Being chic means being fashionable and creating new trends at the same time. Do you want to stand out in the crowd and get noticed by others? Do not worry! You don't have to spend huge amounts of money to look chic!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Finding the Right Clothes
Step 1. Go to the high fashion department of the second hand shops
Being chic and trendy doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money. There are ways to be chic on a shoestring budget, and finding second-hand shops with high-fashion departments is one of the most common.
- You will find designer brands and elegant dresses for a much lower price. Wealthy people often change their wardrobes and sometimes send clothes to second-hand shops without even wearing them or after carrying them a few times.
- The prices are good, because this kind of shop is aimed at people who do not have large financial resources, but who love quality and classy clothes. Prices will be much more affordable than buying the same items first-hand.
Step 2. Find unique pieces
The people who set the trends, who are chic and trendy, are the ones who find clothes that others don't have. This means avoiding department stores and hunting for special clothes. It will take you longer than at Oviesse, but they will last longer and will be unique.
- Artist ateliers are great for finding unique and trendy clothes. You can find printed T-shirts, skirts and dresses, tailoring dresses and also different accessories: jewelry, bags, belts, scarves, etc.
- Vintage shops are a goldmine of elegant and chic clothes. Many of the older dresses are also firmer and tend to last longer (which is why they are still found in these stores).
Step 3. Find inspiration in unusual places
You want to stand out. Being chic means being trendy, so you can't follow every single trend. You create your own way, indeed you are the one to launch the trends.
- Turn to the past for inspiration. Sure, there are clothes inspired by the 40s and 50s, but think for example of the Victorian period (there are great jackets) or wear 1920s-inspired jewelry and hair accessories.
- You can also dig into the past of the area you live in. Avoid appropriating styles from cultures other than your own (if you are not a Hindu, do not wear a bindi; if you are not an Indian chief, do not wear a headdress with feathers), but search your region's past to find out what it has to do with. offer as inspiration in clothing.
- Observe those around you. You can add outfits or ideas that impressed you to your style. This doesn't mean copying someone else's style, but seeing an element you like and trying it out too. For example: if you see a woman wearing a turquoise maxi-dress with pearls, maybe you want to try a maxi-dress too, adapting it to your ideas.
Step 4. Make your own clothes
Making your own clothes is a great way to have a unique look, even if it takes time. You can also use old models to incorporate them into your look.
- Remember that making clothes, especially sewing them yourself, takes time. You will need to practice and start simple before moving on to more complex clothes.
- If you decide to create your own templates, you can include all kinds of ideas, taking inspiration from various periods and styles that you see in magazines or on the internet.
Step 5. Choose the clothes you like
Part of being chic is being sure of your style and what you're wearing. This means choosing clothes that make you feel comfortable. If what you wear does not make you feel comfortable, others will perceive it and will not see you as a chic and trendy person.
- Wear clothes that fit you well. Determine your exact size, so you know which clothes will fit you best. When the clothes do not fit well, if they are too tight or too loose, the effect is ruined; you will no longer look trendy, but uncomfortable.
- Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in. If you don't feel confident in heels, don't wear them. Instead, try ballet flats or sneakers that you like and go well with your outfit.
Step 6. Stay up to date on current trends
If part of being chic means setting new trends, it's good to know what others are wearing too. Sometimes you can incorporate these styles into your own.
- The internet is a great resource for staying up to date on the world of fashion. There are tons of fashion blogs, especially those that show trends around the world. You can also find photo shoots on fashion shows.
- Look at what they sell in the magazines. You won't always agree on style, but it can give you an interesting perspective on what is deemed fashionable.
Part 2 of 3: Creating Outfits
Step 1. Find yourself a “uniform”
Choose two or three suits that you like to wear. These will be the basis of your look. You can use them in rotation and build the rest on top of them, but they will be the ones you will always use.
- Find two alternative outfits based on your "uniform". For example: you can build your look starting from the clothes; then, alternate the floral ones (wearing heels or flat shoes to change), adding a long dress or a little black dress every now and then.
- Another example: if your basic outfit consists of jeans and a shirt, you can alternate between jeans and a blouse, jeans and a sweater, jeans and a shirt. You can keep the edges rolled up, wear flat shoes or heels, but the outfit remains more or less the same.
- This doesn't mean you can't change every now and then. It just means that you know what looks good on you and what you like, so focus on that.
Step 2. Choose a body part to enhance
Emphasizing a part of the body serves not to overdo it in an attempt to show off all one's arsenal. Choose the part you would like to point out and structure your outfit based on this idea.
For example: if you show a generous neckline, don't bare your legs too. Wear a fitted top with a wide neckline and combine it with a long skirt
Step 3. Enhance the shape of your body
Each look has a body type on which it stands out best. While these are just guidelines on how much you can wear depending on your physique, they can give you an idea for choosing your outfit.
- Pear-shaped body, i.e. the lower part of the body is wider than the high one (hips wider than the shoulders). The lower part is rounded, the waist is well defined. Use bell skirts, plus loose-fitting skirts and pants to balance your delightful proportions. The bateau neck and boxy necklines are great for making your upper body stand out.
- Inverted triangle physique, meaning chest and shoulders are broader than waist and narrower hips. The look must highlight the legs. Long, high-waisted skirts with wide belts are fine.
- Rectangle or breadstick physique, or a generally athletic physique. Hips, waist and shoulders tend to be the same width, usually thin. Round and sweetheart necklines are useful for highlighting the chest, while long jackets emphasize the lean physique. Use clothes that show your arms and legs.
