When I started this blog back in 2006 as a way to keep in touch with friends and family, I never imagined I would end making a full-time job out of it… much less, writing about fashion!
I’ve always enjoyed clothes and shopping, but putting it all together didn’t necessarily come easily to me. I still don’t consider myself a fashion expert, but I’ve finally learned how to feel polished and confident in my outfits, and today I’m sharing some of those tips.
Rails crop jacket (S) // AllSaints tee (M) // KUT From The Kloth jeans (6) (option) // Blondo booties (8.5) // JW PEI shoulder bag // AllSaints belt (old)
13 Easy Ways to Elevate Your Style
Some of these are easy to implement, and some require a bit more work, but they’re all doable for the everyday woman if you’re willing to put in the time.
#1. Wear the right bra
sleeveless sweater (S) // Pistola jeans (29)// Veronica Beard slingback pumps (8) // JW Pei shoulder bag
Let’s start with an easy one. The right bra can easily take off 10 pounds of visual weight, without even skipping dessert!
A properly fitting bra that works for your unique body (and the outfit you’re wearing) is the first step to achieving flattering outfits, and this simple task will instantly elevate your style. It’s also important to replace your bras regularly because they stretch out, and when that happens, they no longer provide optimal shape and support.
If you haven’t had a bra fitting lately, or replaced your bras in a few years, that’s your homework this weekend.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THIS POST: Favorite Foundations
My personal favorite everyday bra is this Wacoal Embrace Lace T-Shirt Bra, but that may not be the best one for you. It’s well worth a trip to Nordstrom or a store with trained bra-fitters to figure out the right bra (and the right size) for you.
#2. Practice proper posture
Gap Factory linen tee (S) // Kut Jane shorts (8) // Birks (39) // Capital Z Shoreline Sling Bag c/o // Raffia hoops // Jenny Bird bangle
Good posture is another way to lose 5-10 pounds of visual weight without having to change your diet, plus your clothes fit better and look better when you stand up straight. Proper posture also makes you look poised and confident.
I’ve been trying to improve my slouchy posture my entire life, and it feels like a losing battle, but I’m still trying. The situation has only worsened with age and sitting at the computer for hours and hours every week.
Anyone have any tips? (My chiropractor does not recommend those posture correctors, he says they actually make you weaker and more reliant upon them.)
#3. Whiten your teeth
Gap Factory tiered dress // Birkenstock Madrid
I like my coffee as much as the next girl, so every few years, I order a box of the Crest Whitestrips. There are plenty of other options available as well (Luminex is a non-peroxide option that I plan to try next time), but this is definitely a situation that is easier to remedy before it gets too bad. And then, don’t forget to smile! To quote the incomparable Dolly Parton, “SMILE! It improves your face value!”
#4. Dress for your body type
black ribbed tank (S) // FRAME Le Easy Flare (29) (option) // Birks (39) // Capital Z Soul Sister Sling Bag c/o // YSL sunnies // silver hoops // station necklace // Yurman bracelet
Learning to dress my body type was life-changing for my personal style journey. I credit Kelly Snyder’s Adore Your Wardrobe course and Jennifer Mackey-Mary’s Everyday Style School for helping me put it all together, and I highly recommend looking into them if you struggle with this.
Understanding what styles and combinations work for you (and which ones don’t) cuts way down on the frustration of shopping, to say nothing of the amount of returns you have to make, and you look far more polished when you wear clothes that work together to flatter your individual body.
To go along with this, I would add, dress for the body you have right now. Wearing clothes that are too big or too small because you hope to lose another few pounds will only make you look bigger and frumpier.
#5. Embrace your personal style
KUT From The Kloth linen pants (6) (also at Zappos) // rib tank (S) // Evereve Camp Jacket (S) // similar belt // leather flip flops (38) // raffia hoops // raffia bag // gold bangle // necklace set
This is a newer lesson to me, but being able to put three words on your personal style allows you to assess each outfit you put together and tweak it until you look and feel like the best version of yourself.
By staying true to yourself and being consistent with your style preferences despite what is trending (or what your favorite fashion blogger might be wearing, haha!) will give you confidence in your outfits and automatically elevate your style.
My words are modern, polished, and understated. What are yours?
#6. Mix high and low
Treasure & Bond sweater (S) // MOTHER denim (29) // Blondo boots (8.5) // JW PEI shoulder bag // gold drop earrings // necklace set // AllSaints belt (old)
When putting an outfit together, try to incorporate a variety of brands and price points. This elevates the whole look, and keeps your audience guessing… If you choose wisely, no one will know which pieces are high end and which are less expensive.
I wear jeans almost every day, so I invest in premium denim, such as the MOTHER jeans I’m wearing above. But then I often pair my pricey designer jeans with less expensive tops, such as the Treasure & Bond sweater.
