Fashion can be a scary word. Most people’s minds jump straight to New York Fashion Week and high-end, crazy outfits that cost an arm and a leg. However, fashion is everywhere and for everyone, and most importantly, fashion is fun! Clothing is one of the easiest ways to express ourselves, and the colder weather is the perfect opportunity to brush up on how to look and feel your best.
Learn to Layer
Layering is a necessity with the unpredictable Kansas weather, but can also be used to elevate a boring look into something more stylish and functional. For women, one of my favorite tricks is repurposing a sundress by wearing a sweater over the top, making your previous summer staple into a mock maxi skirt. Another tip is to add a long coat or blazer alongside a basic tank and blue jeans to create a “model-off-duty” look. For men, adding a vest on top of a shirt or sweater not only adds more warmth, but more texture and movement, making the entire outfit look more put together. If you lean more on the sporty side, investing in solid-colored sweatshirts for when you layer up allows you to take the outfit from boring to purposefully athletic.
Invest in Basics
The most stylish people understand the power of neutral and solid pieces. Trends quickly come and go, and they can often be hard to keep up with. However, a plain black tank top or a white sweater are often the most used pieces in my closet. Stocking up on items like jeans, tees and tanks will allow you to layer your outfits and create tons of options for anywhere from school to a Saturday night out. If you want affordable and quality additions to your closet, look for sales on sites like Loft and Levi’s, and always make sure you’re shopping for items that will fit both your body and your closet for a long time.
Shop Sustainable
In an era of ever-changing “it” styles, it is easy to get pulled into the depths of fast fashion to keep up. However, your best bet to look effortlessly put together is to shop sustainably and save up for quality pieces. Thrifting can become your best friend in creating a fun, fashionable closet without breaking the bank. If thrifting isn’t your thing, skip Shein and wait until you have the budget to invest, or swap items with a friend. While it’s easy to get caught up in trends, the true key to being fashion-forward and enjoying what you wear is buying items that are high quality and support earth-conscious shopping.
Don’t Underestimate Accessories
While I touched on the power of the basics, one of the best ways to change up looks in between wears is through accessorizing. Buying items like jewelry staples, a silk scarf or fun shoes can add to a look and let you switch up an outfit to make it yours. This category is also the perfect place to tie in sustainable shopping. Having a few quality items like a nice watch, bracelet or pair of earrings that you can build off of makes creating looks a lot easier. Plus, looking in second-hand stores gives you the chance to find vintage pieces that pack personality. If you need help coming up with ideas, places like TikTok and Pinterest are great tools for learning how to layer accessories and elevate your day-to-day looks.