- Apple-shaped body, i.e. weight tends to accumulate on the hips. You may feel like you are wider than other types as your back, shoulders and chest tend to be broad. Try V-necklines. The empire cut, in tops and dresses, looks great on you and you'll want to make sure you show off your gorgeous legs!
- Hourglass physique, i.e. shoulders and hips with similar proportions while the waist is narrower. Body-hugging dresses, as well as belts, are good for highlighting the waistline.
Step 4. Play with contrasts
That way you won't overdo anything. A tight fitting shirt with a tight bottom is likely to be excessive. Leave something to the imagination. On the other hand, too loose clothing will not give you a nice shape. You can also wear similar things if you want, but they probably won't be very chic.
- Small tops with wide skirts or pants are a good look. They emphasize the upper part of the body by balancing the freer lower part.
- Play with contrasting colors. Without exaggerating, you can wear a blue top with orange earrings, for example.
- You can also mix elegant and casual elements. For example, you can wear a smart top with a pair of jeans and maybe some pearls.
Step 5. Give it a touch of glam
There are a couple of things that instantly add a bit of glam to clothing, giving you a look that takes you into the world of chic rather than boredom.
- Black leather or biker jackets go with pretty much everything. They can be worn on an elegant dress for an original cut or on jeans and a T-shirt (especially if you associate them with something very youthful, such as flat shoes with floral print).
- Add some element from the masculine cut: a men's blazer, Bermuda shorts, tie, men's hat. All these details can be fashionable additions for a girl. Think Janelle Monae, if you want an example.
- A white shirt is a great element for a trendy wardrobe. Give an elegant accent to jeans, and play down a balloon skirt.
Part 3 of 3: The Accessories for Your Look
Step 1. Choose the right accessories
They need to highlight your look, without exaggerating. For example, if you tend to wear neutral colors, choose brightly colored accessories.
- Jewels are great accessories! They brighten up less colorful clothing, or give the final touch to an elegant dress. For example: add a pair of chunky, geometric jewels to a brightly colored dress with geometric prints.
- The bags are decorative but also functional. Better to have a large bag, which goes well with almost everything (usually neutral in color), and then others that are brighter and more cheerful.
- Belts are great for bringing out the waist and adding some color. You can choose them in tone with the shoes, so that the colors blend. For example, if you are wearing a red dress, you can wear a black belt, black shoes, and gold and black jewelry.
- And add some scarves! Scarves, especially large chiffon ones, immediately add a touch of class to your outfit. Wear them with jeans and a T-shirt, or wrap them around your head like Audrey Hepburn.
Step 2. Wear the right shoes
Shoes give clothing an extra touch. They can make a more casual outfit elegant, or play down one you don't want to overdo. Make sure they are comfortable!
- Flat shoes go with almost anything and can be as elegant as a high-heeled pair (bonus: it's easier to walk on). Depending on the color scheme, and how bright they are, you can match them with jewelry to make your outfit stand out, or you can use them as a focal point.
- The boots are also very versatile. Depending on the colors you tend to use, get boots that are black, gray or brown. Keep at least one pair that won't distract from the rest of your clothing. You can also opt for more daring genres, such as midnight blue or bright purple boots.
- High heels are fabulous as long as you can walk comfortably in them. There is nothing worse than watching someone stagger down the street hoping they don't twist their ankle. You can put on a pair of jeans, or spice up a skirt with a fabulous pair of heels.
- Sandals are fine too, especially if you live in a warm climate. They look good with jeans, shorts, skirts and maxi dresses. The elegant ones are good for an evening dress, while the more casual ones are good during the day.
Step 3. Try the trick
Makeup is great for bringing out your natural charm. It can add an extra touch of style. As always, try different looks to see what suits you best and what you like best with your clothing style.
- Bring out your natural features by giving your eyes definition with eyeliner. You can do this by using a light shade (such as brown), and then draw a natural, pale line of eyeshadow. A little mascara opens up your lashes, making them appear longer. With earth you can contour the face to make the cheeks stand out. With the blush you can enlarge or lengthen your face depending on what you prefer (apply it following a horizontal line to widen or between temples and jaw to lengthen).
- Create the elegant "smokey-eye" look. Put some neutral eyeshadow on the eyelid, and add some shimmer eyeshadow from the lashes to the eyebrows, blending it well. Then, follow the top and bottom lash lines with dark (brown or black) eyeliner. Blend the eyeliner with a cotton swab. Swipe darker eyeshadow over your lids and eye creases. Mix the colors. Apply the eyeshadow under the eyebrows and at the corner of the eyes. Draw the inner part of the eye with eyeliner to enhance the effect. Give your lashes two strokes of mascara and curl them upwards.
- Find quirky makeup styles. Use bright colors that can bring out your eye color, or find a style that is distinctive.
Step 4. Choose the right hairstyle
You want to do something special and trendy with your hair so that people notice them and you. Hair is great for drawing attention to your look. They also help bring out your qualities.
- Find original inspirations. Again, look back to the past to get inspired by the hairstyles of yesteryear and add them to your look. Experiment with different styles to see what suits your hair and outfit best.
- Wavy hair is the one that binds best, for example messy hair with a light headband, or lift the side of the hair by tying it at the back and letting it fall back in curls.
- Straight hair looks great loose with side bangs, or try a ponytail that adds volume to the top of the head with a little hairspray, or a French braid.
- Curly hair is phenomenal for short cuts, or you could leave it loose using a product to avoid frizz. You can also take small strands of the hair from the back and pin them.
Advice
- Choose a few main bags, based on type, function and colors, because you can always reinforce an outfit with a bag.
- A black dress is very versatile, just change the color of the belt and the necklace to create different styles. Every woman should have a little black dress that fits her like a glove.
