7 Basic Style Tips You Need to Know

As normal everyday people, personal style can get put on the backburner. While fashion and style is a huge part of my life, I also have had moments when style just seemed trivial in comparison to something else going on in my life. But, the thing about style is that for many of us it’s an important aspect of self expression. Getting up in the morning to pick out a few items that are truly us helps build a look that makes us appear as well as feel more confident throughout the day. Confidence is important, so when you’re ready to come back up for air from your busy life, be sure to re-prioritize yourself and your style.

After being sick for the last few weeks, my style suffered. I pretty much lived in my sweatpants, and my hair was getting way too used to living up in a bun. Fashion is great, but being fashionably sick? I don’t think so! Now that I am on the mend, I am getting back to basics with my style and am re-building my style basics. The thing about mastering the basics is that regardless of whether you’re a fashion maven looking to master your personal style, or are just tiptoeing into discovering your ideal look, the basics will always prove to create stylish ensembles. So here are my 7 style tips to improve your own basic style.

One concern that many women face when it comes to their wardrobe is having a wardrobe that consists of minimal colour. Colour is great, and it definitely will make your look stand out – but an monochromatic outfit can be incredibly chic, too. The thing to remember when layering up your outfit is to prioritize texture. Mixing textures creates more visual interest and it appears much more sophisticated and thought-out than it actually is. For example, a black leather jacket layered over a silk blouse paired with black jeans and a suede black heel ensemble may lack colour, but what it lacks in colour it makes up for in texture.

To instantly elevate a look, you’ll want to layer your outfit with a leather jacket. A chic [faux] leather jacket pulls together an outfit, which is why I like to call them “completer pieces”. A simple t-shirt and jeans outfit will go from looking basic to chic when layered with a leather jacket because you’re adding a texture into the mix. Plus, leather jackets always have a badass vibe to them and will toughen up even the softest of looks.

I’m not a big heels girl. I love how they look, but I hate how they feel. But, regardless of my personal battle with high heels, there’s no denying that a good heel instantaneously elevates an outfit. For that reason, whenever I am in doubt of which shoe works with my outfit, I always turn to a basic pair of heels to finish off the outfit.

If you tend to shy away from bold statement pieces than this is the trick for you. The thing that turns a basic outfit into something wow-worthy is adding on something that truly represents you. The easiest way to add in that “you” colour or print is with your shoes. Rather than fussing over pairing and matching, try adding on a fun pair of statement shoes to a basic outfit. For example, a playful pair of metallic flats will add a fun element to your outfit without being overly bold.

 If you haven’t discovered the important of a good pair of sunglasses yet than now is the time. Sunglasses are your saving grace to achieving a chic look every single day – come sleepless nights, or makeup-less Mondays. When you see me wearing sunglasses here on the UU, you can pretty much assume that I either didn’t get enough sleep or that I decided to forgo makeup. Or, that it’s too bright out. In summary, go out and get yourself a few pairs of sunglasses now.

 One of the most basic style tips I could share with you all is to invest in a red lipstick, but as basic as it may be – it’s still a total essential.  A great red lip is a classic which is why it works with every outfit – just think of all the great beauties, chances are you’ll envision them all with a bold red lip.

 One item I really underestimated was the power of a good striped t-shirt. For years (yeah, years.) I thought that striped t-shirts looked great, but they just weren’t the style essential they had been made out to be. Well, I was wrong. Striped shirts are an essential. The next time you decide to wear a simple t-shirt and jeans look, swamp out your basic tee for a striped shirt. You’ll immediately find that your outfit appears more visually interesting.