14 WAYS TO ALWAYS DRESS CLASSY

Are you ready to enhance your style effortlessly? Whether you're aiming to refine your work attire or simply elevate your casual look, we've got you covered with some budget-friendly tips.

Elegance doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. It's all about curating a chic and polished ensemble that accentuates your best features and boosts your confidence. Let's explore 14 of our top tips to help you achieve a classy look and elevate your wardrobe.

By the way, while you're reading through these tips, feel free to explore high-end clothing options and brands available at Current Boutique! You might just find some inspiration for your next stylish outfit.

1. USE NEUTRAL COLORS AS YOUR FOUNDATION.

When envisioning a timeless and sophisticated ensemble, neutrals likely come to mind. They exude elegance, versatility, and longevity, remaining fashionable regardless of trends or seasons. What's great about neutrals is their seamless compatibility, allowing for effortless mixing and matching. Whether opting for a monochromatic look or incorporating neutrals as a foundation, the possibilities are endless, ensuring a chic and refined appearance.

Key classic neutral hues encompass crisp white...

Ivory…

Beige

Camel…

Gray…

And of course, black.

Style tip: Allocate the bulk of your fashion budget towards investing in neutral basics. These pieces are bound to become wardrobe staples, so prioritize high-quality selections. Pay attention to factors like quality, cut, and finish, as they are crucial in achieving a polished and refined look.

2. CHOOSE SOLID COLORS.

If you're someone who loves a pop of color, don't worry! Colors can be just as sophisticated and classy when utilized effectively. Opting for solid, timeless hues can provide an excellent basis for your wardrobe. Vibrant reds, striking blues, and shades that complement your features are all enduring choices that never go out of style.

For instance, while purple might not be traditionally considered "classic," I personally find joy and confidence in wearing magenta. So, I embrace incorporating it into my outfits, as to me, purple and pink serve as my own version of neutrals!

This ensemble showcases a striking all-purple look, yet the combination of tailored pants and a high neckline sweater, complemented by sophisticated black accessories, elevates it to a stunningly stylish level.

Similarly, in another chic purple outfit, lighter accessories such as nude shoes and a white handbag add contrast. Pay attention to the monochromatic style featuring high-waisted trousers, a high neckline top, a trench coat, and solid colors, which further enhance the overall elegance of the look.

When envisioning sophistication, orange never crosses my mind. However, this stunning satin blouse, combined with meticulously tailored trousers and a cinched high waist, challenges my perception.

Despite initially appearing mismatched, this ensemble embodies various aspects of sophistication, including solid colors, structured garments, collars, a cinched waist, and refined jewelry.

3. WEAR CLASSIC PATTERNS.

Styling patterns can be challenging even for seasoned fashionistas. Many patterns are fleeting trends, lacking the timeless appeal of classic pieces. However, neutral-colored patterns, like black and white stripes, tend to endure and maintain their sophistication over time.

Black and white houndstooth…

And beige and ivory plaid…

Original animal prints also rarely go out of style because they are naturally found in neutral colors, like black and white zebra stripes or the black, camel, beige, and white in leopard print…

And, for spring and summer, you can never go wrong with a fresh floral in a flowing silhouette…

We're not implying that you can't rock trendy pieces and exude elegance – it just requires a bit more effort and attention to detail to pull it off! Check out this article on how fashion trends come full circle and how you can seamlessly incorporate them into your capsule wardrobe.

4. TRY OUT A MONOCHROME LOOK.

Monochrome ensembles exude timeless elegance and are effortlessly stylish to put together. By curating a wardrobe with key neutrals and solid colors, creating a classic monochrome look becomes a breeze. Remember, a monochrome outfit involves wearing one color, with each piece varying in tone or texture within the same color family. Ensure consistency in both shade and tone to achieve a cohesive look. For instance, distinguish between warm and cool undertones in colors like brown to avoid mismatching. Opting for an all-white or white and ivory ensemble guarantees a chic and sophisticated result every time.

Sophisticated, NYC-ready all-black look…

Easy and classic hues of beige or brown…

Or even a casual-chic gray on gray, with a touch of brown or yellow accessories.

And don’t be afraid to add some color, like varying shades of dusty rose…

Or a bold and daring red-on-red ensemble.

Here's a pro-tip: leverage pantsuits or jumpsuits for a quick monochrome ensemble. Pair them with matching shoes and accessories for an effortlessly chic look that takes mere seconds to assemble.

5. DON’T WEAR MORE THAN THREE COLORS.

A classic fashion “rule” is to not wear more than three colors per outfit. Too many colors can be distracting and messy, while three beautifully-paired colors (particularly neutrals) appear polished and purposeful. This can apply to three neutral colors in a monochrome outfit, like beige, ivory, and nude…

Two neutrals and denim, like this classic black blouse, straight-leg jeans, and camel trench…

Or two neutrals and a statement color, like this classic white, black, and red ensemble.

Or any three colors that make you happy!

6. MIX AND MATCH TEXTURES.

Realizing the impact of texture was a game-changer for me. Fabrics like silk exude elegance, while linen evokes a summery vibe, and velvet adds winter chic. Opting for luxurious fabrics elevates an outfit, but it's not solely about that. Cotton can be as chic as silk depending on the ensemble. Instead, it's about pairing diverse textures and fabrics to introduce contrast and vibrancy. Denim, for instance, is excellent for toning down other fabrics, such as a white linen or satin button-down.

