As a personal stylist I spend many hours reviewing wardrobes. Given the fact that we only wear a shocking 20% of what we buy, frankly most of my clients waste money. The buzz of buying translates into the unworn, there is nothing remotely glamorous about this. I have improved since I learned the difference between “clothes” and “fashion” and now wear most of my wardrobe until it wears out.

“Fashion” is last season’s sleeveless jacket. Hugely expensive, but did you ever see anyone wearing this?? This is a non garment too cold to be a jacket, too edgy to be worn often by most in public. “Fashion” is also the here today, gone tomorrow looks that reinvigorate your wardrobe. Shoes are a fantastic “fashion” statement and so are bags. Fashion should be fun!

We all need regular “fashion” hits but we should not pay too much for them. Remember the 80:20 rule, and do not pay over the odds for something you will wear only for a season or not at all. Buy the diffusion ranges or the better high street brands and look to wear for 2 seasons only.

Sometimes we are all hit with a “I will die if I don’t have that” and these instincts should be followed for the sheer fun occasionally but if you let them dominate your wardrobe you will have nothing to wear.

“Clothes” are what you actually wear 90% of the time so spend money on them, buy the best you can afford and look to keep them. A great beautiful coat in your style and colours will last 10 years so buy a more expensive one. The “fashionable” coat will last 4 months so don’t pay too much have fun with it buy a great colour and look to replace it.

“Clothes” are your signature style. Last summer when smocks were in most of my clients bought them, these are now part of the vast unworn in your wardrobe, along with the sleeveless jacket etc. “Clothes” should be items that you love deeply that you will wear for ever. Jackets, jewellery, coats, cashmere should not be dull but beautiful in rich colours. Fit is everything, buy for how you are now, not I might lose some weight or I am fat so I will buy a bigger size this does not work. Buy beautifully cut garments that flatter whatever shape or size you are.

If grey is in and it does not suit you don’t buy it. In short, learn what suits your body, learn what style you are and buy clothes that fit you. Baggy clothes generally don’t flatter and make you look fatter than you are. Go spend your money on fantastic must-have shoes instead or a great piece of jewellery and when things are in the shops that you love, that make your heart sing, that really really suit you, buy them. These will form a great wardrobe for many seasons to come. Aim to be beautiful and fabulous and you will be!

I realized that a lot of people have trouble with dressing up. That is why I have decided to share some tips with you. I hope you will learn something useful in this article.

Don’t Be Cheap

This tip is for people who are not willing to spend more money on new clothes. Believe it or not, your appearance can make or break you. It can determine whether you will get the next promotion. It can determine whether you will be able to attract that dream girl or dream guy.

So don’t be too cheap when it comes to buying clothes. Nobody is asking you to spend like a millionaire. You can get good deals if you are willing to spend the time and effort to search for them.

Don’t Be Too Extravagant

Yes, you should not be cheap. But you don’t want to be too extravagant as well. Spend within your means. You don’t have to go broke by always following the latest fashion. More often than not, it is okay to be one or two steps behind the latest fashion because most people are not in the fashion industry anyway.

You Do Not Have To Know Everything – Just Ask For Help

No one is an expert in everything. It is alright to be ignorant about fashion or dressing up in general. Therefore the best way around this issue is to ask for help. I am sure you have friends who can help you out in this area.

You do not have to seek out the number one expert in the fashion industry. Just seek the advice of friends who know how to dress appropriately. They will be able to pick the best clothes for you and help you improve your overall appearance.

Be Confident and Learn How to Smile

Your appearance is not all about what you wear. An aura of confidence and a genuine smile can greatly enhance your outlook. Let us put it this way. You can dress a little bit shabbily but if you have an aura of confidence and a genuine smile, people will still forgive you for your dressing.

If In Doubt Choose Black

There are so many colors and this can cause a lot of confusion especially for those who are usually indecisive. Therefore, if you do not know what color to go for, black is probably the best option.

Don’t Wear Black All The Time

Although I have mentioned above that black is usually the best color, you should not be wearing black all the time. Why? Because black is considered an unfriendly color! Therefore, if you are meeting a client and you want to portray a friendly attitude, it is advisable to choose a brighter color. For example, grey is probably a better color than black in this type of situation.