Bank On Black
Black is everyone’s favorite for more reasons than we want to admit. All-black outfits or as-much-black-as-possible outfits are free passes to classy dressing. Play with layers, spruce up with exquisite jewelry or bold accessories, or amp up with shoes and a handbag. You can wear a simple black T-shirt and trousers, an LBD (we will keep coming back to this a lot), or a long gown and dress up or dress down to pull off the classy look.
Meaningful Monochromes
Monochrome is more than just its literal meaning, i.e., dressing up in one color from head to toe. The idea is to create a silhouette. You can combine shades of the same color – light with dark tints, different tones, and the ombre effect are a few ways to go about it. Gray, navy, black, pastels, and powdered colors make exciting choices for perfect monochrome outfits. It is a classy signature style.
Fit Says Forget Me Not
Your clothes need to fit you well. They cannot be too tight or too loose. Wearing oversized clothes is classy, but it’s not an invitation for looking sloppy. Figure-fitting clothes look great, but say no to revealing or choking body fits. There is nothing flattering about them. Stick to structures and play with patterns. Sway with silhouettes and flow with the flare. A great fit is the sum total of it all. A classy outfit is the result.
Clean Up, Be Brutal
Do not hold on to pieces that don’t see the light of the day or don’t match your personality or style, especially when you are moving towards a classy dressing style. Know your wardrobe, take a good look at it, and declutter anything you haven’t worn in the last three months. This way, you will steer away from impulsive purchases. A capsule wardrobe can be way more functional, classy, and chic than an unnecessarily overflowing closet.
Hair And Makeup Matter
A slick bun or a ponytail with a full suit. A messy bun with a gown. A chignon updo in summers. “No makeup” makeup look for work. Smokey eyes for special occasions. A dewy base for the minimalist in you. Red lipstick for everything else. However, just like everything else, there is a ‘but’ to this story.
Hair and makeup are a double-edged sword. They finish off classy dressing perfectly, but can also ruin it just as powerfully. Too much color, shine, or shimmer and no balance can derail it all. Watch out.
Ace The Accessories Game
Accessorizing is an art. Wearing the right things at the right time is not as simple as it looks. The knack for adding just enough to your outfit needs prowess. It needs to be neither too much nor too little. Classy dressing is a lot like minimalistic dressing, but without being too bland. When you deck up your ears, leave your neck bare, or the other way around. A statement finger ring with a classic tote is another great way to go. Sandals, boots, pumps, or Oxfords – wear whatever rocks your “classy” boat.
Amp Up The Good Parts
Choose one part of the outfit and let it shine. A checkered trouser with a muted top. A sequined top with a cute skirt. A silk blouse with a pencil skirt. Tapered jeans with a white shirt. An encompassing gown with pumps. The idea is to amp up one good part of the outfit.
Nails On Point
We are not telling you to spend hundreds of dollars every month to get a mani/pedi done, but clean nails make a world of difference. Keep your nails clean, cut, and preferably manicured. It is an investment we all need.
The Devil Is In The Details
Think through the details of your outfit ahead of time. Always. Every little detail matters because classy dressing is pretty minimalistic, and you can’t let any details slip up.
Nothing OTT, Please!
Wearing high-end brands is okay. Owning them is great. Wanting to buy more is fine too. But none of this truly defines classy dressing. Also, avoid over-the-top brand logos, in-your-face bling, and more than one loud print in the entire outfit. Instead, invest in signature or classy pieces from your favorite luxury brands. Underplaying is the way to go.
What is your personal style? Do you have a role model for classy dressing? Have any questions for us? Leave them in the comments section below, and we’ll get back to you.
