an on-trend touch.
For a business-casual meeting: Slip into a fit-and-flare dress in a form-flattering jersey knit. It’s a great look that can take you from day to night. In fall and winter, you can wear a cotton cardigan over your dress for modesty or warmth or go luxe with a cashmere sweater.
For a night on the town: Create a trendy look with black jeggings and a tunic in a vibrant color, such as cherry red. Or pair a flowy skirt with a fitted top for a look that’s easily dressed up or down.
For a relaxing day at home: Stay comfortable in women’s loungewear, such as sweatpants with a great fit and a coordinating sweatshirt. You can also go for women’s yoga pants and a fitted tank for a streamlined look that’s great for working out or kicking back.
Check the Weather Forecast
One of the first things you’ll want to do when putting an outfit together is to consider the weather. If it’s going to be a warm day, layer a lightweight top under a sweater to cover all the bases. Women’s capri pants work well for warm fall days, especially when you pair them with a roomy sweater with a tank underneath.
For those cool fall days, you’ll want an outfit that provides plenty of warmth. Leggings with a chenille tunic is one possibility, especially if you’re headed out for a casual event. When it comes to footwear, ankle boots or calf-high boots are great for fall. For winter, you’ll want an insulated boot that keeps warmth in and moisture out.
If there’s a possibility of rain, carry a packable rain jacket with you. Packable jackets fold easily into a square to fit in most tote bags. You might also want to wear a pair of duck boots to protect your feet against puddles. These classic boots are durable and waterproof, and they have a preppy look that pairs with everything from jeggings to women’s jeans.
The coldest days of fall and winter call for a down-filled or down-alternative insulated coat. There are packable down coats that travel easily, along with traditional wool coats for wearing to work or for a formal occasion.
Choose Your Fashion Color Palette
All of these outfit ideas come in all kinds of colors. You might want to select a color scheme for your outfit; for example, you could go for a black-and-white look or one featuring earthy fall tones. If you like a monochromatic look that’s not too matchy, wear bottoms and a top in the same color family but in different shades. For example, you could pair eggplant slacks with a lilac top or a navy skirt with a sky-blue blouse.
If you’ve chosen mostly neutral tones for your outfit, keep things well-matched with a pair of nude-colored shoes in a flat or heeled style. Another option is to add a vibrant touch with shoes that contrast. Bold pink or red shoes paired with black, white, and/or beige apparel is one example of this outfit style. There aren’t any fashion rules to follow when choosing apparel colors, so go with the hues and shades that you like best.
Add Accessories for a Polished Look
No matter what kind of outfit you’re wearing, there’s always room for accessories. Top your loungewear outfit or athletic apparel with a cotton-canvas cap or add a cloche hat to skinny jeans and a sweater for an elegant look. Accessories like hoop earrings or a statement necklace in gold or silver can go with virtually anything.
Finding the perfect outfit is attainable. It's the one that makes you feel confident and is comfortable to wear. Experiment with different apparel styles to find the outfits that work best for you.