How to Develop a Good Fashion Sense

Co-authored by Cassandra Sethi

Last Updated: December 9, 2024 References

Looking to develop your fashion sense and improve your personal style? Developing a good fashion sense is all about taking inspiration from others, finding what works for you, and expressing yourself. The great news is, you can start developing a keen fashion sense and discover your personal style with what you already have. We’ll walk you through how to improve your sense of style and dive into the world of fashion. Get ready to be the best-dressed person in the room.

1

Find out about what sort of fashions/styles you're interested in.

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The list goes on! You can also start to think about prints, patterns, pictures, and textures. Check out style influencer accounts, fashion blogs, or magazines for inspiration, and think about how you could put outfits together.^{[1]
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2

Sort through your drawers and wardrobe.

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Organizing your wardrobe will make looking through your clothes much easier. Take out everything and put it on your bed. If something no longer fits or you just don't like it anymore, then put it in a plastic bag ready to take to a charity shop. There's nothing wrong with getting rid of unwanted clothes.^{[2]
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- If you find clothes which are too badly ripped, damaged, stained or worn for someone to wear or ever look good again, use them as rags or put them in the bin.
- You could fold jeans, dresses or skirts in one area and hoodies, jumpers, t-shirts and vests in another.

3

Go clothes shopping.

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It's a perfect opportunity to seek out some bargains and find pieces you love. Don't feel that you have to go to really expensive stores- TXMAXX, Primark and New Look are all great as they have loads of clothes, shoes etc, as well as some great jewelry. Shop wherever you want, and you can buy anything. Some great things to own as essentials are below, as long as some others which are just for fun but will add a real interest and look to your wardrobe.^{[3]
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- Invest in nice materials, if you can, like cashmere and wool blends.^{[4]
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  Cassandra Sethi
  Personal Stylist & Image Consultant
  
  Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.}
- Jeans- boot cut, wide leg or skinny.^{[5]
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- Hoodies- like jumpers and cardigans, they come in bright colors and are casually cosy.
- Jumpers- forget heavy, itchy uncomfortable sweaters- a colorful, stretchy one in either V/round necked is much better.
- Cardigans- so cardigans may not be your idea of fashion, but have you considered long ones? They are simple but elegant.
- T-shirts/shirts- some basic, well-fitting ones in colors like navy, grey, white and black.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Cassandra Sethi
  Personal Stylist & Image Consultant
  
  Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.} You could get some with really cool pictures or patterns which look great on everyone.
- A pair of comfortable trousers- not jean and not sweatpants! Proper trousers are versatile and can be dressed up or down.^{[7]
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  Expert Source
  
  Cassandra Sethi
  Personal Stylist & Image Consultant
  
  Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.}
- Dresses/skirts- they don't have to be plain or boring! Dresses with a plain top but a ruffle/any other effect skirt look amazing, and you can choose from classic styles to more modern trends. Skirts don't come in just plain black or cotton- how about a colorful pattern? One big print? High or low waistband? They aren't essential but for a party or glamorous event, they are a good choice.
- Pyjamas- still look good at nighttime! A pair which are quite heavy should be worn in winter but for spring/summer when its getting a bit hotter, a lighter pair are good to have as spares. Find a pair with a really sweet design.
- Underwear- should fit perfectly, and not be boring! There are lots of of knicker and sock styles, and bras should be supportive and so you can't feel them very much, i.e. not too small or too big.
Angelina Jolie, Actress & Humanitarian

Having a compelling personal style is about being authentically yourself. "I think we all know boldness when we see it. Nothing makes me smile more than when I see someone being fully themselves, with their own individual style and character, whatever that is."

4

Have the right footwear.

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Sneakers, trainers, pumps, heels, sandals etc are all in the shops. For a rock and roll twist, biker/military lace up boots look good teamed with something simple and to wear with almost anything, a pair of awesome Converse All Star in your favorite color. Shoes make a real statement, so have fun finding some nice ones.^{[8]
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Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public

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5

Accessorize.

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Charms are cute. Long pendants or big chunky necklaces worn against a simple top make a maximum impact. Earrings and rings are pretty. Details like flowers, stars, flowers, prints and even your favorite things look amazing on jewelry too.^{[9]
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Nina Garcia, Fashion Journalist

Developing personal style is about expressing your individuality and embracing those things that make you unique. It's not about mimicking what the fashion magazines say is 'in'. Your own style arises from who you are as a person, not who you want to be.

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Is it okay to wear floral shoes with a navy lace dress to a wedding?

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Yes. Think about what you love and apply it. If it works for you, go with it.

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Will it look good if my top is printed and my jeans are as well?

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Typically, no. A printed top and solid color on your lower body or vice versa looks better.

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Is it necessary to look good?

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No, it's not necessary to look good. But most people feel better when they look good. And if you want to be attractive to others, looking good will help.

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Only wear stuff which is comfortable and you're happy wearing.

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Never shop somewhere just because everyone else is. Superdry and Hollister may be popular at the moment, but don't feel you have to splash out on them unless you really want to. If you're happy where you shop and find good stuff, than that's fine.

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Some colors that look good in the summer are blue, yellow, and pink. You could also try floral patterns. Dark colors like blue and black are good for winter, but make sure to add a little bit of brightness to every outfit.
I would suggest black or white. Either of these will go with literally anything. Wear white if you want to stand out a bit more.
A really cute look is patterned pants/leggings with a matching top (ex: purple shirt for black and purple floral pants).
A black jean and a black top with red sneakers is a hot combination.

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