Find your own sense of style

ne of the quotes that defined style the best for me was this one from Gore Vidal: “Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.”

Style is personal. There is no herd to follow. There are no rules. There are no seasons.

 Your wardrobe should contain only amazing choices – it is much easier to be inspired when you see five remarkable pieces than when you see 25 pieces and 20 of those are unremarkable. Pick key items and get rid of the rest, even if it is the “must-have” item of the season, or you spent a week’s salary on it in 1999, or you wore it every day of your teenage years and “can’t bear to part with it”. If it doesn’t look good on you now, it shouldn’t be there. Start by throwing out anything you no longer wear or that doesn’t look good on you. Be ruthless. It’s easier said than done, so make yourself a deal: for every 20 items you chuck, you can buy one killer piece.


1. Understand your body
Knowledge is power. So the first thing you need to understand is what kind of body you have and what works for you. If you have a good understanding of your body shape and your strengths and weaknesses, you can buy the right clothes to either accentuate or camouflage them.

2. Keep a note book or diary or take pictures

If you felt great on any particular day wearing a certain outfit, write it down. Or better even, take a picture. I have found that taking pictures of myself is a great help in recognizing which outfits worked and looked good and which ones didn’t.

3. Understand your personality and colours

Colours can also have a huge effect on your style and how you feel. Understand how certain colours make you feel. You can consider doing a color analysis with an image consultant or you can do a style course. You can also do exercises like the style statement to understand your style personality.

4. Keep a scrapbook or pin the styles that inspire you

Whenever you see others wearing clothes you admire or like, try to get a picture and paste it in a note or scrapbook or pin it on Pinterest. After a while, you will see a pattern developing of the kind of styles that you like. Take note of that and remind yourself about this style before going for the latest fashionable trend.

5. Be critical of your current wardrobe

Be honest. Which garments in your closet do you REALLY like. How many of the garments have you not worn for a long time. How many were ‘mistakes’. Again, write down what didn’t work. Which clothes make you HAPPY? Then throw away or swap any items that you know don’t really look good on you. They may be great pieces, but if they don’t suit YOU or your body type, you will not look stylish in them.  Have a look at my wardrobe editing series and create a wardrobe that you love!

6. Make sure that every item you buy FITS you

I’m sure this happened to you. You see an absolutely wonderful piece of clothing at a rock bottom price. You try it on, but it’s just a little bit too short or too tight. You buy it anyway because the piece is so lovely and it’s cheap. This is a big mistake. Any clothing that does not fit you properly will never look good on you. So please beware of sales and only buy new clothes when you really adore them and they fit you properly (or that you can easily alter to fit you).

7. Only follow the latest trends when they fit your style or your body type

True style defies fashion trends. Although it is nice to add some trendy pieces each season, you should only go for the trends that suit you. Try to wait for a trend that suits you and then buy several pieces.

8. Make sure your wardrobe contains all the necessary basics for your style

If through all of the above you got a clearer sense of what you like and what suits you, you need to determine if you have the basic essentials necessary for your particular style.

9. Add your own special statement pieces

Once you have covered the basics of your style, look for some wonderful statement pieces that are truly unique for you. Try to be creative and mix both high and low end brands together. Create something unique!

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Angelika
(Credit: Mag)

How to Rock Work-Appropriate Summer Outfits

It’s getting hot out there, but you already know this. At this point in the summer, the last thing you want to do is get dressed up every day for work, and you’d love nothing more than to throw on some flip-flops and shorts. Yeah, that’s probably not going to fly. Luckily, there are definitely ways to keep cool and office-appropriate in sweltering temperatures. Keep reading to see how you can make a stylish statement without sweating up a storm. Here are some tried and true tips on how to stay cool in work-appropriate summer outfits.

If You’re Headed to an Interview

 

See your trusty black pantsuit? In this heat, skip right over that baby. Instead, you’ll want to layer like a pro. Start with a sleek pencil skirt, then add a sophisticated top: short sleeved, sleeveless, 3/4 sleeved, or even a tank if it’s appropriate for your office. Then, right before you head out the door, simply throw on a blazer to look interview-ready. My favorite look always includes a patterned top! Unless you’re interviewing in an extremely conservative environment, patterns are perfectly appropriate and will inject personality into a potentially blah ensemble.

 

If You’re Headed to Happy Hour After Work

 

While a night out after work might inspire you to pull out something fun and fitted, loose-fitting garb is the only way to go. Remember, you want your sweat to evaporate, and tight clothing will only retain moisture.
Look for tunics and shift dresses, which go effortlessly from day to night. You can also keep a cute clutch and pair of heels in your car or bottom desk drawer and trade them in quickly for a more fun look. And if humidity has taken a toll on your hair over the course of the day, add a quick topknot to complete your transformation.

If Your Office Has Casual Friday

 

 

In the cooler months, casual Friday is so easy—throw on your favorite dark jeans with a great top, and you’re good to go! But the summer is a bit tougher: It’s too hot to wear jeans, but shorts and sundresses aren’t HR-approved at most offices.
My summertime go-to is casual-yet-covered dresses in cotton, rayon, and silk-linen blends, which will stay wrinkle free and “breathe” efficiently. (Synthetic materials, like polyester, actually retain both moisture and heat.) I picked this dress because it’s a more fun look than I’d wear Monday to Thursday, but it’s still perfectly professional if I get pulled into a meeting.

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Angelika
(credit: L.R.)

Get the Kendall Jenner Look at Coachella

In need of another music festival-ready outfit? I’ve got you covered with a look inspired by Kendall Jenner’s own Coachella look. The reality star and model rocked a crocheted dress with some Minnie Mouse buns, silver jewelry, and leather sandals. It’s a simple Coachella look but one that warrants some recognition. Don’t you just love this outfit? Find out how to rock this look for yourself! I’ve got some great pieces below at different price points to fit your budget. Check them out and be sure to let me know what you think in the comments section. What will you be rocking this festival season? 

Dress from Madewell at $168.00- Layer up with this adorable maxi dress from Madewell. It’s definitely got that Kendall edge. What do you think of this dress? 

River Island Chunky Statement Choker Necklace at $56.61– If you’re looking to emulate Kendall’s outfit, check out this chunky necklace from Asos. It totally matches the style of her necklace plus it’s definitely on-trend. Would you rock this necklace? 

Vintage Round Sunglasses from ChicNova at $18.00- Add some vintage round sunglasses to your look for that Kendall-approved style. Love this pair from ChicNova. Perfect for the summer! 

 

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Angelika

(credit: L.R.)

Flared Jeans

Bell-bottoms are back, ladies! Yup, 70s style is in full swing this fall, which means it’s time to put away those skinny jeans, at least for a little while, and invest in some figure hugging, leg lengthening denim. Unsure on how to rock this trend? Check out some of my style tips below to keep you looking chic in your newest favorite denim trend.

With Outerwear- Wear your flared jeans with your favorite jacket or coat. Add some boots and your ready to take on the cooler temperatures.

With An Off-The-Shoulder Top- If you’re still experiencing that summertime heat, try your favorite denim look with an off-the-shoulder top. It’s very bohemian yet totally on trend.

With A Loose Button Down- Go for a classic look by pairing your bell-bottoms with a loose button down. Tuck it in or out, or try styling technique similar to the blogger below.

With Your Most 70s Inspired Look- Go all out with your biggest sunglasses and signature paisley shirt. Add a floppy hat in order to look super 70s chic.

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Angelika

www.styleupbyangel.com

( credit: L.R.)