I wear a mix of quality in my shoes, usually mid-range brands like Dolce Vita and Sam Edelman; but I occasionally invest in designer brands like Vince or Stuart Weitzman. I also like to vary the quality of my accessories. I wear a mix of fashion jewelry, designer brands, and fine jewelry; and I also have a wide range of price points in my handbag collection.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THIS POST: Everyday Jewelry Worth Investing In
#7. Wear neutrals
bobi Utility Tee (M) // PAIGE Anessa Utility (29) (option for less) // raffia slides (8) // similar Dragon Diffusion bag // Tom Ford sunnies (option) // Jenny Bird necklace // gold hoops // AllSaints belt (old)
If it aligns with your personal style, wearing all neutrals is a great way to look elevated and polished, but if that doesn’t feel like you, feel free to ignore this point. Staying true to your personal style is the most important thing, but if you like a neutral look, the key is to mix textures and patterns to keep it interesting.
#8. Show some skin… but not too much
Vince Smocked Tank Dress (S) // Vince sandals (8) // JW PEI shoulder bag // gold drop earrings // necklace set
As we age, our tendency is to cover up more, but allowing some skin to show — specifically at the neck and/or ankle — is generally more flattering than covering up and looks more fresh and youthful.
Of course, this is one we don’t want to take too far. Exposing too much skin isn’t going to convey a polished, sophisticated appearance either; but women of a certain age tend err on the side of covering up too much rather than not enough.
#9. Be sure to accessorize, but beware of over-accessorizing
Evereve Jane Pullover (S) // Kut from the Kloth Bristol Utility Skirt (8) // raffia slides (8) // straw clutch // love knot earrings // gold bangle
Wearing a simple accessory or two conveys that you care and makes even the most casual outfit look more intentional. Even when I’m wearing joggers and a sweatshirt, I almost always put on a pair of earrings. On the flip side, over-doing it with your accessories can look cheap and try-hard.
Coco Chanel is said to have offered the following sage advice: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.”
I suppose you have to know yourself and your natural tendencies before heeding this advice. I’m definitely of the “less is more” mentality when it comes to accessorizing, and sometimes I have to force myself to add one thing before leaving the house. But the idea here is, don’t over-do it.
#10. Have fun with eyewear
AG Chiro jacket // Frame tee // Paige Leenah // similar Dragon Diffusion bag // similar belt // YSL sunnies // AllSaints belt (old)
Sunglasses aren’t just useful for eye protection; they’re also an easy way to elevate your look. I love how a stylish pair of sunglasses adds polish and sophistication to an outfit. They don’t have to be super expensive, but they should be on trend and flattering.
This goes for your prescription eyeglasses, as well. If you wear eyeglasses daily, be sure to keep them up to date, and if it fits your budget, it can be fun to have several different styles to rotate.
11. Incorporate trends sparingly
Frank & Eileen linen button-up (M) c/o // Frank & Eileen gaucho jeans (29) c/o // raffia slides (8) // similar Dragon Diffusion bag // teardrop earrings // similar pendant // Lagos bracelets one & two
Trends are fun and a great way to keep your look current, but as with accessories, beware of overdoing it. When we’re younger, we can get away with wearing all the trends, but as we get older, we should incorporate them into our wardrobe a little more thoughtfully.
Decide which trends make sense for your lifestyle and personal style preferences, and combine them with quality classic pieces to keep your look modern yet polished.
In the outfit above, I feel like the jeans are more trendy; and the white linen button-up is a classic, but the oversized fit gives it a modern update. The raffia slides are what I would consider current but not trendy, and the woven tote looks pretty timeless. The drop earrings add a modern touch, the Lagos bracelets are elegant and understated, and the diamond pendant is a classic.
12. Carry a quality handbag, and make sure it’s in good condition
Naghedi Nomad Hobo // YSL sunglasses // white vest // ecru jeans // puffy slides
I’m a firm believer that a quality bag instantly makes an outfit look more polished and classy. Your handbag is something you carry with you every day, and it’s always visible, so this is an area where I recommend buying the highest quality piece you can reasonably afford, but that doesn’t mean you have to carry a designer label. There are lots of good choices at a variety of price points.
Also, pay attention to wear and tear. When your bag starts to look worn, faded, and beat up, or if the threads are coming loose, etc., it’s time for a replacement. And the same goes for your shoes.
13. Wear a coat to fit the occasion
J. Crew coat (similar option) // Vince sweater (S) // Paige jeans (29) // Sam Edelman boots (8)
This is an area that’s easy to overlook, but I’ve been caught on several occasions without an appropriate coat for a dressy occasion, and I vowed never to let that happen again. I mean, nothing ruins a dressy look faster than throwing your old parka on top of it, am I right? Now I make sure to keep an appropriate coat handy for dressy events, even if they are rare.
