Style Defined: How To Build An Outfit In 12 Steps

The Fail-Proof System I Use

Hi Friends- I remember a long time ago walking into a clothing store in Manhattan Beach, California, and seeing a woman who worked there dressed so stylishly. I remember thinking, how does she do that?

In today’s post, I’m going to share what I’ve learned since then, style defined in 12 steps to building a chic outfit. Follow the easy fail-proof system I lay out and create stylish looks where you’ll have people asking, “How does she do that?”

Are you ready to have a wardrobe that reflects your personal style, works for your body, and makes it easy to put together outfits you feel great in?

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Style Defined: The 12 Steps

1. Check the weather.

Even in sunny Los Angeles, once in a while it’ll rain or be a bit colder. Step 1 is making sure you know what the weather is going to be so that you dress appropriately and are comfortable for the day.

2. What are you doing that day?

Are you going hiking? If you are, it doesn’t make sense to wear a pair of heels. Are you going to work? Do you have a business meeting where you need to look more polished? Ask yourself what are you doing that day and what outfit will work.

3. What color do you feel like wearing?

Is it a gray day outside so you want to wear all black or maybe you’re the opposite and you want to wear bright colors on a gray day. You want to consciously choose the color that will help you feel like the best version of yourself.

4. Pick one item that you want to start with.

Maybe it’s a blouse that you feel great in and it works for the weather and what you have going on that day. So put on that blouse and think about what you want to wear with it. Do you want to wear pants, jeans, or a skirt? Allow that one piece to create the foundation for the rest of your outfit.

5. Have no more than one statement piece.

The statement item could be the initial piece you picked to start building your outfit with. Your stand-out piece could be a pair of embellished shoes or a colorful dress with a pattern. Choose only one statement item for your outfit. You don’t want to overwhelm your look by wearing multiple statement pieces like big earrings and an oversized necklace.

When I’m talking about a statement item it’s something that sticks out about your outfit. It could be a pop of color on your bag or shoe. You want to avoid wearing a pop of color bag and a huge necklace, or a dress with a colorful pattern and embellished shoes in one outfit. Focus on one statement item not several. That will help you create a polished outfit.

6. Balance your outfit proportions.

I have talked about this before because it is so important when putting together a look. Avoid having a tight-fitting outfit from top to bottom. If you’re wearing a fitted top, make sure your bottom piece is loose like a midi pleated skirt. Also, if you’re wearing something that’s flowy or oversized on top, style it with a more tailored bottom like chic leggings or jeans that are more fitted.

When you’re picking an outfit for the day, what is going to balance the proportions? If you’re wearing an oversized blazer you don’t want to also be wearing an oversized pair of pants. It will make you look bigger than you are.

7. What will be your layer or layers for your outfit?

This step is probably one of the most important. Layers help to complete a look. Whether you’re going to wear a cardigan or a jacket, you want to pay attention to your layers. That’s why it’s important to invest in these pieces because they can transform a look. If I’m wearing a cardigan with a dress, it makes it more casual. The same dress with a leather jacket gives it more of an edgy feel. Your outer layers set the tone for your outfit. There’s also something about wearing different pieces on top of each other that offers texture and dimension to your look.

8. Choose your shoes.

Shoes also help complete an outfit. They can work as an accessory. You not only want shoes that are comfortable and that will protect your feet, but you want something that is going to elevate your outfit. When you are choosing your shoes, think about what will work with your outfit that day. Is it a day you’re going to be walking a lot, or are you at work sitting at a desk for most of the day? There are several pairs of essential shoes I recommend every woman needs.

Your shoes will complete an outfit. Sometimes I’ll style a dress with my Golden Goose sneakers and they make my outfit look fun and casual. If I’m going out later, I’ll switch my sneakers to a pair of strappy heeled sandals and it completely just changes the look from day to night. Shoes can transform a look.

9. What bag will work with your outfit?

Will you need a large bag? Do you have a meeting that day and you need extra folders or your laptop so you’ll grab your tote. Or if you’re going to dinner and only need your phone and credit card you’ll probably go with a small bag. What bag will you need for functionality? But also consider which bag will elevate your outfit. Sometimes if I’m wearing a t-shirt, jeans, and a pair of sneakers, I like to add a crossbody designer bag. Like your shoes, a bag can transform a look.

I believe you only need 5 handbags in your wardrobe. If you have these bags, choose the one that will be the most functional but also the one that is going to help you look put together. I have seen women in athletic wear leaving the gym wearing a chic crossbody bag look put together. The right bag can completely elevate a look. Even if you’re wearing an item that isn’t an investment piece or not high quality, when you elevate it with a great bag it completely changes the look.

10. Add jewelry.

Jewelry adds to an outfit and polishes a look. It easily elevates what you wear.

11. Get inspired.

I recommend looking for style inspiration every few weeks or if you’re in a style rut. If you’re not feeling very inspired with your wardrobe and style, one way I like to get inspired is by scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram. Search for someone with your coloring and similar body shape whose style you like. Pay attention to how they’re styling a piece. Maybe it’s an item that you have in your closet but you haven’t thought of other ways to style it. Find new ways to wear things to bring new life to your closet.

One of my favorite things to do is to people watch. I enjoy going to a part of the city and sitting at a coffee shop and people watch. There are so many cool and interesting ways that people put things together. And if you don’t have that option, you can again use one of the visual social platforms for ideas.

12. Schedule a weekly time to put your outfits together.

Style takes practice. Especially if you’re newer to style or have a harder time putting looks together that you feel great in, schedule a weekly time to put together your outfits for the week. Go through this list and start planning your outfits. Some people have a clothing rack they use to prep their outfits for the week. Pre-planning your outfits alleviates morning stress. This is an easy way to put your outfits together for the week so that you’re not scrambling the day of. It’s really helpful if you’re figuring out how to put together a look that you feel great in.

When you’re taking time aside each week to put your outfits together, check that every item is ready to go. Make sure that your clothes are steamed. And again if you’re not sure how to put outfits together go to step 11, and look for style inspiration.

If you need more help with your style, sign up to receive my free Top 27 Style Tips To Dress Better. These fashion tips not only educate you on how to dress better, but also give you the tools to feel confident every time you step into your closet. These are my Personal Stylist tips that I use in my styling services to teach my clients the fashion tips that will change their lives.