How to Make a Plain Outfit Look Awesome

Co-authored by Kathi Burns, CPO®

Last Updated: January 18, 2024 References

Plain clothes can feel a little dull. They're dependable, easy to choose from and always simple but they're hardly eye-attracting. When you're keen on turning plain into awesome, find ways to spruce up the existing clothes and introduce more exciting pieces to your wardrobe.

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:

Finding what's fashionable

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Do some research. Buy, borrow or check out some fashion magazines and websites. Most celebrities have stylists who are always current with the latest styles, so make use of their efforts to direct your attention to what is current.^{[1]
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- Which items do you like? Which don't you like? It's important to work out what you do and don't like from fashion trends, so that you can focus solely on what you like.
Which of your items could be combined with other things to mimic current trends? Some items are timeless and can be slipped in with other more trendy clothes, while other items are staples that will always be suitable, whatever the fashion. These can form great base items for building on.

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While fashionable trends are fun to check out, they're not something to be enslaved to. If you don't like the trends, that's fine. Do not copy them. Wear what makes you happy and represents who you really are. Above all, that is about good style that will take you beyond plain.^{[2]
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Part 2

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Coordinating

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Coordinate outfits. Make a list of your favorite outfits and accessories.^{[3]
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- Vertical stripes make you look slim.
- Two shades of the same color (darks like black or navy) are slimming, but only if they match exactly!
- Choose colors that match but vary in shades. This can create a very interesting effect.
- Belts, purses, unusual shoes or accessories can spice up a monotonous outfit.
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Choose appropriate colors.^{[4]
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- Blondes are stunning in black or navy.
- Brunettes are stunning in purple and red.
- Redheads are beaming in dark green shades.
- Light complexions are accentuated with green or blue.
- Dark complexions are accentuated with pastels.
- Black looks good on everyone.

Part 3

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Layering

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Try layering.^{[5]
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Kathi Burns, CPO®
Board Certified Professional Organizer

Expert Interview. 31 December 2019.}^{[6]
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- Wear two tops with different necklines.
- Wear a cute vest, shrug or bolero with a top or dress.
- Wear a camisole or tank top beneath an open blouse.
- Wear a sweater or cute leather jacket.
- Wear a shawl in the evening.

Part 4

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Changing a look

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Add fabrics.
- Add a bright scarf to your hair or neckline.
- Add a contrasting pocket.
- Add a fabric belt with dangling beads.
- Add a lace ruffle to the hemline of a top or skirt.

Part 5

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Making use of accessories

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Accessorize with jewelry. Accessories can change the whole appearance of an outfit. Just be sure to not overdo the accessories; typically, it is most effective to wear one item at a time.
- Try dangling earrings to accentuate your face.
- Try necklaces of different lengths. Chokers add sophistication.
- Try colorful costume jewelry. Contrasting colors are chic.
- Try elegant vintage jewelry from a thrift shop.
- Make jewelry. You'll get just what you need to compliment an outfit.
- Try a splash of color in a wrist bracelet. Try an ankle bracelet.
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Be creative with your hair. You can make a ponytail, pigtails, braids,and a bun. There is so much more!
- You want to make sure your hair matches your outfit.
- For sports, a ponytail, for an outing, a bun or add cute flowers or ribbons to lazy hair, and just to look cute, pigtails and braids will do fine.

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Kathi Burns, CPO®
Image Consultant
Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University.

Kathi Burns, CPO®

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Try adding accent colors to your outfit with some accessories, like necklaces, bracelets, or colorful shoes.

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Tips

Be confident. Have a good attitude. Wear a smile.

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Mix and match to see what goes with what.

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Find the correct size. Clothes should glide over your body whether sitting or standing.

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