How to Make a Plain Outfit Look Awesome: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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1Finding what's fashionable

2Coordinating

3Layering

4Changing a look

5Making use of accessories

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Co-authored byKathi Burns, CPO®

Last Updated: January 18, 2024References

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Plain clothes can feel a little dull. They're dependable, easy to choose from and always simple but they're hardly eye-attracting. When you're keen on turning plain into awesome, find ways to spruce up the existing clothes and introduce more exciting pieces to your wardrobe.

Part 1

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Finding what's fashionable

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  1. 1

    Do some research. Buy, borrow or check out some fashion magazines and websites. Most celebrities have stylists who are always current with the latest styles, so make use of their efforts to direct your attention to what is current.[1]

    • Which items do you like? Which don't you like? It's important to work out what you do and don't like from fashion trends, so that you can focus solely on what you like.
  2. 2

    Consider what already works from your own wardrobe. Which of your items could be combined with other things to mimic current trends? Some items are timeless and can be slipped in with other more trendy clothes, while other items are staples that will always be suitable, whatever the fashion. These can form great base items for building on.

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  3. 3

    Work out what works for you as a whole. While fashionable trends are fun to check out, they're not something to be enslaved to. If you don't like the trends, that's fine. Do not copy them. Wear what makes you happy and represents who you really are. Above all, that is about good style that will take you beyond plain.[2]

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Part 2

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Coordinating

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  1. 1

    Coordinate outfits. Make a list of your favorite outfits and accessories.[3]

    • Vertical stripes make you look slim.
    • Two shades of the same color (darks like black or navy) are slimming, but only if they match exactly!
    • Choose colors that match but vary in shades. This can create a very interesting effect.
    • Belts, purses, unusual shoes or accessories can spice up a monotonous outfit.
  2. 2

    Choose appropriate colors.[4]

    • Blondes are stunning in black or navy.
    • Brunettes are stunning in purple and red.
    • Redheads are beaming in dark green shades.
    • Light complexions are accentuated with green or blue.
    • Dark complexions are accentuated with pastels.
    • Black looks good on everyone.
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Part 3

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Layering

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  1. 1

    Try layering.[5][6]

    • Wear two tops with different necklines.
    • Wear a cute vest, shrug or bolero with a top or dress.
    • Wear a camisole or tank top beneath an open blouse.
    • Wear a sweater or cute leather jacket.
    • Wear a shawl in the evening.

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Changing a look

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  1. 1

    Add fabrics.

    • Add a bright scarf to your hair or neckline.
    • Add a contrasting pocket.
    • Add a fabric belt with dangling beads.
    • Add a lace ruffle to the hemline of a top or skirt.
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Part 5

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Making use of accessories

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    Accessorize with jewelry. Accessories can change the whole appearance of an outfit. Just be sure to not overdo the accessories; typically, it is most effective to wear one item at a time.

    • Try dangling earrings to accentuate your face.
    • Try necklaces of different lengths. Chokers add sophistication.
    • Try colorful costume jewelry. Contrasting colors are chic.
    • Try elegant vintage jewelry from a thrift shop.
    • Make jewelry. You'll get just what you need to compliment an outfit.
    • Try a splash of color in a wrist bracelet. Try an ankle bracelet.
  2. 2

    Be creative with your hair. You can make a ponytail, pigtails, braids,and a bun. There is so much more!

    • You want to make sure your hair matches your outfit.
    • For sports, a ponytail, for an outing, a bun or add cute flowers or ribbons to lazy hair, and just to look cute, pigtails and braids will do fine.
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    How can I make a black dress stand out?

    Kathi Burns, CPO®
    Image Consultant

    Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University.

    Kathi Burns, CPO®

    Image Consultant

    Expert Answer

    Try adding accent colors to your outfit with some accessories, like necklaces, bracelets, or colorful shoes.

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      Tips

      • Be confident. Have a good attitude. Wear a smile.

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      • Mix and match to see what goes with what.

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      • Find the correct size. Clothes should glide over your body whether sitting or standing.

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      How to Make a Plain Outfit Look Awesome: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (19)

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      About This Article

      How to Make a Plain Outfit Look Awesome: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (30)

      Co-authored by:

      Kathi Burns, CPO®

      Image Consultant

      This article was co-authored by Kathi Burns, CPO®. Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University. This article has been viewed 160,339 times.

