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How do stylish women always manage to look so chic?

We all have that one friend, or know that one person (who we secretly want to be) who’s never late to brunch, or seen with a chipped manicure or unruly eyebrows.  Yep, while we're beetling about in the back of our wardrobes for the right shoes to go with our new trousers, she's already at the party, looking as stylish and nonchalant as always. Seriously, do they have a secret live-in stylist? Contrary to popular belief, really chic women aren't superhuman - they're just well prepared.  While there's no universal code or to-do list, that stylish women adhere to, there are a few attainable things that fashionable women do, to look painlessly put-together. The good news? It is achievable - and here's how they do it.

1         Stylish women always, ALWAYS plan their outfit the night before: The pulled-together women you see out and about really did try to look that way.  Just like you’d plan a week’s worth of meals on a Sunday, plan your outfits in advance for stress-free mornings & outfit-regret-free days.

2          They give themselves enough time to get ready: Not all of us are gifted in that we can pull ourselves together in 10 minutes and still have that effortless, Inès de la Fressange look. This goes hand in hand with readying your outfit the night before. Instead of waking up three snooze alarms later, take the morning to prep your outfit and sort out your hair. Getting dressed in the morning should be fun and energizing. You are, after all, setting the tone for the rest of the day. Don’t you want it to be a good one?

3          Only Wear Clothes that Fit and Flatter: Squeezing into a pair of too-tight jeans is not a good look, on anybody. Buy the right size for your body, or have them tailored and tweaked for the perfect fit. Even the most fashionable women among us, probably have a pair of "thin" jeans they're waiting to fit back into. Despite how much you love something in your wardrobe, if it doesn't fit, it's just time to let it go.

4          Stay True to Their Personal Style: Yes, they get excited about a new season, but they never bow to the trends. They keep an arsenal of classic pieces that always flatter and work, despite the season or latest craze — and it's why they always have something to wear. The truly chic know what suits them, and stick to it, tweaking the details rather than continually changing their look. What’s your signature look that you can always rely on? Whether it's jeans and a blazer or head-to-toe black, find a style and make it yours. As Coco Chanel so famously said: fashion fades - only style remains the same.

5          Invest in quality pieces: When you are buying trendy, one-season pieces, feel free to go the cheaper route. But for items like jeans, blazers, and bags, it is always worth dropping some extra cash, to ensure the material and construction is more luxe. These investment items will carry you through to the next decade, so you want them to be made well. 

6          Know what works for your body: Are your best features being accentuated? Do your clothes make your figure look good? Experiment with a few basic silhouettes, get a friend to take some pictures, so that the next time you’re deciding between a fit-and-flare dress or skinny pants, you know what will be most the flattering, without being swayed by current trends. Even the best outfit will look ridiculous if you’re cowering in the corner and tugging at your hemline. You can get away with anything, as long as you ‘own it' and hold your head high.

7          Accessorize thoughtfully: If you’re wearing a statement piece, like a studded belt or a bright, white purse, start with those items first, and then build the rest of your look around them. There is a point at which it becomes just too much, and the chicest women know exactly what that point is. Ask yourself if you really need the scarf and the statement necklace?

8          Select the Right Underwear: Stylish women know the foundation (literally… ha-ha!) of a great look is good underwear.  Yes, they will wear a lacy, racy black bra when the occasion demands, provided said occasion is cocktail or black tie; but nothing throws off a look like VPL. Plan for the fabric and silhouette of your look, with the right bra, knickers, and spanx to provide the support you need. Be strategic about what you slip on & why—then do a quick mirror scan, in natural light, before you leave the house.

9          Dress For the Weather: It sounds simple enough, but dressing sensibly goes a long way in the style department. Check the weather before you leave the house, to avoid being that girl trudging through the snow in her flats, or dodging puddles in your wide-leg flares.

10       Dress For the Occasion: The well-dressed women in the room are always the ones who got the dress code memo. They look polished and appropriate — never the ones tugging at their miniskirt in a room full of more conservative looks. If you're ever on the fence about an out-there top or flashy skirt, remember to consider where you're going and who you'll see. When in doubt, always err on the side of being too dressy—it’s a big no-no to be the only person in jeans.

First impressions are everything, and it only takes an instant before one is formed. Give the impression you want. Whether you like it or not, people are going to judge you, so you might as well make it the judgment you want!  What do you want your clothes to say about you?

Love these style secrets? Share your own in the comments!

 

 

 

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