I’m a Veteran Fashion Editor and These Are the Best Styling Tips I’ve Learned On the Job
Let me let you in on something: I don’t always know how to put together an outfit. Even someone who has been a fashion journalist for more than a decade may find themselves frustrated, confused and overwhelmed by what seems to be a simple task. On these days, I use every tip, trick and advice that’s in the book. While some TikTok hacks may be utter garbage, other are genius. Since I have worked in the fashion industry for over 15 years, i’ve seen and done it all. Now I want to share all my tricks with you.
These styling tips have helped me look good even when I’m not feeling it. These little tips help me build and maintain an outfit that I love, no matter what my day holds. They’re easy to do, and don’t require any special items or skills. Here are 15 fashion tips you should try ASAP.
1. Sandwich DressingSandwich Dressing is probably my favorite style hack that I have learned in the last few years. It is incredibly simple to learn , and also has a great name. A true win-win. You can break down your outfit by determining which two items make up the sandwich bread, and which item makes up the sandwich filling. The breads can be similar in one way or another – they could be both red, both voluminous, both dainty – and the filling can be a contrast. This is a simple and effective way to create balance in an outfit. It also makes me smile each time I think about it.
2. Monochrome outfits can be made more interesting by adding texture
I love to look effortlessly put together by wearing a single color from head-to-toe. When it comes to darker shades, I can sometimes turn into a blob of blue. To pull off monochrome outfits in any color, choose pieces that have a variety of textures and finishes. The look of a black cotton tee worn with black denim looks very monochrome, but a soft knit over a silk slip-skirt adds interest and depth without the need to add other colors. Mix and match shiny silk with washed-out denim, matte-leather, textured linen, chunky knits, and matte leather.
3. The Magical Third Piece
Do you know women who seem to have a preternaturally chic style? Who is it that can create a chic outfit seemingly out of thin air. They almost always follow the Third Piece Rule. This simple style hack was taught to me by Wellness Director Sarah Stiefvater years ago. It suggests that each outfit should have a third component. Add a blazer or a belt with contrasting color to your favorite T-shirt and denim look. Add a crossbody to your denim jacket and midi dress. Any third item would do.
4. The 33/66 Ratio
Stephanie Maida, Senior Commerce Editor at the New York Times, is a wealth of advice for petite women. Angela Foster is a petite stylist and personal shopper who told her that “[this trick] works brilliantly on petites.” The pieces beneath [should] give the impression that 33 percent our height comes from the top our head to our waist and the remainder 66 percent from our waist down to the ground.
5. Do not hang your sweaters (and other clothing care no-nos)
Knowing how to store and care for your clothes is one of the secrets to always looking fabulous. Avoid the dryer, do not overdo the detergent, wash leather properly, and don’t forget to take care of your clothes.
6. The Denim Rule
The 3 Percent Denim Rule is a fashion hack I’ve been looking for to make my wardrobe staples last longer. This rule states that denim should not contain more than 3 percent elastane or spandex, or any other stretchy fibers. It will ensure that the jeans fit better and last longer. less bagging, sagging or stretching out. Before I add the trendy barrel-leg denim to my shopping basket, I double check the fabrication to see how the fibers are broken down.
7. Please Thank Your Items Before You Throw Them Away
I’m notoriously bad about letting things go, especially clothes. I feel guilty getting rid of things I’ve never worn, gifts that aren’t my style but are still beautiful or a sweater that is past its prime and I love. Marie Kondo gave me this advice: Show gratitude to the items you own. When I come across an item that I find difficult to part with, I acknowledge the reasons why. I recognize that instead of feeling sad or stressed, I can be grateful for the lessons I learned from an item I didn’t use or thankful to people who care enough about me to give me lovely gifts. What about those items that are no longer useful? Clothing is designed to be worn until it’s practically threadbare. Wear your jeans, T-shirts and sweaters until they are almost threadbare. Cynthia Erivo said, “Hold space for these items and then be grateful to have some extra breathing room in the closet.”
8. The Perfect Pair: Monochrome Fits in Petite Frames
A monochrome fit is another editor-tested tip for petite style I learned from Maida. Unsure how to make wide leg pants flatter your figure? What’s the best way for you to wear a turtleneck on your frame? You don’t want an oversize jacket to overwhelm you? Choose a single color, and wear it from head-to-toe! Maida says, “It’s chic, yes, but I like to keep my outfits in one color because it makes my body look longer. The less you break your short frame up, the more you appear taller.”
9. Mix and Match Weekend Wear with Workwear A Pro Katie Holmes
Slowly but surely, the idea of separate wardrobes for work, weekends, and date nights has been fading away. While I don’t suggest wearing denim cutoffs to work or a cutout tank to the office, there are ways you can style your workwear to wear off-duty. If you are going to spend money on wide-leg pants, then you want to make the most of it. Katie Holmes is the best inspiration for mixing work and pleasure.
10. Metallics Are Perfect for the Day
As mentioned above, you don’t have to save your gold, silver, and bronze pieces just for special occasions. Pair your shiny wardrobe staples with basic pieces like a white tee or a blue-washed jeans.
11. Try the Three Color Rule
Doesn’t three seem to be a magic number in fashion? The Three-Color Rule is another great tip to show the power of threes. It was given to me by stylist Ellie Richards who specializes fashion psychology and whose TikTok posts expertly break down all you need to understand. When building an outfit, it’s best to stick with three colors. Choose one dominant color for the look as a whole, then choose a second color that complements the primary, and finally, add a third accent color for contrast and visual “pop”.
12. Some Things You Can’t Just Fake
Social media is full of style and fashion hacks. They claim that you can turn your favorite bikini bottoms into a crop top or hem pants with a hair tie. While some of these hacks are clever and creative, they don’t work for most people. Sometimes, the best way to find a bra that will go with a dress without a back is to simply invest in a backless bra.
13. Remember the 2:1 Waist/Neck rule
Secondhand shopping can reveal some incredible and unique pieces that you can add to your wardrobe. Indeed, shopping secondhand is often more difficult than buying the latest arrivals in your favorite department stores. This is why I was blown away when Assistant Editor Delia curtis showed me how to buy pants without having to try them. The trick is that the circumference doubled of your neck will be your waist circumference. The rule is that if the waist of a pants are held up against your neck, and the edges meet with little or no space between them, then the pants will fit.
14. It’s 95 percent likely that you need a new bra
You should replace your bra before it starts stabbing at you. Our expert resources suggest replacing your everyday bras at least every six to eight weeks, which is more than I would like. A good bra is literally the foundation of your outfits. It has a big impact on how clothing fits on your body. The right building blocks will help you to solve all the sartorial problems that come your way.
15. What Do You Do?
Fashion should be enjoyable. It should make your feel good. If something doesn’t suit you, throw it away. If these “must-have” items do not feel right for you, you shouldn’t wear them. There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to fashion. Just because Beyonce’s stylist tells you that you must own a jacket, or an experienced fashion editor tells you that petites shouldn’t wear tent dresses doesn’t mean your style is wrong. Style is not determined by tips, tricks, hacks, or even alleged rules. Bottom line, you are you and no one can tell you differently.