Corduroy can elevate cotton or wool…

Silk or satin always looks classic and refined, like a satin skirt paired with a plain white tee…

Or like a satin blouse with leather pants!

A chunky knit can dress down a satin skirt (or a satin skirt can dress up a chunky knit)…

And leather can be either edgy and sexy or elegant and refined (or both!)…

Consider the typical occasions and settings where you'd wear a certain texture, then introduce a different material alongside it to defy expectations. This approach leads to creating unique, magical outfits that truly stand out. It's especially effective for adding intrigue to monochrome ensembles. Adhering to the guideline of one to three colors per outfit, especially neutrals, simplifies the process of experimenting with textures and ensures greater success.

7. WEAR A HIGH NECK AND HIGH WAIST.

While a well-chosen V-neck can exude stunning elegance, a high neckline offers effortless refinement for any occasion. Mock necks, turtlenecks, collars, basic crew necks, or high V-necks are timeless options that will become wardrobe essentials. Many women find comfort in higher necklines once they grow accustomed to them, as they eliminate worries about fashion mishaps or constant adjustments throughout the day or evening.

Turtlenecks are great for winter and can work standalone or as a bottom layer under tees, camis, or trench coats.

And you can’t go wrong with a basic crew neck that looks good on everyone.

Even a bow tied around the neck can be a flirty, feminine touch!

But don’t neglect the V neck or other necklines if you meet other criteria that make your outfit feel polished!

Similarly, opting for a higher waist is a game-changer! High-rise pants and skirts are incredibly flattering for most women as they cinch the waist, smooth the tummy, enhance curves, and elongate the legs. They create a stunning silhouette that effortlessly transitions from casual to dressy. Additionally, high-waisted bottoms adhere to the Rule of Thirds, which we'll discuss in the next section. Plus, they eliminate concerns about muffin tops or exposed underwear. For a relaxed yet elevated summer vibe, high-waisted white denim is the perfect choice.

High-rise tailored shorts paired with a white blouse will have you feeling put-together and classy on even the hottest summer days.

And it’s not just for pants. High-waist skirts and dresses cinched at the waist (like belt or wrap dresses) create a sophisticated and flattering silhouette.

Even high-rise bathing suits have a level of elegance to them!

Absolutely, these guidelines serve as a starting point. As you become more comfortable with dressing up, feel free to experiment with various necklines and silhouettes that complement your style and body type. The objective is to discover clothing that flatters your body by highlighting your favorite features. It's all about finding what makes you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.

8. FOLLOW THE RULE OF THIRDS.

The fashion rule of thirds says that the proportion of your outfit should be one-third to two-thirds. This means that of your total outfit, the top should be 1/3 and the bottom should be 2/3 (or vice versa). If your outfit is 1/2 to 1/2, you’re likely to look unbalanced and out of proportion. Some tips to easily achieve these proportions:

Tuck your shirt into your pants or tie it up to create a shorter one-third on top (and accentuate your waist).

Wear high-waisted shorts or pants with a crop top or tucked blouse. (Crop tops can be elegant depending on the neckline, material, and what you pair them with.)

Balance oversized and tight clothing. If one part of the outfit is voluminous, the rest should be fitted and streamlined. This is true for tight tops with wide-leg pants and flowy skirts or oversized blouses with tighter jeans and pencil skirts.

Buy dresses and jumpsuits that cinch your waist to create the rule of thirds proportion, rather than a straight silhouette that doesn’t hug your curves.

Indeed, the principle of the Rule of Thirds is a fantastic starting point for anyone delving into the basics of fashion, regardless of body type or outfit choice. Jo-Lynne Shane provides a thorough explanation of this concept, making it accessible for beginners to grasp and apply effectively.

9. LEARN HOW TO DRESS FOR YOUR BODY TYPE.

Absolutely, every body is unique and beautiful! Understanding how to dress to highlight your curves and features can truly transform how you look and feel in your clothes. Remember, the way an outfit looks on a mannequin or model may not translate the same on you, so don't be discouraged if it takes some trial and error to find what works best for you.

While classic body types like apple, pear, triangle, and hourglass provide a foundation, there's much more to consider beyond just torso shape. Exploring the Kibbe body types, which incorporate yin and yang lines in the body, offers a more inclusive approach to understanding different body styles. However, you might not fit neatly into any specific mold, and that's perfectly okay! Experiment with various necklines, rises, silhouettes, styles, colors, and patterns to discover what flatters your body shape and makes you feel most comfortable and confident.

10. GET YOUR CLOTHES TAILORED.

Absolutely, getting your clothes tailored is a game-changer for ensuring they flatter your unique shape. Tailored, well-fitting garments can elevate a good outfit to a fantastic one.

When shopping, don't fixate on sizes. Sizing can be highly variable, and what's most important is how you feel in the clothing. If it doesn't make you feel great, don't hesitate to go up or down a size or even consider getting it tailored to achieve the perfect fit. Your comfort and confidence in what you wear matter most.

11. WEAR MORE BLAZERS.

Blazers are transitioning from workplace staples to versatile everyday pieces, thanks to their effortless elegance. They serve as perfect light layers or jackets when you're unsure what to wear and effortlessly elevate even the most casual outfits, such as a t-shirt and jeans.

For an easy work-ready ensemble, pair a blazer with a pencil skirt or trousers and heels. This classic combination exudes professionalism and style with minimal effort.