How To Look Polished Without Breaking The Bank
AS RACHEL ZOE DETAILS, “STYLE IS A WAY TO SAY WHO YOU ARE, WITHOUT HAVING TO SPEAK.”
But what if wanting to look polished and elevated, didn’t have to cost you a fortune? In fact, this common belief is something I entail in most of the initial conversations I have with clients. A misconception that designer pieces and an exuberant budget provide the only option when they are shopping for an elevated look. Are you looking to obtain a polished and elevated sense of style, without the price-tag?
Here are my 7 top stylist tips that I use with each of my personal styling clients, to bring clarity and guide intentional shopping experiences without the overwhelm.
01. LOOK AT WHERE YOUR LIFE IS AT RIGHT NOW
Does your current wardrobe speak to where you are heading in your career? Are you transitioning into a corporate role? Or perhaps you are needing to look the part on the quest for a new position?
We’ve all been stuck in that feeling of comparisonitis as we scroll through Instagram, flick through magazines and look to celebrities for inspiration in awe of their style. We ponder over how good we would feel to dress in the same manner; polished and well put together. However, to be perfectly honest, purchasing an iconic Balmain Blazer, accessorising with a Louis Vuitton Bag or wearing a Hugo Boss suit, isn’t enough to instantly elevate your style.
Two of the most important questions you have to consider first are:
1. How do you want to be perceived in the area in your lifestyle you are feeling is lacking?
2. Is it your eventware, your work wardrobe, your weekend wear or reflectively; a mixture of them all.
Trends for example should not act as a stand alone manual to be constantly cross checked against. They are forever changing and the rules are there to be broken and injected with your personal style. However, first things first. We need to set out and create some solid guidelines.
02. KNOW HOW TO INTERPRET THE TRENDS
Okay, so let’s start with bold and bright colours. This summer season there has been a serious trend injection towards vibrant palettes and dopamine dressing. But maybe, dressing head-to-toe in cobalt blue isn’t really your thing?
The answer: It’s about peeling back the trend and allowing it to influence your personal style; whereby instead of feeling cornered into wearing a brightly coloured suit, you may opt to add subtle pops of colour into your look.
Alternatively, let’s lean into a grey large-check suit. Perhaps, its mere sight instantly sparks gingham tablecloth vibes or reminds you of your grandfather? But maybe, bringing a casual flair to this look with a white open collar shirt and a classic sneaker will ease you into adopting this trend for your lifestyle, without the nostalgia.
However, it’s important to remember; whilst pulling out your classic white shirt and jean combo may be suitable for some occasions - it wouldn’t be considered polished to lean on this look for all life moments. If you’re still feeling stuck in how to tailor your wardrobe to your body shape, personality and lifestyle needs - seeking expert advice from a Personal Stylist through a style consultation could be the missing piece to the puzzle in achieving constant confidence and clarity in your personal brand.
03. ALL ABOUT THE FABRIC
Purchasing quality fabrics plays a huge role in achieving a polished look that lasts the test of time. There’s a way to skip past the disappointment of purchasing an item that looks amazing at first, but after the second or third time reaching for it in your wardrobe, appears worse for wear. It all starts with understanding fabric compositions, as this sheds light on how the garment will sit after an hour of wear, or once the starch has washed out. By taking the time to understand fabric, you can make intentional and effective shopping choices that will save you money in the long run.
Let me explain.
I’m sure you’ll agree that if you don’t have the time for laundry or simply find little joy from tailoring to it, there is no point owning garments that you wear frequently and have a care label declaring them ‘dry clean only’. One thing is for sure: you’ll either stop wearing it all together, or find the dry cleaning costs per wear an expensive overhead to maintain. As you might imagine, low thread count or poor quality fabrics can also play a defining role in making your look feel and appear unpolished.
For example, don’t overlook items that are stretch based or contain a percentage of elastane. When shopping for garments such as jeans it’s important to consider that the less stretch or elastane, the greater its longevity. The result: a core piece that will hold its shape and quality for years to come.
04. KNOW WHERE TO SKIMP AND WHERE TO SPLURGE
Why opt for designer, when most high street stores offer 100% cotton white shirting? It’s about the fabric advantage; and if you’re still feeling unsure of how to identify quality fabric compositions - read above.
Purchase with intention and you’ll most likely find yourself selecting amazing quality garments that are most often manufactured within the same warehouse as designer labels. That said, handbags, shoes, coats and jackets are worth investing in due to their higher wear and use, or, being items that are seasonal and a staple for your wardrobe.
Reflectively, a universal colour coat that has a timeless cut, enough fabric and comfort for layering and is high quality can be worn transeasonally for years to come. So if you want to enjoy these luxury pieces, my top tip as a stylist is to keep an eye out for sales namely: spend and save, mid season sales or end of season sales which will allow you to make smart purchases minus the impulse.
05. FIND A GOOD TAILOR OR OPT FOR CUSTOM FITTED
As a stylist my honest belief is that: fit triumphs everything. Yes bold, but true. In short, you could have spent hundreds (or maybe thousands) on an outfit or suit, but if it doesn’t fit correctly - well it’s a harsh truth, but you might as well be wearing a bargain off the rack or a belted hessian sack as a suit jacket.
Understanding and dressing to your proportions is the key to looking polished, styled and having a balanced outfit. Behind every distinctly tailored garment, is a tailor or dressmaker with a careful eye for perfection.
Altering the chest of a jacket or minor tweaks to clothing (whether it be pants, skirts or dresses), can make a huge difference to overall fit, comfort and wearability. One thing is for sure: trusting in your tailor or stylist allows you to get the individual proportions right for you. Namely, bringing in the shoulders of a jacket or blouse, allows you to achieve clean lines and fit or the perfect length.
Put simply, there’s no point in owning an Italian suit if it doesn’t fit you correctly. Investing in the services of someone with expertise, can elevate your look from average to Harvey Specter.
06. TREAT YOUR GARMENTS WITH CARE
It’s true, making the time for that quick steam or iron before you head out can be the differentiating factor between neat and well-presented, or, for the better word… scruffy. This simple little task is sometimes all that’s needed to have you feeling instantly polished.
A secret tip: If you’re time poor, pull your clothes out of the washing machine the minute it clocks over and put them on a hanger to dry. Better yet, have your garment hanging in the bathroom while you have a hot shower - steam truly is a miracle worker for pesky creases. It’s also imperative to consider the storage of your clothes.
*Cough, Cough* a clothes pile or chair of unwashed clothes isn’t going to help with the longevity of the fabric fibres.
Gents, it’s important to note that if you are considering owning a suit jacket that is tailored in a merino-wool blend, avoid getting it dry cleaned as it will damage the natural fibres in the fabric. Rather: air them out after each wear; and if you spill something, simply use a damp cloth on the area as soon as possible.
07. CONSIDER YOUR GROOMING
Lastly, beauty transcends from the inside out. So, to really nail that polished look, having clear skin is a brilliant start. Yes, this applies to everyone, men included, and is supported by a healthy lifestyle, nourishing your body and breaking the sweat barrier.
Maintaining your appearance with a trusted team of professionals, whether it be a hairdresser, barber or beautician adds the finishing touch to your overall look. Plus, a little TLC will do wonders in not only achieving a polished look, but stepping out with the confidence that speaks to it.
And that sums it up, my 7 stylist tips on how to look polished! Remove the guesswork and step out in style, with confidence by booking a style consultation, and be prepared to meet the next best version of you.
Yours in style —
Kerrie