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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      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 160,161 times.

      9 votes - 69%

      Co-authors: 40

      Updated: January 18, 2024

      Views:160,161

      Categories: Putting Together Outfits

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 160,161 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

      How do you make an amazing outfit? ›

      Style Defined: How To Build An Outfit In 12 Steps
      1. Jump To: ...
      2. Check the weather. ...
      3. What are you doing that day? ...
      4. What color do you feel like wearing? ...
      5. Pick one item that you want to start with. ...
      6. Have no more than one statement piece. ...
      7. Balance your outfit proportions. ...
      8. What will be your layer or layers for your outfit?

      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 to make your outfit unique? ›

      You've probably heard this advice before, but adding a third piece to your outfit is another way to make it more interesting. Third pieces can include a piece of outerwear like a denim jacket, blazer, or vest or accessories like a scarf, hat, bag or even a statement earring.

      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 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.

      What makes an outfit attractive? ›

      There are four basic elements that make an outfit interesting; Color, pattern, shine, and texture. Because these elements will add dimension, your look will be anything but boring.

      How do you make a boring outfit look good? ›

      Play with colours and patterns: Incorporate vibrant colours or interesting patterns into your outfit. If your base outfit is neutral, add a colourful top, bottoms, or shoes. You can also try mixing patterns, but make sure they complement each other and don't clash.

      How to create a stylish look? ›

      1. Good grooming. A stylish look always starts with good grooming. ...
      2. Choose neutral colours. Neutral colours serve as a fantastic base: think black, grey, navy, tan and white. ...
      3. Shop versatile on a budget. ...
      4. Pay attention to shape. ...
      5. Find a good tailor. ...
      6. Accept hand-me-downs. ...
      7. Take advantage of accessorising. ...
      8. Know your measurements.

      How to look good in any outfit? ›

      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.

      How do you step up your outfit? ›

      5 styling tips to improve your Personal Style
      1. Adjust your clothing so it works with your proportions. ...
      2. Wear a colour that reflects you and your daily plans. ...
      3. Swap sloppy cardigans for relaxed jackets. ...
      4. Own less shoes, choose neutral colours. ...
      5. Wear one accessory that significantly impacts your outfit.

      How do you get the perfect outfit? ›

      How to Pick Out an Outfit
      1. 1 Check the weather forecast.
      2. 2 Opt for comfy clothes for casual occasions.
      3. 3 Try a pant suit or slacks for a professional look.
      4. 4 Get a little fancy for date night or going out.
      5. 5 Choose a top or a dress as a first layer.
      6. 6 Pair out your bottoms with your base layer.

      How can I dress more like myself? ›

      The first step is to stop buying clothes. Over time, sort what you own into three piles: keep, fix and discard. Next, study your style. Figure out what you like wearing and how you want to present yourself, then upskill to fix or remake the clothing you own and like but that isn't quite right.

      How to make a plain dress look better? ›

      Add Costume Jewelry

      Add a statement necklace to your dress, whether it's a 16-inch necklace featuring wide stones and resin pieces or long strands of gold and silver. Or, slip on a wrist full of bangle charm bracelets and a huge co*cktail ring, and watch your outfit suddenly shine.

      How can I look attractive in normal clothes? ›

      Don't hide your shape with baggy clothing, but don't squeeze your body into extremely tight clothing either. Everyone has their own unique assets, so choose the clothes that best accentuate yours. If you think your arms are sexy, fill your closet with sleeveless tops.

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