How To Dress Simple But Stylish – 12 Easy To Follow Steps

How to dress simple but stylish is one of those everyday problems so many of us face, yet never take the time to figure out. Now’s the time!

If this isn’t your first time over here, you’ll know a pretty big part of STYLE BY SAVINA is dedicated to how to dress simple but stylish.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve tried hundreds of different outfits, so even though I’m humble and don’t like bragging, I do know a thing or two about styling.

Pretty similar to Kate Hudson and her tutorial on how to lose a guy in 10 days, today’s blog topic is how to look elegant and classy everyday in 12 easy steps. 

No matter if you feel tempted to figure out how to look stylish at home on the millionth day of being in your home office or just want to make a fashion turn, the useful tips below will elevate your style game and make your friends like, share and comment on your #OOTDs.

Above all that, you’ll feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. That spark inside you can finally be let out to shine on the world. That’s where the light comes from.

HOW TO DRESS SIMPLE BUT STYLISH – 12 EASY TO FOLLOW STEPS:

1. Invest in quality over quantity 

You have probably heard this more times than ‘Despacito’ in summer 2017 alone, BUT, what lies beneath the popular philosophy is the simple understanding that you don’t need 173 t-shirts from fast fashion brands. Especially when you can own 10, made of sustainable, eco-friendly, and long-lasting materials. 

Yes, they are a bit more pricey. BUT although I’ve never been good at math, buying a few would still cost you way less money than the non-stop upgrading (read: degrading) option.

A $50 t-shirt you can wear for 5 years is better than a $20 one that had to be changed every year or two. Plus, you are giving back to Planet Earth and learning how to be fashionable with clothes you have. Isn’t that cool? 

2. Choose staples over trends

It’s great that micro hemlines and bright pink are living their best life right now. Do you think about what’s going to happen when next year the lengths go three times longer and the colors a couple of shades darker? Will you head online and shop everything that’s trending at the time? That’s not a way to beat the overconsumption cycle.

Trust me, a white linen shirt, beige trench, light-washed denim, and a straw beach hat will never go out of style. If they do, please, call me. I’ll be wrapped up in a blanket on the sofa, crying into my tub of vegan Ben & Jerry’s.

3. Stay away from having too many colors in one outfit 

Have you heard of the 3-color rule? It states that it’s best to combine no more than three shades in your outfit at once. (Note: Black and white not included.) If you usually follow the go-hard-or-go-home POV, keep in mind that some rules are meant to be broken, but this is not one of them. Unless you’re Iris Apfel. 

4. Wear clothes that fit and compliment your figure 

Let’s remember Kendall Jenner’s Met Gala look from five years ago (that’s not a lesson in how to dress elegantly casual) and make a note. No matter if you have the perfect measurements or the perfect body (if that’s even a thing), some clothes neither fit, nor complement your shape. 

For example, if you have an hourglass body shape, dresses, and anything with a V-neck are must-haves.

If you are petite and delicate, then opt for skinny jeans and round necklines. Wrap dresses and high-waisted jeans are perfect for women with curves. You get the point. 

Related Post: Capsule Wardrobe Outfits For Any And Every Occasion

5. Play with accessories 

If you want to know how to dress simple and classy and win with it, then you have to get creative. Playing with accessories is essential.

No matter if you are Selena Gomez or more of a Miley Cyrus in terms of styling, the presence of a jewelry box is not up for discussion. I’m not saying to get the pearls out of the vault for a casual dinner with friends, but don’t forget that a bedazzling necklace or a pair of white gold earrings could make you shine bright like a diamond.

6. Don’t be afraid of layering

No. Layering is not what Joey did with Chandler’s clothes in that particularly epic episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Layering doesn’t have to make you feel bulky. It’s actually the best way to deliver the perfect total look, and it’s the one and only answer to how to dress simple but stylish in winter.

As long as you follow some simple rules. 1. Start with thin basics. 2. Level up with statement sweaters. 3. Choose a coat that goes hand in hand with everything that you are already wearing. 4. Don’t forget accessories and shoes. So simple, I know.

7. Sunglasses are your best friend

First of all, they look sexy. They are stylish and level up your style game in a matter of milliseconds. Then you have the pretty obvious reason – you can go out and pretend not to see people when you don’t feel like chatting. (No, I don’t do that…much.) That’s how to dress simple but attractive.

Get yourself a black pair (whoever says orange is the new black, don’t trust them, just run away) and one with colorful frames so once the weather gets warmer, you can literally look on the bright side of life (cue exaggerated wink).

8. Opt for neutral colors

Fuchsia, watermelon, flamingo, and rosewood pink are great, but dressing up in neutral colors is even greater. Why? It’s a simple yet classy move, exuding major ‘look at me, I’m an adult’ vibes, which is also great… most of the time.

Of course, you can have bright pastel shades in your wardrobe, but let’s keep the majority in the gray-black-white-brown sector, shall we? This is the secret of how to dress simple but elegant. I wish that was something I had learned back in high school.