      9 votes - 69%

      Co-authors: 40

      Updated: January 18, 2024

      Views:160,339

      Categories: Putting Together Outfits

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 160,339 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • How to Make a Plain Outfit Look Awesome: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (31)

        Shelia Demakas

        Apr 22, 2018

        "What fabrics and colors to use as a base was very helpful...I needed a starting point...which the article provided."

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      How to Make a Plain Outfit Look Awesome: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

      FAQs

      Is there an app that puts outfits together for you? ›

      Pureple organizes them for you, then lists outfit ideas based on your wardrobe. The app will give you the option of selecting a type of clothing instead of taking a photo if you don't want to waste time photographing your closet. For example, it will list a basic pair of jeans instead of the exact pair in your closet.

      How to make an outfit look complete? ›

      Anytime you need to make an outfit feel more complete and polished, you add a third piece. So you've got your top, and your bottom, now add the third. It can be one of many things. A great jacket, cardigan, a scarf or wrap, bold necklace, cool chunky belt.

      How do you make a boring outfit look good? ›

      Revamp your wardrobe: How to breathe life into a boring outfit. Add accessories: Accessories can instantly elevate an outfit and make it more visually appealing. Consider adding statement jewelry, scarves, belts, hats, or a stylish bag. Choose accessories that complement your outfit and add a pop of colour or texture.

      How do you jazz up a plain outfit? ›

      First, think about jewelry: layering necklaces, adding a chunky hoop, stacking rings, or a watch can elevate the simplest outfit and make it look much more expensive. Check out the following example: It doesn't have to get too serious: truly, wear whatever you love.

      How do I find my style? ›

      7 Top Tips for Developing a Great Sense of Personal Style
      1. Know your colours and how to coordinate them. ...
      2. Invest in timeless neutral pieces. ...
      3. Be objective about your body shape. ...
      4. Take some creative risks. ...
      5. Pull outfits together with accessories. ...
      6. Become attuned to what things you like and don't like.
      Nov 13, 2023

      Is there a website that puts outfits together for you? ›

      OUTFITTERY always gives me great ideas on how to change up my style. This way I can look good, without too much effort. It's value for money - I get high quality clothes but always according to the prices I requested.

      How to style an outfit step by step? ›

      Step by Step Guide on Putting Together an Outfit
      1. Step 1: Figure Out the Vibe You're Going For. ...
      2. Step 2: Pick Out the Focal Piece of the Outfit. ...
      3. Step 3: Start Building Around the Focal Piece. ...
      4. Step 4: Add Your Accessories. ...
      5. Step 6: Pair Your Shoes. ...
      6. Step 7: Be Confident and Own Your Look!

      How do you make an outfit look effortless? ›

      A woman who knows how to look effortless doesn't wear clothing that falls apart easily. It's important to buy good quality clothing in timeless styles and to focus your statement piece shopping on accessories like necklaces, bags and shoes rather than clothing.

      How do you make an outfit look classy? ›

      So here are some important tips to dress elegantly and classily for any occasion.
      1. Start from the basics. ...
      2. Be diligent about the details. ...
      3. Classic styles win over trendy items. ...
      4. Avoid bright colors or bold patterns – go for gentle tones and delicate patterns. ...
      5. Drape in luxury fabrics like cashmere, satin or silk.

      How do you make a minimalist outfit? ›

      How to Create a Minimalist Wardrobe and Closet
      1. Admit that you own too much clothing. ...
      2. Wear fewer colors. ...
      3. Embrace the idea of one. ...
      4. Donate, sell, recycle, discard. ...
      5. Donate, sell, discard some more. ...
      6. Impose an arbitrary moratorium on shopping. ...
      7. Set a monthly spending limit. ...
      8. Purchase quality over quantity.

      How to wear clothes to look attractive? ›

      Always aim for a simple, comfortable, yet smart outfit. Always favour breathable, anti-odour and non crease garments. It is a good idea to have a few work clothes made from a technical fabric, offering both top performance and a stylish look. Your choice of accessories will make all the difference.

      How can I make my clothes look better on me? ›

      How to Look Put Together
      1. WEAR CLOTHES THAT ACTUALLY FIT. In the words of Stacy and Clinton from “What Not to Wear”, “if you don't have fit, you don't have style”. ...
      2. ENSURE YOUR CLOTHES ARE IN GOOD CONDITION. ...
      3. WEAR FLATTERING CLOTHES. ...
      4. INCLUDE YOUR PERSONALITY. ...
      5. ADD FINISHING DETAILS. ...
      6. BE CONFIDENT.

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