Another style tip related to coats is to add a dressier coat to a more casual outfit, as I did above. This instantly makes you look more polished and elegant.
What would you add to this list?
Stay In Touch
If you liked this post, be sure you’re signed up for my email newsletter. In addition to my most recent blog posts, you’ll receive exclusive newsletter content like special sales, my newest favorite finds, and an occasional peek behind the scenes — all delivered right to your inbox.
I would also love for you to join my JLS Fashion Insiders Facebook Group! This is a friendly place to discuss all matters of fashion and style with other women, share your outfits, get advice, and stay up to date on all the happenings in our community.
This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!
photos: Alison Cornell
39 Responses
I have some Baretraps posture plus boots that I love that helps with posture and I think all of the arch support type shoes probably do that do to some degree. In our Pure Strength Class at the Healthplex here we do alot of core strengthening exercises to help with that. If your core is strong you will stand tall and straight. Good luck!
Good point!
Great tips!
Great post! (As always!)😘I’ve been pondering my three style words this year, and finally settled on: polished, modern, and simple (as in not busy/ruffly). I agree about the high value of Adore Your Wardrobe. In fact, I recently joined her monthly Insiders group. Love it! Began listening to Everyday Style School podcasts this year and love her shows. I would add one item: consistent care for your hands and feet with mani/pedi’s, even if you don’t wear polish.
Agree with regular mani/pedi’s – this is a must for me!
Definitely. Maybe I should add that and the belts, and make this a list of 15 tips.
One of the nicest compliments I got lately was when my chiropractor told me I always look so put together even wearing athletic wear which is all I usually wear to my appointments! She told me I should post my outfits on instagram lol’ at 56 that made my day!
Also staying on top of our hands and feet for polish! Not chipped or worn off helps!
Yes, to both of those! Love that your chiro mentioned that.
Good fashion advice. I think loud prints are aging too. I can read today’s comments but I cannot read yesterday’s comments on both Chrome and DuckDuckgo. Strange.
I have the same issue. Can’t read yesterday’s comments.
I have no idea why. I can see them, even when I’m not logged in.
They certainly can be. Not sure what is up with the comments, though.
Great post and advice! As for posture, my pet peeve when I look at people – my suggestion Barre workouts (Pilates and Yoga are good also – I teach all of them) but have you ever seen a ballerina with poor posture? Barre will lengthen & strengthen your muscles head to toe, works to increase flexibility and build core stability, we also incorporate a lot of foot work again for total strength and balance, your feet are your body’s foundation. Just make sure your instructor is telling you when to tuck, imprint, lift your chin, soften your knees, grip your glutes, you get the idea – if she is not barking ques and walking around and doing corrections, run from that class.
Good to know! I’ve never tried barre.
I know some people feel it’s “controversial” to have the habit of wearing athleisure clothing (mainly, well, ofc: leggings/yoga stretch pants) on a daily basis…*but*, as much as I really do love all the flare leg jeans from MOTHER I thank your blog for telling me about(!): being a 12/14 and with a pear figure (believe me: I’m TRYYYING sooo much to work on losing that as I age), the thought of wearing denim all day long (to me) is not comforting, lol!
I never got past the routine I fell into (sorry, to use this as an excuse…again!) because of the C19 lockdown. Everything just became oversized tees/peasant tops/Cuddl Duds mock turtlenecks/etc. with stretch pants for me. Then, realizing it in context vs. everything else in the World happening: I thought “no big deal”.
Do I think I look like I just rolled-out of sleep dressing like that(?).
No(!). Also, ofc, I realize Summer makes one’s options to try elevating athleisure outfits very limited (because you can’t wear a cableknit sweater or blazer with leggings in 90-degree heat, lol!)…but: I love pairing a mint green moto jacket over a black tank, for example, with solid color leggings and white fashion sneakers. I’m two-years’ away from 40 (yikes!) and, (I think) my style reflects my attitude toward life without it looking like pretending that I’m still 25.
I would posit that it is possible to look polished in athleisure. 🙂 I happen to be comfortable in jeans, but that’s not the only way to look put together.
I love the idea of having three words that fit your personal style. Sort of like a mission statement for your closet. 🙂 I don’t think I would choose all three of your words for myself. Can you give some examples of other words that we can use?
Take a listen to this podcast. Jen is way better at explaining the concept than I am. 🙂
My three words are simple, (quietly) refined, and soft.
Ooh, Jen, soft!! I like that & I haven’t thought of that but what a great word! Thanks for sharing. I’m working on my 3 words now too. 😊
I like that! I’d love to explore more about those words and what they mean to you. That could make an interesting post topic.
