It seems like celebs and style bloggers have unlimited super-cool wardrobes, but really, they just make tiny tweaks to make the most basic outfits look seriously chic. They somehow put together things you never thought would go to create totally fresh, next-level looks using the same pieces. You don't need a stylist to do it! To score the same next level-style just follow these easy tips for making any outfit instantly cooler.
1. Knot a button-down shirt to show off your waist.
A midi skirt looks super cute with that plaid shirt that's already in your closet. Tying it in the middle will show off rather than hide your shape and give you a more polished look. Layer a turtleneck underneath to keep your belly from showing when it's chilly out.
Here's the trick to making the perf knot: Undo the bottom three buttons and tie the shirt tails into a knot. Tighten so the knot hits just above your belly button and knot again. Straighten the ends so it sits where you want.
2nd Day Turtleneck, asos.com; Plaid Shirt, bcbgeneration.com; Skirt, forever21.com; Boots, aldoshoes.com; Hat, eugeniakim.com; Bag, gap.com
2. Belt your layers.
Layering is an easy way to look fashion-y when it's cold outside and save money by getting more use out of the pieces already in your closet. But when you have a bunch of different layers on, the finished product can end up look a little bulky and random. A belt pulls the whole look together and carves out your figure under all those clothes, so all those layers don't swallow you up.
Here's how it's done:
Step 1: Start by layering a thin, long-sleeved shirt under a sleeveless dress.
Step 2: Toss a button-down shirt on top and leave it open.
Step 3: Add a furry vest.
Step 4: Pull it all together with a belt.
Vest, zara.com; Hat, bcbgeneration.com; Gloves, carolinaamato.com; Belt, gap.com; Denim shirt, bigstardenim.com; Talula Turtleneck, aritzia.com; Dress, mollybracken.com; Shoes, aldoshoes.com
3. Cuff your jeans.
There's nothing wrong with rocking your jeans as is, but your fave closet staple can get an easy upgrade with ankle cuffs. It's a subtle style trick that instantly freshens up an outfit you've worn a million times. Not to mention, it's the perf way to show off your rockin' footwear. The trick is to choose the right technique based on the pant style you're rocking.
Skinny Jeans
Cuffs on skinny jeans look best on the smaller side, because they keep the streamlined look of the fitted pants. Make the cuffs about a half-inch wide and only roll them twice.
Boyfriend Jeans
When it comes to the baggier style of jeans, it's less about cuffing and more about rolling. You want to keep the casual vibe of the jeans intact, and the looser, bulkier fabric works well with a messier cuff.
Roll your jeans about three times with 1-inch cuffs. Don't press down on the cuffs to make a crease. Instead, go for a cylindrical shape like a roll. Mess the cuff up when you're finished so it doesn't look too perfect.
American Eagle Boyfriend Jeans and Sweater, ae.com; Sequin top, trinaturk.com; Plaid shirt, madewell.com; Jacket, mollybracken.com; Boots, chineselaundry.com; Blouse, pixiemarket.com; Skinny Jeans, target.com; Shoes, colehaan.com; Necklace, fromstxavier.com; Hat, bcbgeneration.com
4. Stack your rings.
One ring is cute; eight is even cuter. But how do you make different sizes and styles of rings look cool and edgy and not like you're a preschooler who got in her mom's jewelry box? It's all about placement and how you stack the different styles.
Step 1: Start with your biggest, boldest ring on your index finger.
Step 2: Layer on smaller styles on your ring finger. A mix of regular rings and midi styles will give you that cool layered look.
Step 3: Finish by stacking two to three midi rings on your middle finger for contrast.
Dress and Midi Rings, topshop.com; Clutch, boohoo.com; Hot Pink Bracelet, charmedcircle.com; Turquoise Wrap Bracelet, Lime Green Bracelet, Bangles, Clear Ring, Silver Bow Ring, rjgraziano.com; Watch, Karl Lagerfeld; Silver Chain Bracelet, fromstxavier.com; Arrow-Shaped Ring, ruegembon.com; Gold Infinity Ring, aldoshoes.com; Silver Arrow ring, express.com
5. Cinch a shapeless dress.
Kathryn Wirsing/Katja Cho
A boxy shift dress hides your shape and can look like it came from your mom's closet. Knot it in the middle to gather up all that extra fabric and totally transforms the dress into a more figure-flattering style.
It's super easy to do yourself! Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Turn the dress inside out.
Step 2: Then, gather a 2-inch section in the middle.
Step 3: Twist just the first layer.
Step 4: Tie it into a knot.
Step 5: Flip the dress right side out. Voila!
Babaton Dress, aritzia.com; Shoes, stories.com; Hat, bcbgeneration.com, Socks, falke.com; Necklace, forever21.com; Orange and White Bracelets, charmedcircle.com; Green, Pink, and Silver Bracelets, Ring, rjgraziano.com
6. Knot an oversized tee.
Loose layers can easily go from breezy to sloppy. But when you side-knot your top, you'll highlight both your killer shape and your cute skirt.
To get a polished knot, pull the excess bottom material to one side creating a tail. Twist the tail and knot it. Tug on the knot to tighten.
Ginger G Shirt, shoptiques.com; Vest, boohoo.com; Skirt, samandlavi.com; Crown, flowerchildrenonly.com; Boots, Leila Stone; Socks, falke.com; Necklaces, fiestajewelry.com; Bracelet, flacajewelry.com; Ring, aldoshoes.com
7. Add a scarf to update a basic look.
If you're bored with all your necklaces, a handkerchief scarf or bandana is an easy way to take a simple outfit up a notch. There are so many ways you can wear it too.
Tie It
Just fold it in half and tie it behind your neck, leaving the pointed side in front.
Roll It
Tightly roll it and tie it around your neck for an Insta-ready look. Having a bad hair day? Use it in place of a headband to keep your hair out of your face.
Dress, pixiemarket.com; Shoes, forever21.com; Scarf, freepeople.com; Bracelets, rjgraziano.com; Earrings, noirnyc.com
8. Let your socks peek out of your boots.
Don't hide your socks! Scrunched socks make a dressy skirt and/or shoes look more casual and like you just walked out of the house looking that flawless. Fashion bloggers are all about this trend, and it's actually super easy to pull off.
How much of your socks to let peek out of your boots depends on how long your legs are. A good rule of thumb is to let them cover about 1/4 of your lower leg. Pull them up, then scrunch them down to the right length. Stick to thin socks that aren't too sporty, but don't be afraid to play with color. So cute!
Shirt, belladahl.com; Sweatshirt, wildfox.com; Skirt and Hat, americanapparel.net; Boots, aldoshoes.com; Socks, hue.com; Bracelets, rjgraziano.com
Stylist: Erin McSherry, Assistant Stylist: Elizabeth Fonseca, Makeup: Joseph Carrillo, Hair: Brittan White