9. Avoid logos and flashy texts

Some people always look for logos and flashy text when shopping. Please don’t be one of them. People will still notice you are wearing Louis Vuitton, even if you don’t have it written all over yourself.

10. Don’t neglect the makeup and the hair

Agree or disagree, it’s about the whole package. If you wear the most beautiful dress in the world and still have a very #badhairday, everyone will focus on it. It’s one of the cruelest powers of the human species.

Don’t worry because yours truly has it all covered. Check out my extensive list of exceptional makeup brands you should definitely keep an eye on in 2024 The best vegan haircare products list is also waiting here. 

11. Take care of your clothes

Just like the ficus in the corner, you have to look after it to make it last. Taking care of your clothes = keeping them for a longer period of time. Start with paying attention to the care labels and keep up with everything in between – how you wear, wash, dry, and iron them.

Remember that some fabrics (such as linen) are very delicate – one wrong move and you will be a proud owner of a pretty stylish garbage bag. You don’t want that. I don’t want that. Nobody wants that.

12. Build a capsule wardrobe

How to dress simple but stylish? Well… Building the ultimate capsule wardrobe is not an easy task. There are a lot of question marks and a lot of steps you have to take before arriving at the final destination, but it’s worth it.

Bonus Tips

Here are some extra tips for you (as if the 12 you have already weren’t enough!). I’ll always try to give you more than you bargained for.

13. Give Old Clothes New Life

Don’t rush to ditch your old clothes. Mixing them into new outfits can be the simplest way to freshen up your look. A pair of jeans with a new, bright belt? Yes, please! This trick saves you time, money, and makes a great deal of difference to your sustainable fashion goals.

14. Tailor for the Perfect Fit

Nothing beats the elegance of clothes that fit just right. Got a basic outfit that feels off? A good tailor can work magic. Whether it’s adjusting the hem of a pencil skirt or taking in a white t-shirt, tailoring is an easy way to elevate your entire look without the extra cost of new clothes.

15. Monochrome Looks for the Win

Embracing monochrome looks is the easiest way to look put together. Stick to solid colors for a seamless, elegant outfit. Not sure where to start? A classic option is an all-white ensemble with a trench coat or silk blouses in the same hue. Simple, stylish, and always a great option for date night or that important meeting.

By using these additional tips, you’re not just dressing simple and stylish; you’re also making informed choices that reflect your personal taste and commitment to a timeless, versatile wardrobe. Remember, fashion is about feeling great in what you wear, so mix, match, tailor, and transform your way to a wardrobe that’s as unique as you are.

Wrap Up

And there you have it! You’re now armed with all the easy tips and style secrets to dress simple yet stylish, transforming your everyday look into something effortlessly chic. It’s not just about following the latest fashion trends; it’s about embracing your personal style and making it shine through simple outfits and classic pieces.

Remember, a great way to start is by investing in quality basics like a crisp white shirt, a little black dress, or a pair of denim jeans that fit your body type perfectly. These timeless pieces can be the building blocks of any stylish wardrobe, offering endless new looks without the need to constantly buy new clothes.

For those special occasions or when you just want to add a little bit of spice to your overall look, don’t shy away from a bold color or statement accessories. A pop of color or a pair of stylish shoes can make a huge difference in your entire outfit. And for an everyday easy go-to, white sneakers and a black leather jacket are your best friends.

Embrace classic colors and simple shapes to create elegant outfits that last a long time. And remember, a solid color palette and clean lines are your allies in achieving that simple style with a stylish look.

Don’t forget to look after your garments. Proper care, including regular dry cleaning for those classic staples, can extend the life of your clothes significantly. This way, you won’t have to spend a lot of money frequently on new pieces, which is not only kind to your bank account but also to the environment.

Fashion For Thought

Building a stylish wardrobe doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with the basics, understand your skin tone and what works for you, and slowly incorporate new pieces that reflect your personal style. And always, always step out of your comfort zone once in a while. It’s a great opportunity to discover different versions of yourself.

Finally, keep revisiting these simple tips. Whether it’s revising your color scheme or adding a few statement pieces like leopard print or leather pants, there’s always room to refine and evolve your style. The fashion industry is constantly changing, but with these easy tips and a focus on classic styles, you’ll have a stylish look that transcends time.

So, go ahead, and take that first step towards a simple yet stylish wardrobe. With these style tips in today’s post, you’re well on your way to becoming one of the most stylish women out there, all without breaking the bank or overcomplicating your style.

Remember, sometimes the best quality, the perfect outfit, and the most elegant look come from simplicity. Let’s make Coco Chanel proud and show the world that less really can be more.

You can learn more about this here. I live for this kind of stuff and will be with you every step of the way. Let me know your thoughts/concerns/opinions. I would love to chat about summer staples and find out what are your simple ways to look stylish. Feel free to slide into my DMs on my Instagram.

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This post was updated on 06/04/2024