Thank you for these great tips! Pilates has done wonders for my posture. Highly recommend some sort of daily workout as it has helped me feel great in whatever clothes I choose.
I love Pilates, I need to get back to it. I’ve slacked off since my ankle injury.
Excellent post!
You are dressing so much better than you did years ago!! You have made your site much more interesting!! Thank you!!
Well that’s a back-handed compliment, if I ever heard one. 😬
I bought the Rails jacket in your first picture and unfortunately I love it, lol. Which means I have to keep it and it’s a little more money than I wanted to spend but I can tell it’s good quality and I’ll hopefully get a lot of wear out of it. I also got the Bernardo coat and love that too. Is the Caslon jacket supposed to be so roomy? I bought an XS and wondering if it’s too large or just fashionably oversized. I’ll have to see if it looks cute when I try on with fall clothes. I also got the Alexandria boot in my usual size 8.5 and it’s so wide around the ankle that I can pull it off and on without unzipping the shaft. Did you notice that and it does it bother you?
I’m so glad you like the Rails jacket! The Caslon jacket is roomy. I don’t mind it in the size small, but I probably could size down. As for the boots, yes but that doesn’t bother me. I hate futzing with zippers and laces, lol!
I usually enjoy your blog, read it faithfully and appreciate all your hard work. But, today you’ve lost me. I’m so tired of hearing how we all have to whiten our teeth, as if those of us with teeth that aren’t sparkly white are somehow lazy or sloppy in our hygiene. It’s not always possible to change the colour of our teeth (anymore than we can change our skin colour). Some of us naturally have teeth that aren’t bright white and no amount of effort will change that. I’m self conscious about my teeth and often won’t smile because of it, which then could be interpreted as a lack of warmth or friendliness. 😢 I have tried having them professionally whitened and was told they are a certain shade naturally and this can’t be altered. Not all of us have the money to spend countless dollars on our appearance, or even if we do, there are other more important things to spend it on. Also, some of us may not want to put bleaching agents in our mouths, as this hardly seems like a healthy choice for those of us with health issues.
This is simply a list of suggestions, feel free to take what works for you and leave the rest. It is never my intent to make anyone feel self conscious.
Hi Jo-Lynne, I’ve been reflecting on Carolynn’s comment and another comment (to a different post) by a woman who didn’t feel comfortable wearing sandals anymore because of nail fungus. In my daily interactions with others I don’t notice these things, and if I do, it’s fleeting and I’m surely not making a judgement on the person. I’m making eye contact with people and interacting with them-not scrutinizing their appearance. I bet this is true of most people.
On another note, I appreciate everything you do. Your insights and the information you provide has been very helpful to me. I take more time now when I’m shopping and getting dressed in the morning to be more intentional in what I wear and how to accessorize. I have always hated shopping, but because of you, I am starting to understand more about how clothes should fit and what is most flattering for me and what my personal style goals are and I’m starting to have fun with it! Thank you!
I appreciate your insights, and your kind words. When writing posts like this, or any topic that addresses what might look dated or frumpy, it’s always a sticky wicket b/c it can easily come off sounding judgmental. I think it goes without saying, but that is not ever my intent. In my daily interactions with people, I am not scrutinizing their appearances either. And that isn’t the point of this post.
These are things I do that make me feel more polished and elevated in my everyday looks, and I share them in case they are helpful. Not every point is going to apply to every person, just like not every outfit I share is going to appeal to every person.
I put out thousands of words every single day into the internet to be read by strangers, and I do my best to weigh them carefully, but it stands to reason that something I say is going to upset someone at some point. I’m sorry if my words hurt anyone’s feelings.
All of these tips and how you have put these outfits together are great. Thank you for this content.
I’d echo some others here and say a good mani/pedi (even without polish) makes a huge difference. Actually, just good overall self-care matters: a stylish haircut (highlights/color optional), good skincare (and flattering makeup, if desired), nicely shaped brows, etc. Also, wearing colors that harmonize with one’s complexion.
I wear a nice watch even in cut offs and flip flops. I feel like it says I have nice clothes at home
Haha, that sounds like a bumper sticker: “I have nice clothes at home.” 🤗
I’d add keeping clothes in good condition. Toss anything that’s faded or stretched out. Use a de-piller for sweaters, etc that have pilled. And don’t wear anything wrinkled.
Excellent post!
My three words are classic, edgy, and comfortable. I’m all over linen or cotton button downs mixed with joggers, or a band t-shirt with trousers and sneakers.
I’ve been able to curate my closet so much thanks to defining my style this way- and I’m pretty sure you taught me this!
What a fabulous post! I’m glad that I’ve finally had the time to read it. Thank you Jo-Lynne!